Graduate Admissions FAQ | Department of Anthropology

I have a specific research interest in anthropology, who should I talk to? Review the Anthropology Department's faculty list for their fields of interest. Please contact the faculty you are interest in working with directly.
I already have a Masters degree from another institution. Do I have to get another Masters degree if I'm accepted to a UW PhD program? Policy 1.1.4.5: Coursework that may be applied towards doctoral degree requirements with the approval of the graduate program and the Graduate School, a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits. No other transfer credits are allowed for doctoral programs.
Can I apply for a Master's Degree in Anthropology? We offer one stand alone Master of Arts in Archaeological Heritage program. Graduate students in our PhD programs earn an MA incidentally while completing their doctorate.
Which areas of research does this department specialize in? Please check out our fields of interest word cloud to see which areas of research our department is publishing in most frequently and to see the individual research projects.
What is the average age of the graduate students? The anthropology graduate students range in age from 25-57. The average age is 33.
I received my undergraduate degree at the UW. How does the graduate program feel about UW students applying to the program? The department does not prioritize UW students or discriminate against them.
What are the sub-disciplines within the department? Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology.
Is it true that the Sociocultural Program has staggered admission? Yes, the sociocultural anthropology PhD program only accepts applications once, every other year. Application cycles begin with an application in an odd numbered year (ex. 2019, 2021, etc.) for admission to an even numbered year (ex. 2020, 2022, etc.)
Do you have a program in ethnomusicology? The department does not have a formal program in ethnomusicology. However, it is possible to do a concentration in ethnomusicology, within the sociocultural program, by creating in consultation with one’s chair a program combining courses from anthropology and ethnomusicology. Applicants can also apply directly to the School of Music for a PhD in Ethnomusicology.
I do not have a background in anthropology, can I still apply to the program? An undergraduate degree in anthropology is not required to apply to our program. The three sub-disciplines are structured to accommodate students who hold degrees in other related fields. However, it is advisable to complete relevant coursework. Students applying to the Archaeology PhD program are encouraged to have attended an archaeology field school.
How long do your programs take to complete? It can take as little as 5 and as many as 10 years to complete the PhD. The average time to degree is around 8 years.
What are Anthropology's funding opportunities? There are minimal opportunities for funding from the Department of Anthropology, so applicants are encouraged to seek funding outside the department. For more information please visit our Funding Information for Graduate Students page.
Is there other funding available at UW that I may be eligible for? The department is able to nominate admitted students for fellowships designated in area studies (e.g., China, South Asia, and Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asian Studies). Additionally, a limited number of Foreign Languages Area Study (FLAS) Fellowships are available in several language areas for entering students. Students who apply to our program are strongly encouraged to apply for FLAS fellowships. For further information, applicants should contact the appropriate department in the Jackson School of International Studies, 111 Thompson Hall, Box 353650, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-3650 (phone: 206-543-6001; e-mail: jsisinfo@u.washington.edu). For more information visit the Department of Anthropology's Graduate Funding page for a detailed list of opportunities. Please visit Paying for Graduate School and How do I Pay for Graduate School? for more information.
How do I apply for financial aid at the University of Washington? Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for applications to determine eligibility for work-study employment and loans. The Financial Aid forms are due as early as January 1 for priority consideration for the following academic year.
Can you waive my application fee? Application Fee Waivers are done through The Graduate School. Please visit their site to fill out an application.
Are GRE scores required? No, applicants to our programs are not required to submit GRE's. If you are applying to the Biological Anthropology PhD track program, it is recommended that you submit GREs.
How does the Department of Anthropology evaluate applications to the department? The programs pay close attention to the statement of purpose: Is the statement clear and focused? Does the applicant know what they want to do within their area of interest? An applicants GPA, letters of recommendation, etc. are also considered.
What are the English language proficiency requirements? Visit the Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements and the International Applicants page for details. Please contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) directly if you have additional questions.
Do I need to submit official transcripts directly to the department? No. You are required to submit your unofficial transcripts as part of the online application process. If admitted to the program official transcripts will be requested upon acceptance of the offer of admission.
Can I have more than three letters of recommendation sent for my application? The department requests three only. Do not have additional letters sent to the department. In addition to all the required application materials, an application file is considered complete and is evaluated by the faculty as soon as three letters are present. Letters of recommendation can be submitted through the online application.
I have been out of school for many years and I have no faculty that remember me or can write letters for me; who should write my letters of recommendation? Letters of recommendation can be written by professional references. Letters should address the qualities you have that will make you a successful graduate student and why they feel you would do well. Please visit The Graduate School’s guide on Letters of Recommendation.
How will I know my file is complete or is missing any materials? You will have access to your online graduate school application and when your file is complete this will be reflected in the information available to you.
When will I know if I have been accepted or not? Applicants are notified by early March.
I applied last year and was not accepted (or was accepted and could not come). Can I reapply for this coming year? All applicants reapplying to the Department of Anthropology must reapply to the Graduate School (and pay the application fee).
If I am admitted, can I defer entry into the program the following year? The department does not automatically offer deferments, however admitted students requesting deferment are considered on a case by case basis.
Is a personal interview required to apply to the department? No but applicants are welcome to visit the department.
How many applications do you receive and how many spaces are available? The Archaeology program receives approximately 15-30 applications with space for approximately 2-4 students, the Biological Program receives approximately 15-30 applications with space for approximately 2-4 students, and the Sociocultural Program receives approximately 100-120 applications with space for approximately 8-10 students.