Cultural Anthropology Graduate Programs?

Question

I want to apply to a M.A. program in the U.S. I'd eventually like a Ph.D. because I think I would like to be a college professor.

I'm mainly interested in Japanese folk tales and how they can be used to interpret cultural norms (example: animals who take on the characteristics of humans are punished for human vices).

Please give me advice.

My GRE is 1220 and my GPA leaving undergrad was 3.56

Please keep that in mind when you give me suggestions - Columbia and Stanford are not going to accept my *** so don't suggest them.

Answer 1

The great thing about a masters program is that they are generally rather open about your topic. When I got my master's, there was absolutely no one in the department who was remotely interested in what I did, but my advisor was more than willing to learn along with me. So if you aren't able to find a department with someone who does Japanese folk tales, it's not the worst thing in the world. Also, if you can find a university that has a Japanese studies program or an English prof who studies folklore/Japanese lit, you can always work or consult with them. You generally have to have an outside person on your Ph.D. committee anyways.

If you are concerned about your grades and GRE score, your best bet is to probably find a small Anthropology department that wont be quite so picky. That will give you a chance to bring up your grades and show any potential Ph.D. program that you can do the work and they will be willing to overlook any other deficiencies. Where ever you go, try to make sure the funding options are good. At my university, the Anthropology Dept has pretty good funding for students, graduate assistantships and separate research funding. Anthropology is not a well funded nor well paid field, don't leave yourself in any more debt than you have to. A site with Anthro programs is here:

http://programs.gradschools.com/usa/myth...

One last note, you might consider Geography as well. Just about anything you can do in Anthropology can be done in Geography. Geography degrees can be very tailored to your needs/wants. And, on the up side, the job market in Geog is better than Anthro. A listing of programs can be found here:

http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/geogdept/lis...

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

I wonder if you'd like applying to a folklore program? Some anthro programs also have folklore programs, and your project seems to fit that category. I'm not sure who has good programs right now-- Indiana, maybe?

Answer 3

In that case, I would reccommend going for an MA & a PHD in Anthropology at the University of Y! A, while minoring in Social Science or Biology...

I swear, there are some geniuses on here, and you could learn a lot!