Graduate Program>Admissions Guide

Application Procedure

The application procedure has three steps and two submission deadlines. Step 1 must be completed by February 1. The materials for step 2 and step 3 must be received by March 1. No materials will be accepted after March 1 even if they were postmarked before that date.

Step 1: Electronic Application to San Diego State University via CSUMentor (Online application must be completed and fee paid by February 1)

Every applicant must apply electronically to the CSU via the CSUmentor. There is a $55 application fee. It is vital to complete the CSU application as soon as possible in order to be issued your RED ID NUMBER. After you submit your electronic application, instructions on how to obtain your red ID number will be sent to you via e-mail. This number will allow you to track your application status online and will enable the department to create and monitor your application file.

Step 2: Send official transcripts and GRE scores to SDSU Graduate Admissions (Graduate Admissions must receive these materials by March 1)

Only after you have applied through CSUMentor and received your red id, should you send official transcripts and GRE scores. Sending transcripts before submitting your electronic application via CSUmentor can result in processing delays. You must provide:

1. One official transcript (in sealed envelopes) from all colleges and universities attended. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
   
   
2. GRE test scores sent directly from ETS. (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682)

The above materials should be sent to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182-7416 Telephone: (619) 594-6336

Step 3: Submit anthropology department application materials (The Department of Anthropology must receive these materials by March 1)

1. Anthropology department application.
   
   
2. A Statement of Purpose which should demonstrate a clear focus of research interests, including both geographical and topical specialties. Must also include the names of at least two SDSU anthropology faculty who would be suitable thesis advisers (please use a separate sheet of paper for the statement of purpose).
   
   
3. Two copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (these do not need to be sent directly from the colleges or universities- photocopies are acceptable).
   
   
4. Copies of GRE test scores. Photocopies are acceptable.
   
   
5. A copy of your university application.
   
   
6. An optional application for Graduate Assistant or Instructional Student Assistant (reader) positions.
   
   
7. Three letters of recommendation from persons in a position to judge your academic ability. We prefer that letters be sent to the applicant and included with the other application materials. If your recommenders prefer to send their letters directly to the department, this is acceptable (though not preferred). In either case, the letters should be received in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature on the back flap.
   
   
8. A sample of written work representative of your research and writing skills.

Please mail or deliver the above materials to:

Department of Anthropology
Attn: M.A. Graduate Adviser
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-6040

Selection process

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.