Applying to the Graduate Program in Anthropology

Please see a description of our new program  under the Graduate Curriculum Link.

** The MA program is ONLY available to a small number of entering archaeology students as indicated in the Graduate Curriculum Description. Do NOT apply for the MA unless you have approval of the DGS.

Materials Required for Application

The following items must be submitted when applying for admission to the Graduate Program in Anthropology. Applications for admission will not be reviewed unless they are complete.

DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION Materials are due
IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OFFICE BY January 15th—without exception

Send the following materials to The Graduate School, University of Kentucky (see The Graduate School website for further information and instructions).

(NOTE- the graduate school deadline differs from the Anthropology Department Deadline. PLEASE USE THE DEPARTMENT DEADLINE as the correct date (January 15).)

1. Completed and signed application (can be submitted electronically via The Graduate School Admission website). IMPORTANT: Print a copy to send to the department BEFORE submitting your application electronically to the graduate school. It is impossible to "go    back" to the application for printing after electronic submission.
2. Application fee.
3. For Domestic Students: One (1) official transcript from each institution of higher learning that you have attended. A second set of official transcripts must be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies in the department (see below). DO NOT send both sets of transcripts to the Department of Anthropology—if you do so, you will be required to obtain and send an additional set to The Graduate School.
   For International Students: Transcripts of credentials for all university work. Credentials must be either original documents or certified copies; an official translation must be attached if records are in a language other than English. Credentials should include a record of all degrees earned, detailing subjects taken and grades obtained. Send ONE SET of these credentials to the graduate school, and ONE SET to the to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Send the following materials to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Anthropology, 211 Lafferty Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0024.

These materials are DUE in the Anthropology office by January 15.

1. The Anthropology Department Application Form.
2. A copy of your completed and signed application as submitted to The Graduate School. IMPORTANT: You must print your application for submission to the department BEFORE submitting it electronically to the graduate school.
3. One (1) official transcript from each institution of higher learning that you have attended (see explanation above for domestic and international students).
4. A statement of your major interests and goals in the field of anthropology, including how the Department of Anthropology at UK is particularly suited to helping you achieve those goals (approximately 2-5 pages).
5. Three (3) letters of reference. Please print and provide the following Reference Form to each of your referees.
6. Two (2) writing samples, preferably in the form of a term paper or an extensive essay. If you have completed an undergraduate thesis or a Master's thesis, you may submit one or two chapters only. Please DO NOT submit an entire thesis, nor an entire archaeology site report, nor other lengthy document.
7. An updated Curriculum Vitae, if available.
8. Unless you notify us otherwise, we will assume that you are interested in funding.