Master of Arts in Anthropology

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Admissions

Students seeking admission to the M.A. program in the Department of Anthropology must meet all the requirements for admission to the NIU Graduate School. In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admission, the master’s program requires degree-seeking applicants to submit the following materials:

• Baccalaureate Field: A B.A./B.S. from Anthropology or other related field is required to be considered for admission.
  • Applicants for admission to this degree program are expected to have completed at least 15 undergraduate semester hours in anthropology. Students lacking this background will be required to take compensatory work during their graduate program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your ability to be successful in the completion of a graduate-level degree program. The individuals who submit a letter for you (referees) should be individuals who have a professional or academic relationship with you. Referees who are not professors should be familiar with the demands of a graduate program. Letters should describe your academic ability and goals, as well as your ability to succeed in the Anthropology program.
  • Tell your referees what program you applied to and the due date for the letter, which is the same date as the graduate application deadline.
  • When you apply, you must indicate if you wish to waive your right to see the letters. Some referees will only consent to write a letter if you waive your right to see it. If you plan to retain your right to read the letter, then you should talk to your referee first.
• Personal Statement: Your personal statement should be approximately 750 to 1000 words in length. It should outline your preparation for graduate study in your chosen field, as well as your goals for graduate school and beyond. In the statement, you should also explain why you believe the NIU Anthropology program and its faculty can help you meet your goals. If you are applying to the thesis track, explain how your research interests overlap with the research interests of a particular faculty member (or members) who might potentially serve as thesis advisor(s).
  • The department encourages prospective students to reach out to faculty members as they prepare their application materials.
• Resume/CV: Copy of current resume/CV in a pdf format indicating relevant educational, professional, and/or or volunteer experience.

Deadlines: Applications for the fall semester (August) enrollment will be reviewed beginning on February 1 for students seeking graduate assistantships and tuition waivers, and on April 30 for those not seeking funding. Applications for the spring semester (January) enrollment will be reviewed beginning on November 1. Spring semester applicants generally are not eligible for graduate assistantships and tuition waivers, but students may be eligible in the following academic year of the program if granted admission.