Students choose from one of four concentrations/tracks (also referred to as “sections”) in the department. Students in the Cultural concentration will earn a Master of Arts. Students in the Archaeology, Biological, or Intersectional concentrations will work with their advisor and a department committee to determine if the coursework they take meets the requirements for a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. Table of basic requirements by section (click on subdiscipline name at top of column for more information):
| STEPS/SECTION | ARCHAEOLOGY | BIOLOGICAL | CULTURAL | INTERSECTIONAL |
| MINIMUM RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT | 16 credits | Same | Same | Same |
| CREDITS: | Minimum 30 credits of graduate course work, including three 900-level seminars in archaeology | Minimum 30 credits of graduate course work | Minimum 30 credits of graduate course work, including two required courses in cultural (860 and 900) and one additional 900-level seminar (not to include 909 if continuing in Ph.D. program) | Minimum 30 credits of graduate course work |
| QUALIFYING EXAM: INCOMING B.A. STUDENTS AND MASTER’S STUDENTS: | By end of 2nd year or 4th semester for both incoming B.A. or M.A. (but M.A. students are encouraged to take after 2 semesters) | After the end of the 2nd year for incoming B.A. students, after the end of the 2nd semester for incoming M.A. students | In January of the 2nd year | As defined by committee |
| FORMAT OF QUALIFYING EXAM: | Two parts, written, four hours each day. 1: World Prehistory and Field of Student’s Specialization 2: Archaeological Method and Theory | Two parts, written, two days. 1: General principles and theory 2: Testing in student’s chosen field of specialization | Take home written exam. Students choose 2 out of 5-6 questions to answer and have 2 weeks to write the exam | As defined by committee |
| M.A./M.S. REQUIREMENTS: | Successful Qualifying Exam pass at M.A. or Ph.D. level and two term papers from graduate seminars submitted at the time of Qualifying Exam. No M.A. thesis requirement | Successful Qualifying Exam pass at M.A. or Ph.D. level and two term papers from graduate seminars submitted at the time of Qualifying Exam. No M.A. thesis requirement. | Successful Qualifying Exam pass at M.A. or Ph.D. level. No M.A. thesis requirement |
Successful Qualifying Exam pass at M.A. or Ph.D. Level and other requirements as defined by committee. No M.A. Thesis requirement |