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Apply to Our Graduate Program
Students interested in pursuing graduate work in anthropology should first consider what thematic or topical area they are interested in studying, and evaluate graduate programs based on the expertise of the faculty in these areas. Applicants with a well-defined area of interest are more competitive for admission to graduate programs than those with little preparation and/or poorly defined interests!
It is important to keep in mind that in all cases, anthropology is a demanding field that is writing intensive. Our strongest recommendation is to develop robust skills in written communication and analysis. Also, as in any professional academic pursuit, critical thinking and argumentative skills are essential to research, all of which graduate school will help you hone and master. The most competitive applicants to graduate programs can demonstrate independent research ability and strong preparation for their area of interest.
Instructions for Applying to Graduate Studies in Anthropology
The deadline for applications for admission is midnight, December 1st. This deadline may differ from deadlines posted by the Graduate School for international students. Please be sure to have all your application materials submitted in the online application at the Graduate School website to be sure that your application is considered by the Department. Please note that students cannot apply for mid-year admission.
Applications for graduate assistantships are considered separately from the graduate application. If you wish to be considered for funding by the Anthropology Department, submit an application online by December 1st. You can submit an application for funding prior to confirmation of acceptance into the program; if you are not accepted, your assistantship application will be removed from the pool.
The link to the Graduate Admissions website is gradschool.utk.edu. You can go directly to the online application here. All application materials should be uploaded electronically to the Graduate School’s online application site, called SLATE. Follow Graduate School guidelines in assembling your application materials. Please note that while the Graduate School website does not indicate that Letters of Intent or Writing Samples are required, if you are applying for graduate work in Anthropology, you must submit them.
Instructions for Applying for Funding in Anthropology
Applications for funding from the department are separate from the application for admission, and the deadline is December 1st. If you are a new applicant, therefore, you must submit all application materials for admission by December 1st, and for funding by December 1st.
Teaching assistantships within the department are limited. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Graduate School website for information about other funding opportunities at UT.
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