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Master of Arts in Anthropology

The MA Anthropology degree emphasizes research and requires completing a thesis. A core of advanced courses provides a thorough exposure to modern theory and methods in anthropology and entails rigorous training in behavioral and evolutionary ecology, anthropological history, quantitative methods, and research design.

To view program and admission requirements, view the Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements

All individuals admitted to Regular Status as a graduate student in Anthropology must have:

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or a degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree by the International Admissions Office.
  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4-point scale) computed for all undergraduate credits from the applicant’s most recent baccalaureate degree.

Provisional Status may be granted to those otherwise promising applicants who do not meet GPA requirements or who have undergraduate coursework deficiencies.

Enrollment in all master’s programs is competitive, and achievement of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Application and Materials Deadlines

The Anthropology department currently only admits students for a fall semester start. Applicants may apply at any time, but these deadlines are recommended for fall admission and financial aid opportunities.

January 15 – Priority application deadline to be considered for merit-based financial assistance
May 1 – Regular application deadline for Fall semester admission (financial assistance may not be awarded)
June 30 – Final Graduate College deadline (no financial assistance)

Required Application Materials

The following are required for the MA Anthropology application:

  1. Graduate College Application – Complete the Graduate College application.
  2. Application Fee – Pay the $65 Domestic or $95 International application fee in the online application system.
  3. Transcripts – Please send official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts to Boise State. Learn more about submitting transcripts to Boise State.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS Scores – Required for international applicants only. Learn more about language score requirements. GRE scores are not required.
  5. 2 Letters of Recommendation – Applicants will provide contact information for two academic faculty references in the application system. Once recommender information is submitted, a link will be sent to upload a letter of recommendation.
  6. Personal Letter – Two-page (500-word) personal letter of intent describing your background, academic interests, career goals, and your reasons for your interest in the MA Anthropology program.
  7. Writing Sample – Provide a writing sample of your best undergraduate work.

Financial Aid

Teaching Assistantships that include a stipend, tuition, and fee waiver, and student health insurance may be available to M.A. students on a competitive basis. Additional support for master’s research projects may be available from faculty members in the form of research assistantships. Other forms of financial aid, such as loans or the College Work-Study Program, are available to graduate students. Prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Office and consult the Boise State University catalog.

Contact

Dr. Kristin Snopkowski
Graduate Program Coordinator
kristinsnopkowski@boisestate.edu