Academic Requirements

Both the Department and the University define the major requirements for each stage of study. The first year of the program is geared towards giving students a theoretical foundation so that they may begin to formulate ideas for a research project. All graduate students are expected to be in residence (on campus) during their first year in the program. At the end of the first year, students will submit a portfolio of substantive work to their Preliminary Committee. 

Please refer to the Anthropology Program Statement in the University's current General Catalog for definitive information on academic requirements.

Residency Requirement

In accordance with Senate Regulation 686, the minimum residence requirement for thr Ph.D. degree is six terms, three of which must be spent in residence at the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. Residence is established by the satisfactory completion of one course per term. 

Good Academic Standing and Probation

A duly registered graduate student is considered to be in good standing so long as the student's department determines that the student is making satisfactory progress toward a terminal degree. The department and the graduate dean review the academic progress of each continuing graduate student annually.

If the Anthropology Department deems a student's work unsatisfactory, the student may be placed on probation. A student whose academic progress has been found unsatisfactory in two successive annual reviews will be subject to dismissal from the university.

The letter recommended probation for a student will state:

1. Reason why (failed X class etc.)

2. Steps that must be taken to restore satisfactory academic standing 

3. The timeline for completion of the required work

The letter to the student will also state that the failure to meet any one of the requirements may result in dismissal. No action for dismissal is taken until and unless the department recommends dismissal.

A student who has completed 12 or more quarters of full-time work in the same graduate program without advancing to candidacy for the Ph.D. is not considered to be making satisfactory progress. In such cases, the student will be recommended for dismissal or placed on probation until advancement is achieved. A student advanced to candidacy for more than nine quarters who has yet to complete the Ph.D. is not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress. Consult the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about academic progress, probation, dismissal, and the appeal process.

Consult the Graduate Division’s Graduate Student Handbook for more information about academic progress, probation, dismissal, and the appeal process.