The Department of Anthropology offers three major fields of study in contemporary Anthropology: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology, or within the Intersectional Degree Program. The primary focus of the Department of Anthropology is the doctoral degree. A master’s degree is awarded in the process of pursuing the Ph.D.; students are not admitted for the sole purpose of obtaining a master’s degree. Contact the Anthropology Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Amy Stambach by email at amy.stambach@wisc.edu, for information on connecting to your specific interests in Anthropology. Connect with current Anthropology graduate students to learn about their experience in our program.
Application for Graduate Study in Anthropology
Current UW Graduate Students Apply here
The application deadline is December 1 for the following fall semester. All documents and test scores must be complete and submitted by December 1 for your application to be deemed complete for review and consideration. Please keep in mind that December 1 is the deadline for all Anthropology admissions. Although the Graduate School will process your application, the Department has a December 1 deadline, and may not process your application without supporting documentation. Please contact the Graduate Program Manager prior to sending your application if after December 1. WE DO NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING OR SUMMER ADMISSIONS
Things to Submit Online for Graduate Admissions
Transcripts Undergraduate grade point averages (GPA), one transcript (may be unofficial for purposes of departmental review for admissions) from each previously attended university with the application. Applicants accepted to a Department’s program must also submit one official transcript to the Graduate School in order to finalize the admission decision. Official transcripts must arrive in the originating institution’s original, sealed envelope bearing the registrar’s signature/seal. Transcripts that do not meet these requirements will be considered UNOFFICIAL. https://www.anthropology.wisc.edu/graduate-study/admissions/
Statement of Purpose This statement should identify your specific areas of interest and reasons why they are of interest. Also, explain how and why you aspire to advance knowledge in the field of Anthropology. An explanation of why you feel our department is the best place for you to pursue these interests.
https://www.anthropology.wisc.edu/graduate-study/
https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/prepare/
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation When applying online through the graduate school a recommendation request can be sent by email to each of your references. The email will include your name with a link to each department’s electronic recommendation form. The request can be sent at any time providing you meet department deadlines. You can change references or send a reminder through your application. We recommend that you contact your references ahead of time, so that they can expect your request for recommendation. After you have submitted your application, you and your department can view receipt of your recommendations through the online status system. When you submit your application, you will be prompted to enter payment information.
- Supplemental Application Materials – Complete and submit electronically as supplement during online application. Download the supplemental application checklist. Indicate the faculty that you are interested in working with and your major interests within anthropology. Use the faculty specialty listing to inform your selection. Be as specific as possible in your selection and list three or four options. Include a list of anthropology and cognate courses you have taken or will take before attending UW-Madison.
- Official GRE scores Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores. Applicants can submit their GRE scores as supplemental materials. If you wish to submit your scores, they are requested by the applicant and submitted electronically to UW-Madison institution code 1846 by Educational Testing Service. Copies, faxes and PDFs are considered unofficial.
- International students: Official TOEFL Scores are requested by the applicant and submitted electronically to UW-Madison institution code 1846 by Educational Testing Service. Copies are considered unofficial. The English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB) is required by the UW-Madison Graduate School. Scores must be less than two years old, as of the start of the admission term. The required minimum scores are found online.
Test Scores: GRE and TOEFL scores are sent electronically from Educational Testing Service. Use ETS institution code 1846. TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB scores are required of all applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English.
Optional
- A list of any honors gained as an undergraduate, such as Phi Beta Kappa membership, scholarships, etc., include with your online application.
- Curriculum vitae, include with your online application.
- Writing Samples such as research-based papers or other documents relevant to your credentials; reprints of any professional publications; include with your online application.
- Applicants can submit their GRE scores as supplemental materials.
For questions about the Graduate School admissions process call: 608.262.2433. For program specific questions, contact: Graduate Program Manager, Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1180 Observatory Drive, 5243 Social Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706
For International Students
International Student Services
International Financial Information
Graduate Program Manager