The University of Tulsa, a respected private research institution in the United States, offers a robust M.A. in Anthropology program designed to cultivate critical thinking and analytical prowess in students aspiring to understand our multicultural world. With a low student-faculty ratio (5:1) and a nearly 100% placement rate for its graduates, the program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of human cultures, societies, and behaviors, drawing from the four traditional subfields of anthropology: archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological (physical) anthropology, and linguistics. This broad approach ensures graduates are well-versed in the complexity of human history and contemporary global issues, preparing them for diverse careers or further academic pursuits.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Anthropology program at the University of Tulsa typically requires 30 credit hours for a thesis option or 36 credit hours for a non-thesis option. Core coursework aims to provide a strong foundation in anthropological theory and method. While the program broadly covers the four subfields, there's a particular focus on archaeology and biological anthropology, allowing for in-depth specialization. Examples of courses include Human Osteology, Qualitative Methods in Anthropological Research, Cultural Resources Management, Analysis of Lithic Artifacts, and Quantitative Analysis in Anthropology. The curriculum encourages the development of strong critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, culminating in an original research project for thesis-track students.
Research Focus: The University of Tulsa's Anthropology department boasts a dynamic research environment, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and extensive collections. Faculty research spans diverse geographic regions, including North America (with a strong emphasis on the southeastern US and Oklahoma), Europe, the Middle East (Jordan, Israel, Cyprus), and Asia (China). Key research areas include archaeology, paleoanthropology, zooarchaeology, Native American studies, ecological archaeology, lithic analysis, human-environment interactions, chipped stone morphometrics, use-wear and materiality, human behavioral ecology, and population dynamics. Students have access to unique resources like a large lithic raw material collection (the largest in the U.S.), a Near Eastern lithic collection, a Southeastern United States artifact collection, and teaching collections encompassing paleoanthropological casts, human osteology, and zooarchaeological specimens. Specialized instruments like a Sensofar S-Neox confocal and interferometry microscope, laser scanners, and a scanning electron microscope further enhance research capabilities.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Anthropology program at the University of Tulsa is highly applied, preparing graduates for a range of professional careers. Alumni find success in various sectors, including cultural resource management (CRM) firms, government agencies (e.g., Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior), museums, and educational institutions. Students have ample opportunities to engage in practical projects and assist faculty in ongoing archaeological research in both domestic and international settings. Internships can be arranged at institutions like the Gilcrease Museum, providing invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the field. This strong industry connection ensures graduates are well-equipped with the skills demanded by contemporary anthropological and archaeological roles.
Global Perspective: The very nature of anthropology at the University of Tulsa inherently fosters a global perspective, as it involves the comprehensive study of humanity across diverse cultures and throughout history. The faculty's research interests span multiple continents, providing students with exposure to a wide array of cultural contexts and archaeological sites. The program encourages students to participate in fieldwork projects globally, further broadening their understanding of human experiences in different environments. This international outlook prepares graduates to be culturally sensitive professionals capable of addressing complex global challenges, whether through academic research, cultural preservation, or international development. The curriculum also emphasizes cross-cultural diversity, promoting a deeper understanding of human behavior and societal structures worldwide.
