Masters of Arts in Anthropology
Anthropology at UTSA emphasizes a four-field approach to Master's level training.
Application Procedures
To apply for admission to the M.A. program in anthropology, you must complete The University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate Application for Admission. The application consists of an application form, official academic transcripts, an essay (statement of purpose), and 2 letters of recommendation (see below). GRE scores must also be submitted to the Graduate School. These scores will be considered only as one element in the evaluation of applicants. Applications will not be reviewed until complete.
Applicants can request degree-seeking or non-degree seeking status (special graduate students or non-degree-seeking graduate students). Please see below for explanation of terms.
Applicants for admission as degree-seeking students will be evaluated on the basis of undergraduate academic performance, the application essay, letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores. A degree-seeking applicant admitted to the program may receive unconditional, conditional, or probationary admission status.
Applicants for admission as non-degree-seeking students need not submit GRE scores. Non-degree-seeking students may be limited in the courses they are permitted to take. Admission as a non-degree-seeking student does not ensure subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student.
Admission Deadline
The deadline for admission to the M.A. program is APRIL 1.
If you have any questions or would like to talk further with anthropology faculty about the M.A. program, please contact the Anthropology Graduate Advisor of Record, Jill Fleuriet, Ph.D. (210-458-5721, jill.fleuriet@utsa.edu), or any of the Anthropology faculty in your particular area of interest
Application Materials
Record of Undergraduate Academic Performance
Applicants should have successfully completed at least 18 hours of undergraduate anthropology coursework. In addition, this background should reflect facility in anthropology's four fields: archaeology, biological/physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.
Essay
Include a statement of purpose describing your reasons for entering UTSA's M.A. program in anthropology. This document should be 500-750 words in length (approximately two-to-three double-spaced pages) and should answer the following questions as completely as possible:
1. What particular facet of anthropology do you wish to pursue in your graduate education, including topical and regional specializations?
2. How do these interests fit within a four-field approach in anthropology?
3. How have your prior coursework and related experience prepared you for graduate work in anthropology?
4. How do your interests mesh with our faculty and resources?
5. Which of our faculty members (at least 2) would you be interested in working with? Please explain.
Writing Sample
Your application must include a 10-12 page (double spaced) writing sample from an advanced undergraduate anthropology course, or equivalent course if you did not major in anthropology.
Three Letters of Recommendation
As part of your application, you will need three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should preferably be from anthropology faculty with whom you have worked during your academic training. We realize that this is not always possible, especially if you were trained at a smaller institution or anthropology was not your major. In such cases, recommendations from other social science faculty or faculty in related fields are appropriate. Recommending faculty should be given information about how to submit letters electronically.
GRE (Graduate Record of Examination) Scores
For information about the GRE, including test locations and dates, please see www.ets.org. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, GRE scores will be considered only as one element in the evaluation of applicants. Other elements of the application include undergraduate academic performance, the application essay, and letters of recommendation.