The M.A. thesis project consists of original research carried out under the guidance of the major advisor who must be a member of the Anthropology department. Normally, M.A. advisors are identified in the first year, or no later than the completion of 20 points of coursework. The M.A. committee consists of three faculty members, at least two of whom are from the Anthropology department. The committee advises students on courses, internships, and choice of M.A. project. Each student is assigned a committee in their first year according to the interests expressed in their application. Formal requirements are the satisfactory completion of 36 points and a written master’s thesis.