Graduate Program>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 February 1. The materials for step 2 and step 3 must be received by March 1. No materials will be accepted after March 1st even if they were postmarked before that date. See the admissions guide for details.

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 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.

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6. Where can I get a SDSU graduate catalog?
The catalog is available at: http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/catalogs/index.html

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. These students, however, usually are admitted on the condition that they take a series of 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.

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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.

15. Where can I get information about scholarship applications or tuition waivers?
See the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) website.

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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, must take the general GRE. The department application does not require an official copy of the GRE scores. Photocopies or faxes are acceptable. The CSU application, however, does require an official copy.

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21. What are the school codes for sending my GRE scores?
The SDSU institution code is 4682 and the anthropology code is 1701

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 (a 950 combined verbal and quantitative score 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. The people writing letters of recommendation for me do not want to send the letters directly to me. Can they send them directly to the department?
Yes, if the recommender insists on not sending the letter to you, then the letter can be sent directly to the department. But we prefer that you receive the letters and then send your entire application as one package. If your recommenders send them directly to the department be sure to remind them of the deadline and provide them envelopes with the Anthropology Graduate Program address. Recommenders should seal their letters and sign them across the envelope seal.

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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?
The department will contact you via email when your application is complete or if it is missing materials.

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31. When will I know if I have been accepted or not?
Typically applicants are notified in early May

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 May 15 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.

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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 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

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