1. When is the application deadline for the graduate program?
The application procedure has three steps and two submission deadlines. Step 1 must be completed by December 15th. The materials for step 2 and step 3 must be received (or postmarked) by January 10th.
2. What graduate degrees are offered?
We offer an MA degree with specializations in either General Anthropology or Applied Anthropology.
3. What are examples of former students’ theses?
You will find a complete list of theses here.
4. What are the research interests of your faculty?
We have faculty that specialize in archaeology, medical, environmental, physical, linguistic, and cultural anthropology. Geographic areas include Latin America, Mexico, Pacific, San Diego, Caribbean, and Indonesia. See the faculty bios for detailed information.
5. I have a definite interest in anthropology. With whom can I discuss my interests?
Review the department’s faculty bios list and contact faculty who are working in various areas that interest you. You can also contact current graduate students.
7. Does your program admit students for the spring semester?
No. We admit students once a year for the fall semester only.
8. What materials are required for admission and where do I send them?
See the Admissions Guide for details.
9. Do you admit students who do not have an undergraduate degree in anthropology?
Yes, many students have been accepted into the program who don’t have backgrounds in anthropology. Typically we encourage these students to take upper division remedial courses to prepare them for the core graduate seminars.
10. What can I do to prepare myself before applying to the Master’s program?
Take a GRE prep course, participate in research, and familiarize yourself with the ongoing faculty research in the department. You can also take anthropology courses through the Open University Program offered by the College of Extended Studies. Open University is a program where you can take courses at SDSU without being officially matriculated. To take a course you will need to attend the first day of class and obtain the instructors approval signature. These courses will count towards you MA degree.
11. Can I take courses through the Open University Program and will those courses count towards the MA degree?
Yes you can take courses through Open University and they will count towards the MA degree.
12. What do faculty look for in prospective applicants?
Prospective applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements and submit a complete application are reviewed and ranked by all department faculty. Each faculty member weighs admission criteria differently. In general, admission decisions are based on a combination of factors that include (but not necessarily in this order): a strong statement of purpose outlining a clear research focus; letters of recommendation from qualified recommenders that describe the applicant’s specific achievements; overall undergraduate academic performance; and significant professional experience.
13. Should I contact faculty before I apply to the program?
Yes, we encourage you to contact faculty who have interests similar to your own. It’s best to arrange a meeting and discuss your research ideas.
14. Does the department provide any support for graduate students?
Yes. Each semester the department hires a small amount of graduate students for a variety of technical assistant positions, teaching assistant positions, and readers. See Financial Support for more information.
16. How do I apply for financial aid at SDSU?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, tel: (619) 594-6323. The financial aid office recommends that you apply for aid as soon as you have been assigned a RED ID through CSUMentor. Do not wait until you are admitted to the university. You may apply for financial aid while your application for admission is being processed.
17. Is there other funding available at SDSU that I may be eligible for?
SDSU offers out-of-state tuitions waivers for some students. For more information about this program and other sources of funding see the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) website.
18. Does the department of anthropology require a separate application to the graduate program?
Yes, you must submit applications to both the department and the CSU system. See the admissions guide for more detailed information.
19. How can I get information and application forms mailed to me?
Contact Kathy Peck, Anthropology Dept. 5500 Campanile Dr. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, or email kpeck@mail.sdsu.edu.
20. Do I have to take the GRE?
Yes, you must take the general GRE.
21. What are the school codes for sending my GRE scores?
The SDSU institution code is 4682.
22. May I have the GRE test waived?
No. Both the department as well as Graduate Affairs require the test of all applicants.
23. What if my GRE scores are low?
All aspects of your application are considered. Outstanding letters of recommendation, a high GPA, or an exceptional statement of purpose could outweigh low GRE scores. Students must, however, meet the minimum GRE scores (score of at least 950 on the old test, prior to August 1st, 2011, or 294 on the new test and a minimum of 4.0 on the analytic essay).
24. Can I have more than three letters of recommendation sent for my application?
The department requires three only. Please do not have additional letters sent.
25. Can my recommenders email their letters of recommendation to the department?
Yes, your recommenders can email their letters to the department's administrative coordinator Kathy Peck (kpeck@mail.sdsu.edu) or mail through regular mail.
26. Is a personal interview required to apply to the department?
No. Applicants, however, are welcome to visit the department. Please contact various faculty and students directly for appointments.
27. I won't be getting my BA until June. Must this degree be indicated on the transcripts I send you?
No. However, if you are accepted into the program, you will need to submit up-to-date transcripts to the Graduate Affairs as well as the anthropology department after the degree(s) is conferred.
28. Do you have a letter of recommendation form?
No. Recommenders should write letters on their institution’s letterhead.
29. I have been out of school for many years and I have no faculty that remember me or can write letters for me. Who can I get to write the letters of recommendation?
Professionals or others with whom you have worked can write your letters although at least one letter from a faculty member is highly advisable.
30. How will I know my application file is complete or is missing any materials?
You should frequently check your account on SDSU Webportal to monitor the status of your university application. For the anthropology department application the department will contact you via email when your application is complete or if it is missing materials
31. When will I know if I have been accepted or not?
Typically applicants are notified in late February
32. If I am accepted, how soon do I have to let you know that I am attending?
We would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. Graduate Affairs requires that admitted students decline or accept admission by April 16 and send an intent-to-enroll fee. See the Graduate Affairs website for more information.
33. If I am admitted, can I defer entry into the program the following year? The department does not offer deferments. Applicants will have to reapply to the program if they wish to be considered again.
34. Does the MA degree require a written thesis?
Yes, all MA students must complete a written thesis and a public oral defense.
35. Can I earn my degree and still work full-time?
Yes, students have done this in the past. However, most graduate courses are taught during the day so your employer must allow some flexibility in the hours you work.
36. Is there a language requirement for the MA?
Yes, all students must either satisfy a language requirement or a statistics/GIS requirement. See the anthropology graduate student handbook for more details.
37. How long does it take to go through the program?
Depending upon subdiscipline, length of field studies, and personal and professional factors it can take as little as two (2) years to as many as three (3) or four (4) years.
38. How many students apply for admission?
Approximately 50-60
39. How many students are admitted into the program each year?
Approximately 15
40. Should the statement of purpose be a certain length?
We do not specify a minimum or maximum length. The statement should demonstrate a clear focus of research interests, including both geographical and topical specialties.
41. How long does it take GRE scores to reach SDSU?
ETS has indicated that it takes approximately 10-15 business days from the day the test is taken until it is received by SDSU. But they do not guarantee these time limits. We recommend that you take the GREs on or before December 15th to ensure that your application is complete by January 10th.
42. I received an Advancement to Candidacy form in the mail. What do I do with it?
Ignore it. The graduate adviser also receive a copy of the form and they will sign it when you satisfy the requirements to advance to candidacy. See the Anthropology Graduate Student Handbook for details about how you advance to candidacy.
The statements found on this page/site are for informational purposes only.
While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate, official information can be found in the university publications
