The program focuses on the social/cultural anthropology of contemporary societies. The program is ideally suited to students who are independent thinkers and who value flexibility.

Faculty members provide students individual attention and supportive supervision. Faculty members have a wide range of academic interests and active research projects in a range of settings. Many have worked professionally outside the academy. The program emphasizes theoretical and practical research that combines conceptual sophistication, reflexivity and political engagement at various levels from the global to the regional and the local. The program prepares students for careers as professional anthropologists within the academy and for a diverse range of local, national and international careers and professions outside the academy.

Core courses provide in-depth knowledge about established and innovate methodologies, foundational and cutting-edge theories, and historic and contemporary academic debates in anthropology. There is also a strong emphasis on developing solid and transferable research skills. Elective courses provide breadth by analyzing change and complexity in social and cultural life in a range of contexts. Fieldwork, particularly in the PhD program, provides students with close-up engagements with political, social and cultural actors and locations.