There are no absolute criteria for admission, and each case is handled on an individual basis. Although we prefer that applicants have a background in anthropology, this is not mandatory (a number of our best current and former students came to the Department without formal training in anthropology). What we look for in applicants is a combination of demonstrated academic excellence, evidence of a deep commitment to and engagement in issues of a cultural or historical nature, research experience at home or abroad, and a distinctive approach to social inquiry.
If you decide you would like to submit an application to the graduate program in Anthropology, please do so on-line by going to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions web page: Applications and Admissions. There you will find all the relevant admissions information and application materials. Please read carefully through all the materials on the web page and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
The application to the Department of Anthropology requires a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and a writing sample.
When writing your statement of purpose, please bear in mind that all applicants are motivated to study Anthropology, so your degree of motivation is less helpful to document in your statement than what sets you apart from others, especially your accomplishments and prior studies (including at your undergraduate institution and any graduate school, if applicable), and the issues or problems in Anthropology that you want to engage with in graduate study and research. You may also wish to describe your future career plans, your reasons for applying to study in this Department specifically, and any other aspects of your background or interests that may aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your aptitude for graduate study.
Letters of recommendation should be requested from people who know you well and can speak to the quality of your academic skills, skills in working with others, and prior accomplishments. They should offer the Admissions Committee an informed evaluation of your potential for success in graduate study.
The Writing Sample should be a sample course paper or other essay that shows your ability to frame a scholarly argument, discuss writings by others, and develop and support your view with appropriate instances. For applicants with an M.A., the writing sample should be your M.A. thesis or equivalent.
All applications will be processed first by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and then forwarded on to the Department of Anthropology, where the admission decisions will be made. The Department requests that all application materials (including GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, short writing sample, transcript, and TOEFL test scores, if necessary) be submitted by December 15 of the year prior to that in which you intend to enter graduate school. Students are admitted for entrance in the Fall semester only.
A graduate admissions committee, with input from the general faculty, makes final decisions regarding admissions and offers of financial aid. Admission decisions are initiated in early March, but may continue into late April. Official notification of the decision regarding your application will come from the Dean of Admissions in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
We look forward to receiving your application!