PhDs in anthropology

rbouwens · 07-11-2012, 02:08 PM

Yes, I know I haven't even started college yet.....but think of this as a high school freshman looking at college choices.

My plan for undergrad: to work really hard. I'm not gonna party, sleep around, or do anything like that. I mean business. :P

At this point I'm pretty set on majoring in anthropology. I already have .75 credits in the discipline from dual enrollment, and I like it. I'd be interested in focusing on sociocultural or linguistic anthro.

I want to get into the best anthro program I can, obviously. I'm not naturally smart, so shoot.

Also the program must give need-based or merit aid....how does that work in grad school?

vienneselights · 07-11-2012, 04:32 PM

thegradcafe . c o m

Commendable that you're starting your research now, but I wouldn't count on not partying, sleeping around, or anything like that. Or on not discovering that you're actually more into comp sci /:

p.s. if you're not naturally smart, why are you doing this?

rbouwens · 07-11-2012, 05:44 PM

Comp sci? Wow!

If I had it my way, I would be a student for the rest of my life.

juillet · 07-12-2012, 12:41 AM

You can get into a good graduate school while still partying, sleeping around, and having fun. You don't have to be a monk.

PhD programs usually come with a full funding package - tuition and fees, usually health insurance, and a stipend that can range from $18K to $30K depending on location and discipline. Anthropology is likely on the lower end of the scale (you can probably expect less than $25K on average, I think). If you don't get full funding for a program for at least four years, I would say the program is not worth it - and even then, anthropology PhDs typically take at least 5 years and more usually 6-8 to complete.

But, as you already stated, you haven't started college yet. You may love something else, and even if you do select anthro, you may decide that you want to do something completely different with it. Don't pigeonhole yourself - explore career options, do internships, participate in clubs and activities, and give yourself the space to really discover what you like and what you want to do.