How many years to complete?

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Hi anthropology folk!

I'm beginning a cultural track PhD this fall, and I'd like to finish in 5 years. That's when things start getting messy in terms of finances and documents (I'm international).

Is 5 years realistic? Is it common? Do people plan for at least 6, or more?

If anyone's done it in fewer than 7 or 8, would be great to hear advice.

This will be a discussion with my advisor when we meet, but it'd be good to go in knowing some more perspectives. Thanks!

[anthropologygeek]

It depends on your program. I knw programs it will take a min of ten years to graduate and I know I will be done within four years but I did enter with a masters already. It's really up to the university on how long your there and then your drive to graduate.

[themoth]

It does depend greatly by program, but I would say that 5 years is VERY optimistic. This data is a little dated at this point, but you can read the NSF years-to-degree study at this link.

http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/

You'll see that the national average is 9.6 years, enrolled, for Anthropology. The program I am in basically requires you to finish in 8 due to graduate school policies, so most people here finish around 7.

[deconstructing]

I'm not really familiar with the US system... As I understand, the first 2 years are the course years and are generally considered as Masters (but I suppose international applicants with Masters degrees will have to take these course years anyway). After that, it's mostly your research, right? (Wrong?) So who says you have to spend 5 more years working on your research and thesis? Does that depend on your individual research, or are you obligated to spend 5 years researching and writing your thesis?

Sorry for the silly question. I am a bit confused and I guess I don't understand how it works.

Edited September 22, 2012 by deconstructing

[anthropologygeek]

American students also get a master first. All the phd programs I applied to required a master first. And at those places it varied 4-10 years. Some phd programs require 4 years of just classes while others it's two years. It's up to your adviser on how long it will take.

[deconstructing]

I see. I guess I was confused because admissions rarely mention your Master's degree.