The ECU Department of Anthropology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology, as well an undergraduate minor in anthropology. In addition to these, students may pursue a Certificate in forensic anthropology at the undergraduate level.

Undergraduate Catalog

Graduate Program

East Carolina University’s Master’s program in anthropology is designed to provide students with competency in the three subfields of biological, archaeology and cultural anthropology. In addition, students have the opportunity to specialize in their area of interest. Particular strengths of the department include prehistoric North American archaeology, Middle Eastern archaeology, historic archaeology and bioarchaeology; human osteology, primate studies, and forensic anthropology; applied anthropology, medical anthropology, and religious studies.

Students in the program complete core required seminars in the three subfields and in research design. Each student must also demonstrate competence or take courses in one methodological area and pass comprehensive exams in each subfield. Students have the option of conducting thesis research, completing an internship, or pursuing a non-thesis option. The latter is especially appropriate for students who aim to teach at the community college level. Students are strongly encouraged to complete all degree requirements within a two-year time frame. There are limited graduate assistantships available.

To be accepted to the program, student must qualify for admission to both the graduate school and the department. Students should generally have at least a 3.0 g.p.a. and acceptable GRE scores (a minimum of score of 500 on verbal and 500 on the mathematics is expected). They must also submit letters of recommendation and a writing sample. Satisfaction of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission, as students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants depending on the match of student interests with available faculty.  

Graduate Catalog