How to Apply
Admission to the Department of Anthropology graduate program is competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants are admitted to the graduate program each year. Currently, we admit six to seven PhD students annually across all three subfields of archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. A master’s degree is not required for admission, and students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree are welcome to apply.
You may apply for the PhD program with either a BA or MA degree. The department does not admit students to the MA degree program in the three primary subfields.
The department collaborates on a new MA in Heritage Studies & Public History.
All application materials should be submitted electronically via the Graduate Application. The Department of Anthropology accepts admissions to the program for fall semester only.
Applicants should include their subfield preference (archaeology, biological anthropology, or sociocultural anthropology) when applying for admission to the PhD program.
Applicants should also review the Graduate School's application instructions. Please contact the anthropology graduate program with any questions.
The application fee is $75.00 for US Citizens and $95.00 for international students.
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Materials: |
How to submit: |
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Statement of Purpose |
This statement should include information about your research interests, academic background, and reasons for applying to the University of Minnesota. Please limit your submission to a maximum of two single-spaced pages. The Extenuating Circumstances Statement is not required, but you may submit them if you wish. |
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Diversity Statement |
Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. Provide an approximately 450 word count diversity statement. Examples include but are not limited to, personal and community backgrounds, commitment to diversity, research commitments. |
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Unofficial Transcripts |
Unofficial copies of your transcripts should be uploaded into the "Educational Background" section of the application using the “Upload Transcripts” button. |
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GRE Scores
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Send these to the department directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). |
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TOEFL Scores |
You do not need to submit these scores if English is your native language or if you have completed at least 16 credits at a college or university in the US, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom/ Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand within 24 months of your desired date of admission. Review the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency web page for additional options available to provide proof of English language proficiency. |
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Letters of Recommendation (3) |
You must submit three letters of recommendation. Recommenders must submit the letters using the admissions application. |
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Writing Sample |
Sociocultural subfield students are required to submit a writing sample. Students in other subfields are welcome, but not required, to submit a writing sample. |
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Resume/CV
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A resume/CV is not required, but is highly recommended. |