Graduate

Graduate study in anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh covers a wide range of geographical and topical specialties in all four subfields of anthropology (social and cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and anthropological linguistics). Each subfield focuses academic activities around particular faculty strengths. The Social and Cultural Anthropology faculty, along with faculty in Linguistic Anthropology, conduct research and offer courses in four broad intellectual clusters: Medical Anthropology, STS, Health, and the Environment; Labor, Precarity, Politics; Mobility, Migration, and Citizenship; Language, Media, and Circulation. The Archaeology program emphasizes comparative study of the emergence and development of complex societies, from their initial foundations in hunter-gatherer behavior to their manifestation as states and empires. Biological Anthropology provides students with the bioarchaeological background to address themes of health, identity, and disparities in the past. All four paths of study are embedded in a context of anthropological training of broad theoretical and geographical scope. 

Prospective Students

The admissions cycle begins in September, when the application portal opens. Application materials are due by December 5, and decisions are usually communicated to applicants between February and April of the following year, with new students beginning their studies the following fall term.

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Anthropology strives to admit a cohort of highly qualified students who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the classroom, profession, and community. You can read a complete statement about our holistic admissions approach here.

For more information on graduate studies in Anthropology, please contact one of our graduate student liaisons, faculty advisors, or graduate administrators. For further information on the depth and breadth of our graduate student community, please see a complete list of active graduate students in Anthropology, and a list of recent Dissertations and Theses.

Hot Metal Bridge Program

Anthropology participates in the Hot Metal Bridge Post-Baccalaureate Program.  This a two-semester post-baccalaureate fellowship program. It is designed to help talented students from groups traditionally underrepresented in their academic disciplines, including first-generation graduate students and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, to bridge the gap between an undergraduate degree and a graduate training program. Fellows enjoy financial support and mentoring by both faculty and graduate students as they prepare themselves for a successful program of doctoral studies. Of those who have completed the program at Pitt since 2011, 80% have gone on to graduate studies, at Pitt and elsewhere.  For more information check here: https://www.asgraduate.pitt.edu/hot-metal-bridge-post-bac-program. Check in Spring 2024 for more news and updates about this program.