How To Apply

UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered for regular admission, applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or the equivalent (on the U.S. 4.0 scale). Applicants who have earned 9 or more letter-graded graduate credits must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent; this graduate GPA supersedes the undergraduate GPA.

• Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended (other than Portland State)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

ADDITIONAL DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum GPA of 3.25 in anthropology courses and an overall GPA of 3.00; in the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be considered, subject to the above university admissions requirements
• 500-word "Statement of Intent"
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• GRE (optional)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
• Certified translation of transcripts
• Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study

Graduate students in our program work closely with their advisor.  As you prepare your application, contact tenure-track faculty that share your interests and with whom you wish to work. Set up interviews (virtual or in-person) with prospective advisors to discuss common interests.

Select which of the three tracks you would like to pursue:

• Internship Track: You'd complete a supervised internship at a partner organization, and write a thesis that combines an internship deliverable to the organization and a final internship reflection paper. This track prepares students for work as a practicing anthropologist.
• Skills Track: You'd complete a curriculum tailored to their career objectives as an applied anthropologist. In your final quarter, you'll take comprehensive exams and submit a portfolio documenting the skills you've obtained during the program.
• Thesis Track: You'd conduct original research in an area of special interest and write a thesis based on this data. This track is excellent preparation for doctoral programs.

If you are ready to start your graduate application, login or create a new account in the application portal. Use this same link to access an existing application and to check your admission status.

While submitting your Graduate Application online, you will be required to upload scanned copies of your transcripts from all community colleges, colleges and universities you have attended, regardless of the number of credits earned. If you are offered admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended as the final verification step after enrolling in your program.

The submission – or non-submission – of GRE scores will not negatively impact whether an applicant is admitted to our master’s degree program.

Proof of English proficiency is required by submitting minimum required official scores on the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System-Academic (IELTS) exam, or the Pearson Test of English-Academic (PTE) less than two years old at time of matriculation.

Write a 500-word essay that summarizes your academic background and your main goals in attending graduate school and our program in particular. It should note which track you seek and the faculty with whom you wish to work. Explain why your interests mesh well with our program.

Submit a writing sample that illustrates your academic skills and interests, and ability to craft a sustained argument supported by scholarly data.

Provide the names and emails for three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation. Referees will receive automated notifications to submit letters electronically.