Dissertation

Ph.D. candidates must prepare and submit a dissertation that is based on original research and meets the requirements of the department.

Dissertation Research

Students are required to conduct research, typically field/lab work and/or archival work, after Advancement to Candidacy. Students should enroll in at least 5 units of dissertation research (ANTH 299A) per quarter with their dissertation advisor. If a student’s dissertation advisor is on leave, the student is responsible for arranging for another member of the faculty to supervise the dissertation research during that quarter. It is recommended that the student complete an Independent Study form, selecting 299A, and consult with their advisor about research/writing plans for the term ahead.  The Graduate Program Coordinator will provide the Class Number (and, if needed, a permission code). 

Once students Advance to Candidacy, they are not required to register as full-time students. However, students who are employed as a TA, GSR, or teaching fellow must register as full-time students. Students who have Advanced to Candidacy need only to register for 5 units per quarter to be considered full-time.

Please see the Graduate Program Coordinator if you are unsure of your status. 

Writing Groups

Writing is a collaborative process, and receiving feedback from peers is integral to that process. Students who are writing their dissertations are therefore strongly encouraged to meet together in writing groups.

Dissertation Copies

The department posts links to dissertations from past UCSC anthropology students on the Graduate Student Wiki. Dissertation copies can also be downloaded in PDF format from McHenry Library at: http://library.ucsc.edu/ 

Formatting of Dissertation Preparation guidelines for the formatting of the dissertation established by the Division of Graduate Studies are available here

The dissertation must be submitted online with the Division of Graduate Studies by the published deadline date in the Academic and Administrative Calendar. Please submit a second copy (PDF) to the Graduate Program Coordinator for Department archives (your dissertation will not be circulated or otherwise shared without your permission).

Summer Dissertation Submission

Students who are registered for Spring Quarter or on approved leave of absence may submit their dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies during the summer. Students who plan on submitting their dissertation during the summer need not register for Summer Session or apply for filing fee status unless they were not enrolled or on approved leave of absence in Spring Quarter; however, students must submit an Application for the Doctor of Philosophy.