PhD in Anthropology in Columbia United States | University of Missouri

Welcome to the University of Missouri's Department of Anthropology. As the oldest public land-grant university west of the Mississippi and an AAU member, we maintain the highest research classification. Our compact department focuses on scientific exploration of human biology, behavior, culture, and evolution. Faculty research spans Amazonian indigenous communities, ancient Southwestern U.S. populations, disease transmission patterns, skeletal biology, cooperation evolution, primate genetics, and more. MU anthropology students examine humanity's complete spectrum - from historical development and biological diversity to material culture, traditions, and belief systems - cultivating skilled problem-solvers for our intricate, often contentious global landscape.

The PhD program mandates 72 post-baccalaureate credit hours, incorporating the 30-hour MA requirement. Students must complete 15 credits at the 8000-level, including substantive coursework (excluding independent studies). The doctoral curriculum features core courses in cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology, plus foundational and intermediate statistics (potentially completed during MA studies or waived by the Doctoral Committee). All candidates must register for at least 3 doctoral research credits (ANTHRO 9090).

Teaching experience is compulsory for PhD students, fulfilled either through competitive teaching assistantships, graduate instructor positions, or faculty-supervised course development and instruction.