About PhD Program,
The Department of Anthropology offers doctoral training in anthropology designed to provide the theoretical background and the methodological skills necessary for a career in professional research and teaching anthropology at the university level, and for the application of anthropological knowledge to contemporary problems.
We offer the following programs:
- Anthropological Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Sociocultural Anthropology
- Psychological/Medical Anthropology
- Linguistic Anthropology
Despite the small variations in requirements for each program, the only degree title is “Anthropology,” and we assume all students will become familiar with a very wide range of anthropological issues and methods. Of course, any department has interests and strengths which are not captured in a list of its requirements.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Be sure to identify potential advisers and reach out to them to indicate your interest in the program, to ask whether they are accepting new students, and to find out more about your potential fit as mentor and mentee. In your personal statement, you’ll want to describe why these advisers are a good fit considering your research interests. You can read more about our faculty and their research interests on the People
- Learn about what current and former students’ research focuses on to see whether it is a good fit for your interests. You can read more about our graduate students and their research interests on the People Titles of completed Ph.D. dissertations over the years are available on the Doctoral Alumnipage.
- Decide which subfield you will apply to as you will need to include this in your application. Knowing your subfield will help our admissions committee during the review process and will also help you identify mentors and better understand your specific program requirements and coursework. Note that our subfields are a little different from other anthropology departments.
- Review the requirements on our Admissions Note that we no longer require the GRE, but we do require the TOEFL for international students for whom English is not your first language.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Our graduate students receive financial support for up to five years.
Year 1-4 graduate students receive:
Full payment of tuition fees, plus stipend/salary and first year of non-resident tuition paid
A portion of the stipend/salary will be paid through an academic student employment (ASE) which includes graduate student researchers (GSRs), teaching assistants (TAs) or readers for an undergraduate course. Each of these employments cover tuition, graduate student health insurance (GSHIP) and has a monthly salary. The remainder financial support will be in the form of a Research Fellowship to work on a research project of their own.
For any non-California Residents the Department pays the student’s non-resident supplemental tuition for their first year. Students apply for California Residency their second year to avoid non-resident tuition fees. International students are not eligible for California Residency, the Department will pay up to 4 years of nonresident tuition. When international students advance to candidacy their nonresident tuition is waived for a maximum of three consecutive years.
Year 5 graduate students receive:
One year of fellowship support (for Research)
The department provides a one-year Research Stipend for a research fellowship. We also provide a fee scholarship that will pay fees (excluding non-resident supplemental tuition, if any). This year of support is specifically designated for research or dissertation write-up.
Application Requirement,
At least one sample of your academic writing. This may include a publication, a full-length research essay or term paper, or a set of shorter essays. Up to 3 writing samples accepted.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (1900 maximum word limit) addressing:
- What are your principal research interests and ultimate professional goals?
- What relevant preparation have you undertaken for graduate study in Anthropology (i.e. course work, field study, internship, etc)?
- How can the Anthropology program at UC San Diego help you realize your interests and goals? Why is it a good fit? With whom would you like to work?
- Transcripts from all college/university work
- English Proficiency Exams (international applicants only). A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language. The following test(s) are accepted: TOEFL, IELTS and PTE.
- Anthropology has regarded a TOEFL score of 85 as representing the minimum English competence at which a student can function successfully in our program.
Application Deadline,
Dec 16, 2024
Application Fee,
- Application fee is $135 for US applicants and $155 for international applicants. An application fee waiveris available for applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
