Applying to the Graduate Program
Prospective Students
All materials should besubmitted through GradCas.
If you are having issues with any part of your on-line application for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences please reach out to the GradCas Applicant Help center:https://help.liaisonedu.com/GradCAS_Applicant_Help_Center. If you cannot find the answer to your question you can also contact them by phone 857-304-2086 or via email:gradcasinfo@liaisoncas.com. For the quickest response it is best to contact them via chat on the Applicant Help center page.
Application Materials:includes the application form and an extensive personal statement (submitted online in the Additional Information section); official transcripts of all undergraduate and prior graduate coursework (submitted online in the Additional Information section); TOEFL/IELTS scores; three letters of recommendation (submitted through GradCas); application fee ($75).
In an effort to reduce financial barriers to attending graduate school, the Kenneth P. Dietrich Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers application fee waivers. Please note that fee waivers are approved on a case-by-case basis and not all fee waiver requests will be granted. All requests received will be reviewed and responded to within 48 hours during normal business hours: Monday - Friday 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. EST. To be considered for a fee waiver, please complete the following fee waiver survey for review:https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cD38CmmjcOT3Tvw
A bachelor's degree in anthropology provides the necessary foundations to succeed in the program, but candidates from other disciplinary backgrounds will also be considered. Applicants are expected to have a B or better average in their undergraduate or graduate studies. Candidates with a lower GPA may present evidence of other skills that will facilitate a successful research career and timely completion of the PhD program. (Alternative evidence includes extracurricular activities, relevant work or leadership experience, community engagement, etc.)
Deadlines:All of above items must be in the possession of the Department of Anthropology no later thanDecember 5. The department admits students for study to begin in the subsequent fall semester only. There is no admission for study to begin in other semesters.
Notification of Admissions Decisions:Admissions review begins after December 5, and applicants can expect to be notified of the department's decision within eight to 12 weeks. Financial aid offers are made together with admissions offers.
Financial Aid:All applications will automatically be considered for financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships and fellowships. There are no separate forms for financial aid.
Personal Statement:In the "Additional Information" Section of the online admission form, discuss at length your intellectual and professional interest in graduate study in anthropology.
- This statement is a vital part of the application, and carries the most weight in our admissions decisions. Your statement might appropriately address the following questions:
- a. What are your primary interests within your chosen field of study?
- b. What theoretical issues do you intend to study in graduate school?
- c. On what region of the world will you focus, and what topics would you like to explore for that region?
- d. Which faculty are you interested in working with?
Letters of Recommendation:All letters of recommendation must be submitted through the GradCasonline application program.
Transcripts:Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and prior graduate coursework by all colleges and universities attended may be uploaded with your online application, but official transcripts will be required of all applicants who are admitted to the program. If your transcripts are not in English, a notarized English translation is also required. Unofficial and official transcripts must be submitted online in the Additional Information section of theGradCasonline application program.
We do not require GRE scores as part of your application.
Non-United States Citizens or International Students
English Language Test Requirement:Students applying from countries where the official language is not English must have official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores submitted directly from the testing service to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):For students whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score higher than 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer test), or 90 (iBT internet test) is required for admission. However, consideration can also be given to scores in the 80 - 90 range. For more information on the TOEFL exam visitthis link.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. However, consideration can also be given to scores in the 6.5 - 7.0 range. For more information on the IELTS exam, visitthis link.
Duolingo English Test score:The minimum acceptable Duolingo English Test score is 120.
Applicants who have completed or are about to complete a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement, and should contact the Department of Anthropology to receive an exemption.
Academic Records for International Students:You may submit unofficial transcripts for all postsecondary institutions that you attended. If your transcripts are not in English, a translation must accompany them. If you are admitted to the program, official transcripts, notarized translations, certified copies of the original certificates or diplomas will be required.
Additional General Information for International Students:
Information on obtaining a student visa can be found at theOffice of International Services.
How to Apply
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Graduate Administrator
NOTE: The deadline for graduate applications is December 5 for study beginning the following fall semester. Admissions are made for fall semester only. All students are automatically considered for financial aid.