Membership for PhD Students

Doctoral students admitted to the departments of AnthropologyClassicsHistory of ArtNear Eastern StudiesHistory, and Medieval Studies or students of other programs with research interests in archaeology or material studies may become affiliates of CIAMS by submitting a request to the CIAMS Director of Graduate Studies. A more formal relationship with the Institute is provided upon completion of the requirements for membership.

Benefits of CIAMS affiliation:

CIAMS affiliation provides several opportunities for PhD students to interact with the Cornell archaeology community. These include: 

  • Access to CIAMS field and lab equipment;
  • Invitations to participate in CIAMS workshops that bring Cornell students and faculty together to engage substantively on emerging writing projects;
  • Enhanced opportunities to communicate closely with visiting scholars through participation in RadioCIAMS, the Institute’s podcast series;
  • Participation in CIAMS conferences and related publications;

Benefits of CIAMS membership:

Students who wish to become more formally involved with the Institute and to build professional skills that are vital to transitioning from graduate school to professional settings can apply for membership. CIAMS membership provides additional benefits, including:

  • Opportunities to apply for CIAMS research and travel awards;

  • Eligibility for the Assistant Director position (a full graduate assistantship that provides stipend, tuition, and health insurance for a senior, preferably post-field, PhD student).

Requirements for membership:

Affiliated students pursuing PhDs in Archaeology and Material Studies become eligible for CIAMS membership, and therefore funding, upon satisfying the following requirements: 

  1. Completion of the CIAMS Core Seminar in Archaeological Theory and Method (ARKEO 7000)
  2. Completion of, or enrollment in, "The Craft of Archaeology" (ARKEO 6100). If applying for funding while enrolled in "The Craft of Archaeology," students must successfully complete the course before funds can be disbursed. In cases where access to funds are required prior to the completion of "Craft," requests for early disbursement can be made by petition to the CIAMS Director.

To request membership, contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

Prospective students seeking an MA in archaeology should apply to the Archaeology Program. Students admitted to the Archaeology MA program automatically become members of CIAMS. For information on the Cornell system of graduate fields, the Graduate School, and graduate applications generally to Cornell, please consult with the Director of Graduate Studies.

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