Doctoral training in sociocultural and linguistic anthropology consists of five phases of graduate studies: introductory work; specialized training and preparation for the qualifying examination; pre-research training and admission to PhD candidacy; dissertation research; and the writing of the dissertation. The beginning phases, generally considered the "pre-field" years of graduate study, are devoted primarily to course work, with a total of eighteen courses required to qualify for the Ph.D. Some of these courses may be reading and research in fields of specialization. During this period, students complete the required introductory courses, an M.A.-level paper, and a qualifying examination; they also define or refine their own research interests. The later phases focus on the dissertation project.

During year one, students are introduced to the development of social and cultural theory and to the scholarly interests of the faculty in the Department. They also take courses in particular specialist areas of ethnography and theory in order to frame their research interests in preparation for the dissertation project. The courses required in year one are The Development of Social and Cultural Theory and Introduction to Chicago Anthropology. In addition, students take four other courses dealing with their areas of interest. The Department arranges for an individual advisor in the first year. Thereafter, each student is expected to ask three or more faculty members to serve as an advisory committee.

During year two, students are required to take the course in Anthropological Research Methods. More generally, the second phase of training is directed toward acquiring a deeper knowledge of the special area and theoretical topics on which research will be focused, as well as a broader anthropological understanding in preparation for the Ph.D. qualifying examination. With the exception of those whose M.A. theses from elsewhere that are approved by the Department, each student completes an M.A. paper during the second year. The Ph.D. qualifying examination is normally taken during the Spring quarter of year two or the fall quarter of year three. In the third year, having passed the qualifying exam, students are required to take the Proposal Preparation Seminar.

The Department also requires all students in sociocultural and linguistic anthropology to demonstrate competence in a foreign language. This requirement is met by receiving a High Pass on a University foreign language reading examination. If possible, this requirement should be completed by the end of year two. The language will be specified by the student's advisory committee.

The third phase of the graduate career is considered a pre-research training period, during which each student hones a dissertation proposal and grant applications, and develops advanced research skills. Upon fulfillment of all academic requirements and the acceptance of the dissertation proposal at a hearing before the Department, students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Phases four and five are detailed below. (See Advanced Graduate Training.)