Prospective Students

Welcome and thank you for your interest in 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 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

Graduate School Application Requirements:

• GRE Test Scores
• Test score requirements will be waived through Fall 2021 applications. In lieu of 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)
• 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

• Anthropology Program Requirements and Course Descriptions
• Anthropology Department Master's Practicum
• Anthropology Department Comprehensive Written and Oral Exams
• Anthropology Department Graduate Student Handbook (Updated 2020)
• Anthropology Department Learning Goals and Objectives
• The Graduate School
• The Graduate School Application Checklist
• Financial Aid Department
• Hints for Finding a Graduate Assistantship

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
302B Manning Hall
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
Phone: 901.678.3936
Fax: 901.678.2069