Graduate Program
Source: https://anthropology.stanford.edu/academics/graduate-program/frequently-asked-questions/graduate-program Parent: https://anthropology.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/minor/how-declare-minor
My recommender is unable to upload the form and letter of recommendation online. Can it be faxed or mailed to the department?
Letters cannot be emailed or faxed; they will be rejected.
What are the requirements acceptance into the Coterminal M.A. program?
All Stanford University undergraduate majors are eligible to apply for the coterminal master’s degree program with a 3.5 GPA in their department major, a 3.0 GPA in overall coursework, and with no more than one Incomplete listed on the transcript at the time of application. The Coterminal M.A. degree program allows Stanford undergraduates to study for a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree(s) in the same or different department. Undergraduates with strong academic records may apply for admission to a coterminal master’s program upon completion of 120 units but no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree. Full-time enrollment during Summer Quarters, as well as allowable undergraduate transfer credit, are also counted towards quarters of undergraduate study.
For more detailed information regarding Stanford’s Coterminal M.A. requirements, please visit the Coterminal Degree Programs Page
How long does it take to get a PhD in Anthropology at Stanford?
The Ph.D. program allows the student to develop a flexible program reflecting special research interests, under the supervision of a faculty committee chosen by the student. Students are encouraged to plan for completion of all work for the Ph.D. in five years.
For additional information please see the Stanford University Bulletin and the department graduate program webpage.
- Years 1 and 2 – coursework and teaching assistance,
- Year 3 – qualifying exams and research proposal,
- Year 4 – approved dissertation research, typically in the field,
- Years 5 – research, analysis, data collection, write-up, teaching assistance and oral examination – Dissertation defense.
Are there different tracks of specialization within the graduate program in Anthropology?
Culture and Society, and Archaeology are the two tracks of specialization in the doctoral program. Within these tracks, students may explore a range of fields of study including medical anthropology and ecological and environmental anthropology. Examples of the varying faculty and student areas of study can be found in their respective profiles online. Although, the tracks are informal and at the department-level, only, they are an important way for the department to identify the student’s developing research.
How can I find out about faculty and graduate student research?
The department faculty and their research interests are listed online at Anthropology Faculty. Current PhD students and their research interests are listed online at Anthropology Graduate Students.
If I have prior graduate work, can it be transferred into the PhD program? Will this accelerate my doctoral degree program?
After at least one quarter of enrollment in the first year, students pursuing a PhD may apply for transfer credit for up to 45 units of graduate work done at another institution. Doing so will not necessarily accelerate the time to degree completion.
Do I have to have an MA or other graduate work before I apply to the PhD program?
No, applicants to the PhD program are not required to have an MA before applying to the PhD program.
My most recent degree is not from an anthropology program. Will this adversely affect my graduate application?
No, applicants are not required to have an Anthropology background. However, a background in the behavioral/ and or social sciences would be expected. In addition, the applicant would be expected to have a foundation in social science theory and the ability to do analysis in the social sciences.
How can I obtain more information from the Anthropology Department regarding my interest in graduate studies?
Please refer to the University Bulletin, Department website, and Registrars Office of Graduate Admissions website for more information. Graduate students' topic and area(s) of interest is available at the Department website under Graduate Students.
Is there a difference between department funding support and financial aid?
Although, departmental funding support is sometimes referred to as ‘Financial Aid’ this funding is distinct from federal or other funding sources that an individual student may apply for through the Financial Aid office of Stanford University. Department funding support for PhD students is funding provided from the School of Humanities and Sciences by way of the Department for the purpose of supporting the PhD student’s tuition, living expenses, as well academic and research expenses throughout the PhD degree program.
Is Stanford on a quarter or semester system?
Stanford is on the Quarter system. For more information about Stanford’s schedule, please go to the Stanford Academic Calendar published by the Office of the Registrar.
Where can I find out more information about course offerings in Anthropology?
Information about current Anthropology course offerings can be found on Stanford Navigator.
Where can I find information about graduate housing at Stanford University?
Information about campus housing for graduate students can be found on Stanford’s Student Housing website.
Where can I find information about the estimated cost of living at Stanford University?
Information about the estimated cost of living at Stanford as a graduate student can be found on The Student Budget website. Remember that this is only an estimate and actual expenses may be different.
Does Stanford offer grant and loan opportunities to graduate students?
Information about sources of Graduate student funding can be found at the Vice Provost for Graduate Education webpages.
What is the annual cost of attending your program?
The tuition and fees information for the current academic year are located at the University Registrar webpages.