Anthropology
The Anthropology Program at the Graduate Center engages the breadth of anthropological knowledge. Over 50 fulltime faculty members across the four subfields of the discipline (archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology and biological anthropology), augmented by a host of affiliated faculty from other institutions near and far, mentor more than 200 doctoral students of diverse backgrounds and interests.
Learn more about the programDegree Offered
Ph.D. in Anthropology
Full-time
4 subfields
Admissions Deadlines
December 1 for Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology
December 15 for Biological Anthropology
(fall enrollment only/no spring enrollment)
Leveraging these resources with our central New York City location, distinguished faculty in related disciplines at the Graduate Center, and continually improving student fellowship support, the program has sustained a reputation for excellence, access and engaged scholarship.
Faculty publications have been honored with numerous prestigious awards, multiple alumni have won the MacArthur “Genius” Award, and our students receive grants and fellowships at consistently high rates. Two current faculty members have recently served as President of the American Anthropological Association and faculty and students regularly populate the offices of other professional organizations. Each year we offer an extensive array of public lectures across all the subfields of the discipline.
Few anthropology programs can boast the breadth of expertise, diversity of personnel, level of activity, height of scholarly achievement, degree of disciplinary leadership, and range of socio-political engagement that is our stock in trade.
Our Faculty
The Anthropology program at the Graduate Center draws its faculty from across the CUNY system. There are currently over 50 active, fulltime faculty members representing 10 different CUNY campuses, supported by a rich collection of emeritus professors, many of whom continue to participate substantively in student training, and a broad set of adjunct/affiliated faculty from a variety of prestigious institutions.
Faculty
Colloquium Series
Each semester, the Anthropology hosts a colloquium series that features esteemed anthropologists discussing different aspects of the field. See what's on the schedule for this semester!
Colloquium Events
Admissions
We value diverse applicants with interesting political and intellectual backgrounds. Annually, we admit 13-15 anthropology students. New students study tuition-free for 5 years, plus many receive full stipends and research support.
Admissions and Aid
Visit Us
Visit our CUNY Commons site for additional information about our program or visit our offices at Room 6406.
CUNY Commons SiteAnthropology FYIs
More Like ThisAnthropology Alumni Publishes New Edited Volume
CUNY anthropology alumni Sophia Perdikaris has published a co-authored an edited volume with Becky Boger. The book is titled: Barbuda: Changing Times, Changing Tides.
Focusing on the island of Barbuda in the West Indies, the volume shares critical insights into how climate change is reshaping our world. It explores a range of themes including impacts of climate change, resilience, sustainability, indigeneity, cultural genocide, disaster capitalism, preservation of biodiversity, and environmental degradation.
- Announcement
Archaeology Ph.D. Student Will Williams Publishes New Article & Blog Post
Article: Shared Bodies: Social Patterns in Rural East Jersey and the Formation of an African American Community
Blog post: Archaeology at the Montclair History Center and an Early 20th-Century Women-Owned Floral Business
- Congratulations/Kudos
Back From the Field
- Announcement
Remembering Leith Mullings, Social Justice Anthropologist
- Announcement
Recent News
Mar 16, 2023
‘The Ends of Paradise’ Explores the Struggles of Honduras’ Black and Indigenous Peoples
Professor Christopher Loperena’s new book reveals the challenges faced by Garifuna as they assert their rights to their ancestral land.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Mar 1, 2023
Celebrating Women’s History and History-Makers
Our scholars are shedding light on the histories of women and making history themselves.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
- Student News
- Faculty News
Feb 14, 2023
How Valuable Is Public Space? Priceless, Argues a New Book by Setha Low
"Why Public Space Matters" analyzes the role of parks, plazas, and other communal places in our public culture.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Jan 17, 2023
Fulbright Allows Anthropology Ph.D. Candidate to Study in Guatemala
Lilianna Quiroa-Crowell will conduct research for a dissertation on Indigenous women in the neglected city of Puerto Barrios.
- GC Stories
- Student News
Upcoming Events
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Contact Us
Or visit us at Room 6406.
Jeff Maskovsky
Ellen DeRiso
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