Research needed for admissions?

[Shahed]

Hi everyone so I recently discovered that my research interests are in anthropology and have thus began to try to find programs- all in California as that is where I want to live and work. However, I haven't taken any classes in anthropology when I was in undergrad; I majored in Political Theory and Sociology. So what I'm wondering is, do people usually have some sort of research experience in anthropology in undergrad to be able to get accepted in Anthro for admissions?

 

And if research is needed or helps, do you have any ideas how an individual who is no longer a college student can get research experience in the area?

 

Thanks

[AKCarlton]

From my experience...I had a journalism and mass communication bachelors and when I knew I wanted to get into anthropology at the masters/phd levels...all the schools I looked at highly HIGHLY recommend an undergrad in anthropology -- like rarely ever except people without one.

 

I knew I needed the second bachelors in anthropology to be able to compete for a spot in a masters program. So, I recommend you undertake a post-bac like I did...

 

Besides that...I'm gaining experience at the local museum here where I volunteer in the archaeology department, and also take part in anthropology/archaeology workshops around the state when those come around AND it is highly recommended (although not necessarily required) to have completed some sort of field school prior to masters program...at least it hasn't really hindered me getting into a program, I can't speak for the majority. However, I will be doing one for my masters because it is required.

 

Thus, I recommend looking into obtaining a post-bac in anthropology and also searching for field schools that interest you that way you can gain an educational understanding of anthropology, gain experience in the field and also network with professionals and professors who will be able to write your letters of recommendation.

 

Hope this helps and I'm sure you'll be receiving many other responses. Best of luck to you.

Edited April 5, 2014 by AKCarlton

[DigDeep(inactive)]

.all the schools I looked at highly HIGHLY recommend an undergrad in anthropology -- like rarely ever except people without one.

 

 

Although the first part of that sentence may be true, the second is not. It is very common for individuals to be accepted into MA programs without a Bachelor's in Anthropology. 

 

To OP:  You asked, " 1) What I'm wondering is, do people usually have some sort of research experience in anthropology in undergrad to be able to get accepted in Anthro for admissions?; and 2) If research is needed or helps, do you have any ideas how an individual who is no longer a college student can get research experience in the area?

 

1). Research is very common as an undergraduate, however it is not needed to get into an MA program if your research interests are aligned with that a particular professor's research well (i.e., fit). It sounds like you have figured out what your research interests are, and your background in Political Theory and Sociology thrive in the same realm that Anthropology does (I would look into Political Ecology, if you already haven't). Therefore, you would not need a second degree, nor a post-bac in Anthropology. What is a more likely scenario is that you will get accepted and have to take some undergraduate courses your first year - this happens a lot and is no big deal. I know many individuals who come from a wide-range of degrees including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biology, and Business. One could argue that you might even have a better shot at MA programs given your background, because the mere fact you're making such a change speaks to the fact that you have thought about what you want to do. Sadly, this is not always the case and students applying to graduate school just say what they should say in order to get into programs (not recommended). In sum, yes anthropology undergraduates do research, however given your background, your lack of research will be understood. When you begin e-mailing persons of interest (POI) at your prospective graduate programs, make sure you discuss your potential research extensively enough to be able to mention it in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). This will show the admissions committee (Adcomm) that you are not "scared" of research, but in fact eager for it - and have already lined it up with Dr. [professor]. 

 

2) If you wanted to try to get some kind of independent research in order to stand out, keep in mind that it should be quite related to what you would like to do. That will make it a worthy endeavor. Since you're not an archaeologist, volunteering at museums does show initiative, but I'm not sure how much that would really matter given your interests. If it were me, I would focus on independent research (reading Anthropology Journals in my research interest), further lining out my research interests through these readings, and identifying potential advisors that truly are a good fit. As you will find from a simple perusal of the forums, the most important thing in graduate school applications, hands down, is fit. If you find the right professor that does exactly what you want to do - you will get in, regardless of past research. In regards to this, I would suggest the following journals:

Current Anthropology

Human Nature

American Anthropologist

Journal of Political Ecology

Human Ecology

Political Geography

 

and check out the Center for Political Ecology

 

 

Peruse through those, and if you can't get access just copy and paste titles into Google Scholar and you may see that it's free. Also, look in ResearchGate and Academia.edu. Don't shy away from applying to programs due to lack of research. Follow your interests and the passion that drives them and you will be just fine. 

 

Best of luck to you. 

Edited April 5, 2014 by DigDeep

[AKCarlton]

Although the first part of that sentence may be true, the second is not. It is very common for individuals to be accepted into MA programs without a Bachelor's in Anthropology. 

 

 

 

I have to respectfully disagree...most programs make comments such as this on their sites:

 

We expect applicants to have a background in archaeology, which is normally provided with a baccalaureate degree in anthropology or archaeology; however, undergraduate or graduate degrees in historic preservation, history, American studies, art history, Classics, Egyptology, sociology, and allied fields are accepted if the applicant demonstrates sufficient background and potential...Those admitted who show solid potential but insufficient background may be required to take select undergraduate courses in addition to the regular graduate curriculum to compensate for the deficiencies in background that might affect their performance at the graduate level. A better option for such students seeking admission – since they will be competing for a slot in the program with those who have the requisite undergraduate training – is to boost their background beyond the already-awarded bachelor’s degree by taking undergraduate archaeology courses before applying.

 

+

 

Students with an MA that is not in Anthropology may petition the Graduate Committee to determine whether or not they are required to obtain a ... MA in Anthropology before entering the PhD program.

 

+

 

Entering students should have a completed a bachelors degree in anthropology, history, geography, or a related field and have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work....Students with an undergraduate degree in related fields may apply to the program and, working with an advisor, they can devise a plan of study that allows them to overcome their background deficiencies.

 

And with previous conversations to the departments and professors...it is just a lot more effort and work to try and compete for one of the few positions graduate programs offer when you're competing against people with degrees in anthropology.

 

Sociology is considered a 'related field and like one of the comments stated, you would have to work to "overcome background deficiences"' ...

 

Thus, it is truly up to you, but I would recommend speaking with the graduate department at the schools you are interested in to see what your chances are...I think anything is possible...but again, you're going to be competing for a spot so you're going to have to work really hard and prove yourself.

[Shahed]

I forgot to mentioned that I'm interested in Phd programs (sociocultural anthropology) not MAs. I have a M.Ed. in higher education and so I'm trying to switch to a research career instead in anthro because it's exacty what I'm interested in and where my talents are.

 

DigDeep- thanks alot for your advice! I have been looking up intro level syllabi for anthro classes and reading books so that I can learn the basics. I also have compiled list of all important books in anthropology that I need to be acquainted with in addition to research that is relevant to my topics of interest.

 

AKCarlton- thanks for you advice!

 

I welcome any other suggestions

[AKCarlton]

You're welcome...my opinion is just that you may get accepted if you show enough potential and knowledge, find a professor willing to work with you etc etc...but if they're going to require you to take undergrad courses anyway...I would just get a post-bac, which will allow you to strongly compete with a firm application and you'll have professional connections for recommendation letters, and thus you'll be ready-to-go to hit the ground running and be able to just focus on your PhD and research when you're accepted to your program.

[DigDeep(inactive)]

I have to respectfully disagree...most programs make comments such as this on their sites:

 

We expect applicants to have a background in archaeology, which is normally provided with a baccalaureate degree in anthropology or archaeology; however, undergraduate or graduate degrees in historic preservation, history, American studies, art history, Classics, Egyptology, sociology, and allied fields are accepted if the applicant demonstrates sufficient background and potential...Those admitted who show solid potential but insufficient background may be required to take select undergraduate courses in addition to the regular graduate curriculum to compensate for the deficiencies in background that might affect their performance at the graduate level. A better option for such students seeking admission – since they will be competing for a slot in the program with those who have the requisite undergraduate training – is to boost their background beyond the already-awarded bachelor’s degree by taking undergraduate archaeology courses before applying.

 

+

 

Students with an MA that is not in Anthropology may petition the Graduate Committee to determine whether or not they are required to obtain a ... MA in Anthropology before entering the PhD program.

 

+

 

Entering students should have a completed a bachelors degree in anthropology, history, geography, or a related field and have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work....Students with an undergraduate degree in related fields may apply to the program and, working with an advisor, they can devise a plan of study that allows them to overcome their background deficiencies.

 

And with previous conversations to the departments and professors...it is just a lot more effort and work to try and compete for one of the few positions graduate programs offer when you're competing against people with degrees in anthropology.

 

Sociology is considered a 'related field and like one of the comments stated, you would have to work to "overcome background deficiences"' ...

 

Thus, it is truly up to you, but I would recommend speaking with the graduate department at the schools you are interested in to see what your chances are...I think anything is possible...but again, you're going to be competing for a spot so you're going to have to work really hard and prove yourself.

 

 

Note the first sentence - Archaeology is a total different ball game. Your advice is stems from your bailiwick, and is warranted to archaeology applicants whom do need to have particular skills. I stand by my statement that it is very common for students to get into MA programs in Cultural Anthropology without a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology (I know plenty). However, it appears that the OP is looking for PhD programs, and in this case I agree with you, it will be more of an arduous task that perhaps I initially made it seem.

 

OP: To that end, a post-bac is a definite option. I would also suggest using your  M.Ed degree to try to get a job at a Community College teaching Anthropology; it's worth a shot. PhD programs in the US are not looking for full-research proposal style applications, so you do not have to worry about having a whole research-design laid out. However, as AKCarlton put it, you will be competing with other applicants that probably do have it figured out. So, you need to figure out a way to bring something to the table your self. Other than a post-bac, or teaching at a CC, look for local non-profits to volunteer/work for. You also have the summer before applications, I would suggest trying to nail an internship this Summer in related research - that is the course I would take.

Edited April 5, 2014 by DigDeep

[Shahed]

Note the first sentence - Archaeology is a total different ball game. Your advice is stems from your bailiwick, and is warranted to archaeology applicants whom do need to have particular skills. I stand by my statement that is very common for students to get into MA programs in Cultural Anthropology without a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology (I know plenty). However, it appears that the OP is looking for PhD programs, and in this case I agree with you, it will be more of an arduous task that perhaps I initially made it seem.

 

OP: To that end, a post-bac is a definite option. I would also suggest using your  M.Ed degree to try to get a job at a Community College teaching Anthropology; it's worth a shot. PhD programs in the US are not looking for full-research proposal style applications, so you do not have to worry about having a whole research-design laid out. However, as AKCarlton put it, you will be competing with other applicants that probably do have it figured out. So, you need to figure out a way to bring something to the table your self. Other than a post-bac, or teaching at a CC, look for local non-profits to volunteer/work for. You also have the summer before applications, I would suggest trying to nail an internship this Summer in related research - that is the course I would take.

 

Yeah, I started looking at research institutions for the summer however there are so many of them and I'm not familiar with how the field works. Do you have any recommendations for research institutions or grants for individuals out of school?

 

Edit- actually, an MA an anthropology seems just fine too. I don't know why I haven't considered that- I guess I was limiting myself with PhD programs. I might as well try MAs, I enjoy learning anyways so it's not really that big of a deal if I get into a phD sooner or later.

 

Thanks

Edited April 5, 2014 by Shahed

[anthropologygeek]

Just want to point out NSF considers physical/archeology/biological anth a stem vs culture isn't so we are dealing with two completely different things and I have noticed it is easier, still tough just easier compared, to get into culture programs vs the anthro stem qualified fields

[strudelle]

Just wanted to note that you can get into a PhD program without formal research experience - I did.  You have to be knowledgeable about the topic you want to study, and you can build up a good background by doing independent research. 

 

People do get into advanced degree programs in anthropology without previously having majored in anthropology.  It's all about making your past experiences relevant to what you want to do. 

[jmu]

 (I would look into Political Ecology, if you already haven't).

 

I would add to the OP that if you are interested in political ecology and anthropology to look at programs using the terms Environmental or Ecological Anthropology. For some reason, anthropology hasn't really caught up with term Political Ecology and it remains to in use more among geographers than anthropologists (it comes out of geography specifically but has its roots in neo-marxist environmental anthropology.) There are also programs like UMich which does an anthro PhD with the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Yale FES which has a number of great opportunities to do political ecology/environmental anthropology work with some really great scholars (i.e. Michael Dove, Carol Carpenter, James Scott).

[NerwenAldarion]

Honestly, it depends on the field of anthropology you are going into as well as the school.

 

Cultural Anthropology is (arguably) more open to students from other majors into their field since it is a bit more loose. People with sociology backgrounds would be a good fit for this kind of program because it is very much related to the field.

 

Archeaology and Forensic/physical anthropology would be much less likely as these are quite a bit more strict to their topics, you would need some background in the sciences like anatomy and physiology as well as some field work to be a candidate for acceptance with another major. 

 

But that's my limited knowledge, I have always known I wanted to be in Anthropology so I'm admittedly not the best person to ask.

[artlesspredilection]

Hola, I can only speak to my experience in biological anthropology, but I was able to get into MA and PhD programs fine with a background in psychology and biology (and minimal anthro coursework). If you are able to show consistency in what interests you (and your SOP provides a narrative detailing that turn to anthropology), I don't see why your application would be excluded on basis of not having majored in the field; the burden of proof, however. is probably greater. That said, I find that at the PhD level, some schools are just more open to taking students from nontraditional backgrounds than others, which you can note by looking at current graduate students.

[NoSleepTilBreuckelen]

I second artlesspredilection - if you can show how your experiences in political theory and sociology would help you in an anthropology programs and you highlight what is consistent between your undergrad work and what you propose to do in graduate school, I don't think having your undergrad in a topic other than anthro would be a problem at all.

 

If, for example, you studied/researched how high school student use technology in the classroom in your undergrad sociology program and want to study online spaces as public spaces in an anthro grad program, talk about all the ways your undergrad interest in technology use will help you in grad school.

 

I've meandered back and forth between archaeology and biology and I've found by highlighting how the two interests support each other, I've been able to leverage both sets of experiences.

[NoSleepTilBreuckelen]

Oh, and to answer your question about research, if you've done any research in any field in undergrad, highlight that in your application. Also, there are summer (and academic year) field schools where you could gain experience in anthropology. Here's one listing: http://www.aaanet.org/profdev/fieldschools/