Prospective Students

Welcome and thank you for your interest in Applied Anthropology at the University of Memphis!

The Department of Anthropology offers one of the nation's leading M.A. programs in Applied Anthropology. Graduate students in our program receive training in core areas of theory, research methods, data analysis and application. With award-winning faculty and significant funding and research opportunities, our department focuses on training students to apply the theoretical and methodological foundations of practicing and applying engaged and collaborative anthropology.

Our students successfully pursue careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors in multiple areas, including healthcare, community development, health administration, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental management. Our program also prepares students to move on to doctoral study in anthropology and other fields.

Submission deadlines

Fall Semester:

Deadline: April 1
Applications submitted by January 31st will receive greater consideration for funding.
Applications after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Spring Semester:

November 1
Applications submitted by September 30th will receive greater consideration for funding.
Applications after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Graduate School Application Requirements:

In lieu of GRE test scores, the department will conduct a holistic review of other application materials.
Transcripts from previous schools and universities
If you are an International Student, we encourage you to look into the Visa process early and read through the University of Memphis Information for International Students.

Visit the Graduate School Webpage for more information on how to start an application.

Department of Anthropology Application Requirements:

Department Application
Three letters of recommendation (at least 2 of 3 must be from academic references; the online application will ask for names and email addresses)
Personal Statement (sometimes known as a Letter of Intent)
Writing sample (5 pages minimum). Recommended for all, required if seeking a Graduate Assistantship.

All documents should be uploaded to the online application system.

Prospective Student Resources

Mailing Addresses

Graduate School

Office of Graduate Admissions
201 FedEx Institute of Technology
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
Phone: 901.678-3685
Fax: 901678.5023

Department of Anthropology

Dr. Ted Maclin, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Anthropology
308 McCord Hall
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152

Why Study Applied Anthropology at the University of Memphis?

Our nationally-recognized MA Program is one of the oldest Applied Anthropology programs in the United States. With award-winning faculty and significant funding and research opportunities, our department focuses on training students to apply the theoretical and methodological foundations of practicing and applying engaged and collaborative anthropology.

Faculty and students in the Anthropology Department are engaged in individually-run and collaborative research projects to understand and potentially solve the complex social problems besetting the region, nation, and world.

First year graduate students are also eligible to apply for the Tim Bolding Scholarship in Anthropology.

Major Research and Teaching Areas:

Regional Areas of Expertise:

Australia
Central and South America
Europe
Middle East
West Africa
United States

What Makes Our Program Unique?

Nationally Recognized Award-Winning Faculty
Theory Driven, Career Focused
In a 2018 survey of 65 alumni, 95% found employment in related fields or were admitted to post-MA studies.
Vibrant and Active Alumni Network & Community Advisory Board
Funding Available for Graduate Research Assistantships (Full Tuition + Monthly Stipend)
Medical Anthropology Concentration & 3-Year Integrated MA/MPH
Opportunities for graduate certificates in GIS, Non-Profit Management, Gender Studies, and Museum Studies

A 2018 analysis from US News and World Report lists Anthropologist among the best science jobs.

Graduate Program Information

The Department of Anthropology offers one of the nation's leading M.A. programs in applied anthropology. Graduate students in our program receive training in core areas of theory, research methods, data analysis, and application. Our students successfully pursue careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors in healthcare, community development, health administration, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental management. Our program also prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in anthropology and other fields.

Coordinator of Graduate Studies

Dr. Ted Maclin, emaclin1@memphis.edu or (901) 678-2080.

Medical Anthropology Concentration

Our graduate program also offers a concentration in Medical Anthropology with topical foci such as health disparities, healthcare systems, and health risks. Dr. Kathryn Hicks serves as the primary contact for this concentration.

Pursue Dual Masters Degrees

Graduate students in anthropology can simultaneously pursue a second master's degree in a complementary field. To facilitate dual degree paths, up to 20 percent of the total combined credits required for the two-degree programs can be shared. (Regulations can be found in the Graduate Catalog).

Students in the Medical Anthropology concentration may also take advantage of a 3-year MA/MPH integrated program.

Students interested in Urban Anthropology and Community Development can take advantage of a dual degree City and Regional Planning.