Timeframe for PhD? ... Specifically Anthropology

<p>I'm an undergraduate anthropology major. I was wondering if someone could give me an approximate timeframe (masters, coursework, research, fieldwork, dissertation, etc.) for completing a doctorate in anthropology. I've read the degree requirements for the schools i'm looking at and it seems as though it should take 4-5 years, but I've looked at a few lists of gradschools with their years to completion stats and it seems that most schools average around 7-10 years. What's with the extra years? Can anyone with experience in the process, for anthropology or any fields with a similar process, give me some insight into how long it might take to complete the doctorate? </p>

<p>Also, i'm considering the 4+1(BA+MA in 5 years) program at my school. How might this affect the process? Thanks</p>

<p>You said you’re an Anthro major, but what’s your subfield? I’m doing archaeology and from what I understand I’m looking at around six or seven years. PhDs can take a while because of fieldwork related to the dissertation.</p>

<p>Right now I’m mostly studying archaeology, but I could see myself doing cultural anthro too.</p>

<p>Anthropology typically takes around 5 years but can take up to 7. </p>

<p>Archaeology programs within anthropology usually take less time than those within classics or Near Eastern departments because the former do not usually have language requirements. </p>

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That depends entirely on whether the PhD program of choice decides to transfer that credit toward your graduate degree.</p>

<p>It’s not as common to earn the MA and PhD in 4-5 years as it used to be. 6-8 years is more likely. Many programs will guarantee funding for 4-5 years, but the additional years spent completing the diss. usually requires securing outside funding.</p>

<p>the “extra years” are the years of field work and writing your dissertation. coursework is generally 2-3 years and, if you’re doing a combined MA/PhD program, will contain the MA work in the first two years. how long it takes you from there depends upon your individual project.</p>