Anthropology Masters in US

A lot of our tips talk about how you can strengthen your application, but you can build a stronger application when you’ve done the things this program values in the years prior to the application. The application itself is the communication part (in which you communicate what you’ve done to the admission committee), but this section gives guidance on the substance part (what you can actually do before you apply). In this section, we talk about what you can do in the years leading up to applying that can make you an ideal candidate. Supplement the following tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘Pre-Application’) to become a competitive applicant.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES/BACKGROUND

• The Anthropology Department of Universities accepts either a BA/MA degree in Anthropology or any evidence of the same preparation in social science subjects.
• However, if you didn’t major in this field, don’t let this discourage you from applying since grad programs are always looking for people with interesting backgrounds. If you didn’t major in Anthropology, you may have to work harder in courses your first year than people who may have a background in Anthropology.
• No matter what you major in, though, you should have high grades in your major field – this shows them that you are a serious student when it comes to something that interests you.

What are the most important classes in the undergraduate anthropology curriculum that you must take as a prospective applicant for Anthropology graduate schools?

• Intro to anthropology. This course introduces ideas that are far from cutting-edge but important for human understanding, especially the basis for human differences. How do we approach and understand them? No matter what new findings come from new genetic research and neuroscience, many of the key findings of anthropology will stand the test of time. This is important not just for anthropologists but for everyone.  
• Field methods and statistics. How to design a project, collect data, and analyze it is fundamental for anyone hoping to continue in the field. Simply observing is a key skill for anyone, as is understanding what statistics mean (though not unique to anthropology).
• Theory and history of anthropology courses. These are not always available at the undergraduate level, but for people pursuing a career in the field, understanding the development of theory in the field is of critical importance. The sooner one delves into this, the better.  
• Topical courses. Anthropology of the family, Religion and Culture, Economic Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Medical Anthropology etc. These are probably the least critical in general. These can cover important pieces of anthropological theory or be valuable for the perspective they bring to issues. Courses on gender and race are probably the most valuable for non-specialists.
• Research Method courses. If you are doing a major in Anthropology or any other social science, try to take a “Research Methodology” or related research method course, as it will reflect on your knowledge of research and will demonstrate your ability to understand complex research problems, and how you articulate appropriate methods and theory. It will also show that you understand the role of research methods in building anthropological knowledge that includes critical and systematic thinking.

Alongside your undergraduate studies, keep Anthro-Tutorials, a very recommended web page, as a study companion site. This web is a wonderful resource reviewing possibly all of undergraduate anthropology in a very brief yet very explanatory way. Also, to get a handful of information about how to prepare yourself to be a strong graduate applicant in anthropology-related fields, consult College Planning & Checklist and explore this major in more depth on MyRoad™.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

• Research experience is important in Anthropology at the undergraduate level as it gives you an edge in the eyes of the admission committee.

• Although research experience is important, it is not required by all universities.
• There are some universities that do require a sample of a paper in anthropology or related social sciences written by the student. This can be any research-based paper that you may have written (it could also be a paper written for some course. It is recommended that the paper be relevant to the field you are applying for.)
• So, Plan ahead – look up the universities you wish to apply to and inquire whether a research background is required.
• If it’s not required by your intended university, it is indeed highly recommended. Why? Because:

• Experience in fieldwork or independent study may give you a higher chance of admission.

• Fieldwork refers to primary research done through Qualitative Research methods used in Anthropology. In an independent study, a student is guided by a teacher in doing research. This usually does not take place as part of regular classes.  
• Both fieldwork and independent study can be done on any topic and/or area that interests you, but it is recommended that it is relevant to the research you plan on undertaking for your PhD.  
• Field experience is important for any student who wishes to pursue these subjects academically or professionally after college or graduate school. Go to archaeological and ethnographic field schools to have an idea of how students in the US participate in a wide range of field works and activities that enhance their college experience and prepare them for successful careers.
• You can also find such opportunities in Pakistan. For example, Quaid-e-Azam University’s Department of Anthropology offers fieldwork for students in Anthropology to strengthen their research abilities. During fieldwork, students are required to stay at their respective research sites, generally in the rural areas of Pakistan, for at least the period of four months.

• It will reflect your research skills and give the university a fair idea of your work abilities. Thus, even if it is not a requirement, it is highly recommended to take up actual fieldwork.

• What might be good research opportunities?

• If you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Anthropology, carrying out research might already be part of your coursework.
• If you are not pursuing it, then you might be able to do a Senior Project or Thesis with an Anthropology instructor on your campus.
• Otherwise, you may apply for a research assistant post at an NGO in Pakistan, as NGOs are most likely to be involved in carrying out research. Find a complete list of NGOs categorized according to the area of your interest as well as geographical locations in the Pakistan NGOs Directory & Guide.

• How important is being published? Do admission committees expect undergraduates to have first authorship on research papers when they apply to Anthropology or related social sciences graduate school? Publications certainly catch the eye of the admissions committee members, but first authorship is not a necessity. As a researcher, you will learn how Anthropology is practiced, experience the challenges of asking anthropological questions and designing experiments, and gain important skills and experience working in the field as part of a research team. We encourage you to seek out ways to distinguish yourself as a researcher.  If you do find yourself in a research group, ask your advisor (Professor, graduate student, or postdoc) if you can present your research at local, regional or national conferences.  There are MANY conferences happening year-round in Pakistan; check the Research Conference Calendar.

• To have a cohesive view of the importance and ways of undergraduate research in Anthropology, read: Get Research experience as an undergraduate.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Professional experience is not mandatory. However, whether or not it is recommended depends on the research proposal you are planning to pursue. If the research is such that professional experience in that area will give you a better insight into the research, then it is recommended. For example, in Archaeology, prior experience in a dig is recommended. It can be pursued through field schools in Pakistan, which recruit students to assist Professors in digs.

• Internships: You can take advantage of a variety of internship opportunities to help build your skills and knowledge in the area of study you wish to pursue. For example, go to AAA Internship Programs & Activities to get an idea of how students of anthropology at the undergraduate level in the US participate in a wide range of internship programs and activities that enhance their college experience and prepare them for successful careers. Also, you can apply for an internship in Pakistan to increase your credentials as a prospective graduate applicant at the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, IDEAS – Institute of Development & Economic Alternatives and The World Bank Internship Program.

VOLUNTARY/ SOCIAL WORK

The information mentioned for Professional Experience applies here as well.

OTHER EXPERIENCES/BACKGROUND

It’s also worth it to begin to expand your network and experiences in Anthropology before you graduate. The following are not mandatory but recommended:

• Attend conferences to get a sense of where the discipline is moving and meet people.
• Attend lectures and workshops at other regional schools, again, to meet more people and get a sense of what’s going on in the discipline.
• Take a job or research internship with an ongoing anthropological project or institution (i.e., an archaeology consulting firm, a development consulting firm, etc.) or become a research assistant to a professor.
• Take some time off after your undergraduate or after you have done your Masters to pursue: ‘Besides the usual (job, travel), you might consider using your time between undergrad and grad to further your research goals…apply for a Fulbright grant, a Watson, attend a field school, work on language skills, or find work as a research assistant on a project (this will probably be easiest for archaeologically-bound folks).’ (Luis A. Vivanco, University of Vermont)
• Also, get affiliated with Anthropology associations/organizations/clubs. An example is the Pakistan Association of Anthropology. It is the largest membership-based professional network of Pakistani Anthropologists, building local, regional, provincial, national and international alliances with Anthropologists and other social scientists and organizations.

Graduate Programs are looking for maturity and coherence in your application; thus, having been published or doing the above would reflect on these.

TIMELINE

What should you be doing, timeline-wise, as an undergraduate Anthropology student? Actually, you began preparing for graduate school on the day you entered your undergraduate program. Hence, you need to consider the following actions/steps to be a successful graduate applicant.

All of the above-mentioned activities will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful graduate applicant and beyond. The sooner you take charge of your own professional development, the better you will ensure your success as a future Ph.D. Anthropology student.

This section provides an overview of general guidelines pertaining to the application process. It also delineates the key components of the application process.

GENERAL ADVICE

Admissions to anthropology graduate programs can be quite competitive. More highly recognized programs are more competitive than less ambitious programs and in general, doctoral programs are more difficult to get into than master’s programs. You may find that you will select a number of programs to apply to, some of which are your top choices and others are “safe schools.” A safe school is generally not as highly competitive and more likely to accept your application. However, aim high: don’t skip out on applying to your favorites! Consider the following advice before you start planning your doctorate application:

• Start the process early — approximately a year before you plan on applying
• Masters/Ph.D.: Students can either go for a PhD degree straight after their undergraduate degree, or they can complete a Master’s degree and then apply. The latter may slightly increase your chances of getting into a Ph.D. program (given the university is of international repute and grades are good) but it is also significantly more expensive.
• It is generally recommended not to go for PhD right after undergraduate school. This is because there is a great difference between the two programs, which is hard to cope with. Work experience in between makes it easier for students to tackle the challenges of Graduate school. Also, it improves your application.

• To have a “quantitative” assessment for choosing a school, you can start by looking at graduate school rankings. Then simply:

• Identify and list 5-20 graduate schools you are interested in
• Look up professors in the areas you want to focus on (i.e., organic, inorganic, theoretical, analytical, etc.)
• Make a list of the schools with the MOST professors you like
• Choose schools where you have the most options and plan to apply there!

Refer to the Program Selection Section for further information.

TIMELINE

At this point, if you are seriously considering graduate school, you must buy Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student’s Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D. Or, if you want an overview of “Getting What You Came For,” here is a summary.

Also, check out the complete list of all Anthropology Blogs of 2015 and the following links:

• Anthropology PhD Advice by College Confidential Forum
• American Anthropological Association Newsletter to get a sense of the state of the discipline, the job market, funding opportunities, etc.

These blogs are run mostly by students for students. Almost all questions have been asked, but the quality of the answer varies, so take everything with a grain of salt.

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on overview (under the tab of ‘overview’)

Pakistani applicants suffer the most because of inadequate information — or wrong information — about essays and personal statements. This section will address those inadequacies specifically in relation to applying for this program. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘essay’) to craft a stellar personal statement.

BASIC INFORMATION

Your personal statement is the most important component of your application for graduate admission in this field. You have to develop this statement carefully, as an evaluation of that statement’s content is central to ANTH’s graduate admissions decision-making regarding admissions and, as appropriate, financial aid.

The recommended length for the statement is two single-spaced, 12-point font pages. It is advised not to make the statement longer.

ACTION-STEPS/ RESOURCES

Which resources should I make use of?

• Read Writing Your Personal Statement by American University – Anthropology Department and Writing an Essay for Grad School Apps. by Reed College – Anthropology Department before starting to plan your personal statement.

• After reading the above links, check out these samples to get an idea of how successful Anthropology applicants have written their personal statements: Anthropology Personal Statements Portal.

TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD STATEMENTS

• An introduction that acknowledges the benefits of diversity in higher education, the personal advantages of pursuing a degree in Anthropology, or even the personal satisfaction of doing Anthropology fieldwork are all reasonable opening sentences.  And if you can’t come up with a clever introduction, don’t sweat it; just write the rest of your essay and come back to your opening.

• Be specific about your goals: Your statement should not be a narrative about how you’ve always loved anthropology and that going to graduate school would fulfill your life’s dream. This may be true, but instead, think of this application document as your opportunity to convince the faculty to admit you over the 200 others who are vying for the same spot. Admission committees often review hundreds of applications, and 90% of applicants tell them that Anthropology is their dream career – this is why it is important for you to be specific about your goals and to express them clearly in written form.
• Describe your Proposed research project. Your personal statement should have a robust description of your proposed project in Anthropology, what has brought you to the project and your relevant skills, and a good explanation for why you want to be in the program you’re applying to (with reference to faculty and their interests). Any good project description includes both empirical and theoretical content. You need to be able to describe a compelling project and demonstrate how it’s in conversation with contemporary debates in Anthropology; what does it add to our collective knowledge? No one expects you to work on the exact project that you propose, but they do want to see what your general area of interest is and that you have a sense of how to develop a dissertation project and all that it will entail. You should also be sure to explain any language or area training that has prepared you for this proposed project; if you don’t have language or area specialties, be sure to explain how you’ll be acquiring them before your research starts.
• Explain program fit. It’s also very important to demonstrate to faculty that you’re a good fit for the program. The best way to do this is to identify faculty in the department whom you’re interested in working with and clearly demonstrate to the reader that you are deeply knowledgeable of their work. It is often seen by the admission committees that prospective students do nothing more than identify faculty based on the keywords listed in their personal statements on departmental websites; that’s lazy at best and insulting at worst. Since you’ve already read a bunch of faculty work, you should be able to write a paragraph or two about how your project fits in with their interests.
• Use your Anthropology or related social sciences undergraduate writing assignments to delve into your area of specialization. Write about your passions, and use these assignments as a base for your graduate school application statement of purpose and writing samples.

What is essential in the statement:

• Reflect on your focus on Anthropology and your plan for undertaking it.
• Communicate that this program is important to you and not just a career move.
• Emphasize your goals and plans with respect to the Anthropological program.
• Include any language or area training that has prepared you for this proposed project. Or, if you don’t have these specialties, be sure to explain how you’ll be acquiring them before your research starts.

What are some elements of exceptional statements:

• Publications/presentations in your intended field? Mention that in detail.
• If you have received any reputable Anthropology honors/fellowships/awards, then explain what it means and give it value. This is very important as long as you have used your fellowships well. Explain why they helped you.

What are bad statements/ what things to avoid:

• Your personal statement should not start with an anecdote about how you found anthropology and how it changed your life; you’re applying to a graduate program in anthropology, after all, and the readers will assume that you know what you’re getting into. You should also not start with some anecdote about what you read this past summer — it should start with you (it’s a personal statement, after all).
• A primary reason why applicants are denied admission is that they have failed to identify explicitly in their statement of intent how their research interests and goals match well with those of departments and how specific faculty are equipped to train them in the topics and methods they propose to study. Students should avoid operating on the assumption that because a particular university has a “good reputation” overall, its anthropology program is automatically a good one. Most departments or institutions have particular strengths for which they are known, and students should identify these before applying.

OTHER TIPS

How can applicants manage the process of writing?

• You may be required to write other types of essays, namely a statement of research and/or a Proposed Plan of Study.
• The statement of intent should be approximately 1000 words, describing your academic focus and research interests.
• Ph.D. applicants should provide a clear picture of research questions, with reference to the appropriate anthropological literature and your intended University faculty expertise. Master’s applicants may indicate areas of research interest more broadly. Go to the American Anthropological Association Style Guide to find out more about research statements in Anthropology.

Also, go to the list of Publications by the American Anthropological Association to get access to the latest anthropological journals and publications. Get yourself updated in order to prepare well for writing a competitive research statement and essay.

This section will cover the basics of recommendation letters, which are one of the most important parts of the application process. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘recommendations’) to ensure you have strong letters of recommendation.

BASIC INFORMATION

LoRs carry high importance when applying for an Anthropology Master/PhD. You should find 3-4 recommenders in order to prove your past research/fieldwork abilities, expertise and knowledge in Anthropology. Make sure that you ask for these letters at least two months in advance.

In a nutshell, letters may be written by:

• These are people you might have worked with during the undergraduate Anthropology research program or related fieldwork.
• Instructors, aware of your research capabilities and knowledge of Anthropology.
• External institute research supervisor in Anthropology or any other related social sciences field.

The content of the letters basically has to reflect your work ethic, research capabilities and dedication towards the field.

ACTION-STEPS/RESOURCES

Before requesting your recommenders for LoR, read How to Request a Letter of Recommendation, Letter of Recommendation for Anthro Major and Tips on Graduate School LoR.

TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD LETTERS

What is essential in the LoRs:

• It is best to request letters of reference from faculty members from whom you have taken Anthropology or related social sciences courses in which you have done well and, ideally, whom you have gotten to know outside the classroom. That is, they don’t just know you as a name and a grade. They should have first-hand knowledge of your capabilities and be able to speak to them in a reference letter. Think ahead: if you know you will apply to graduate school in the coming months, make an effort to meet with professors from whom you plan to request letters of reference, talk with them about your plans and allow them to get to know you.
• Letters of reference from non-academic sources, such as friends or non-academic employers, tend to hold much less weight than academic references.
• Finally, you should be sure to secure support from your major adviser, especially if you are a Master’s student applying for the Ph.D. A Master’s student who does not include a letter of reference from his or her major adviser raises a red flag. If you intend to prove your ability to shoulder doctoral-level work, it is a good idea to do so by producing an excellent Master’s project and impressing your existing adviser.
• If you are not from an Anthropology background, recommendations from other social sciences Professors would also do. However, recommendations from fields beyond social sciences might not carry as much weight.

If you have taken time off after your undergraduate, it is acceptable to use the recommendation of an employer who knows you well. However, at least two out of your likely three recommenders should know you from an academic context.

This section will cover everything else related to the application process, including transcripts, interviews, resumes, and standardized tests. 

TRANSCRIPTS

Basic Information:

Your undergraduate grades are certainly very important. Admission committees typically place a lot of weight on the GPA. For the Anthropology department, grades in Anthropology or related social science courses are a very strong predictor of how well you will do in your further studies related to Anthropology.

Resources:

If you have a low GPA, then read the following discussion by students: Admission into Anthropology Grad School with low GPA.

Tips:

Top Tier: On average, admitted applicants have an overall GPA of 3.7 or above, but a lower average does not necessarily disqualify you.  Admission committees may look at your entire application and pay strong attention to your personal statement, writing sample, faculty recommendations, and areas of interest.

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on transcripts (under the tab of ‘transcripts’).

INTERVIEWS

Basic Information:

Interviews for Ph.D. in Anthropology are rare; they are usually for specializations concerning labs, primarily biological anthropology and archaeology.

Resources:

If you do get a call for an interview, in order to prepare well, seek advice from The interview tips – TCNJ, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, in addition to the tips below.

Interview Tips:

• The academic interview normally requires some preparation in addition to that required for a typical job interview. Of course, you must do your homework:
  • Know the members of the Anthropology faculty, the department, and the institution.
  • Read any available departmental literature, the institution’s catalog, and the AAA Directory of Graduate Research so that you are familiar with each Anthropology faculty member’s research interests.
  • Be ready to ask questions and to present your research, both formally and informally.

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for interviews (under the tab of ‘interview’).

RESUME/CV

Basic Information:

Most master’s in Anthropology programs ask not to exceed 2 pages. However, when applying for an Anthropology PhD position, you need an academic CV. You must follow an academic style CV, which is much longer than a normal CV: up to 5 pages if necessary.

Resources:

• As an Anthropology major, you’re likely exposed to a wide range of theoretical perspectives and research methods, given the opportunity to study different civilizations, cultures, and languages, and have perhaps participated in field research. But how do you capture these great experiences on your resume? Here are a handful of resume phrases that may be helpful in describing your classroom, lab, and field experience.
• To learn about how to list down the skill set related to Anthropology in a resume, go to Resume Help.
• Go to the American Anthropological Association Style Guide to find out more about resume writing in Anthropology.
• Also, check out the following samples to have an idea of how successful graduate applicants in Anthropology have written their resumes: Sample Anthropologist Resume and Anthropology Resume.

Resume/CV Tips:

• Make sure you list any honors, presentations, conference participation and foreign experience. This is the kind of stuff that could be offered on a C.V. that you include with your application.

• Try to list as many Anthropology-relevant items on the CV as possible; however, add items from diverse areas to reflect upon your capabilities.
• Have a table for languages. The table can have the following format:

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on building a resume (under the tab of ‘Resume/CV’).

STANDARDIZED TESTS

Basic Information:

The verbal and quantitative GRE examinations are required only.

Tests Needed:

• General GRE
• TOEFL (for international applicants)

Resources:

General GRE:

According to the ETS chart, the average GRE scores of applicants with an intended major in Anthropology are: Verbal: 156, Quant: 149, Analytical: 4.1.

The above scores are intended major. What does “intended” major mean? It simply means that these are the average scores of people planning on applying to graduate school in a specific major.

Moreover, using a scale drawn from the limited score data in the US News & World Report’s report on graduate schools, here are the average scores of admitted applicants to the Anthropology graduate program:

Source: GRE scores for social science programs – Magoosh GRE Blog

Remember that you will be applying to a hard science program, so applying to graduate school is anything but easy; this is just a “good-enough” approach that should put you in a decent position to create the appropriate study goals. So, if you’re interested in a Ph.D. in Anthropology from MIT, then this is a good place to start.

Test Tips:

• Anthropology programs are mostly concerned with scores on verbal and analytical components but it would be wise to try to score high in Maths as it is a scoring subject.
• It might lessen your chances for admission if your score is low. This is because some universities use these scores to make a quick first cut. Also, in some schools, they are more likely to give funding if your score is high.
• There is no special exam for Anthropology (although there is for other fields such as Sociology).

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for standardized tests (under the tab of ‘tests’).

FINAL COMMENTS ON APPLICATIONS

Top Three Application Tips Not To Be Missed

• Don’t submit your graduate school application until a faculty member has reviewed your materials and you have had time to receive valuable feedback to improve your packet. If possible, ask a faculty member who specializes in your intended area of study.
• Reference the research of specific faculty with whom you want to work in your application.
• Apply at least four weeks early to help your application stand out.

Applicants to graduate programs in anthropology should familiarize themselves with the requirements for admission. Some departments indicate basic measures such as desired GRE scores, minimum GPA requirements, or evidence of previous coursework in anthropology. However, applicants are most rigorously evaluated on their statement of intent and the letters of reference submitted on their behalf. Referees should be chosen carefully.

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on final comments on applications (under the tab of ‘overview’).

 This section will cover the approximate costs of the program and provide information on resources that may help with funding. Complement the following field-specific tips with general tips on finances (under the tab of ‘finances’).

ACTION-STEPS

Which resources can I find useful?

International fellowships typically have earlier deadlines (September-October). Here is the laundry list of various external fellowships for international applicants by Caltech, which has a combination of tuition, living stipend, research/travel grants, research internships, and conferences, lasts for 3-5 years, and may only be used at schools in the US.

TIPS ON COSTS

What are the estimated/approximate costs of applying and attending (in the currency of the country in which the program is located)?

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, the annual total price (tuition plus full expenses) of master’s degree programs was $28,375 at public and $38,665 at private universities. The annual total price (tuition plus full expenses) of doctorate programs was $32,966 at public and $46,029 at private universities.

TIPS ON FUNDING OPTIONS

To find out opportunities for foreign scholars for various fellowships and grants, go to International Grants & Fellowships.  

These tips were compiled with the valuable help of SHAHEEN volunteers. The contributors to this tip sheet include the following people:

• Meryem Zaman – Monmouth College, Illinois, Michigan State University.

We thank our volunteers for their contribution and hope their tips and advice help you in your application.

In addition, the following sources were consulted in developing this tipsheet and we encourage you to consult these sources for additional information and guidance on your application.

• Graduate School Handbook – Anthropology by University of Texas, Austin – Department of Anthropology
• A Basic Guide to Graduate School Admissions in Anthropology by Luis A. Vivanco
• So You’re Applying to Graduate School in Anthropology by Matthew Wolf-Meyer
• Getting into Graduate School in Anthropology – What an Admission Committee look for in applicants? by Savage Minds
• Advice for Prospective Students by University of Tennessee – Department of Anthropology