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, archaeology, physical anthropology, and anthropological linguistics). Three special programs focus academic activities around particular faculty strengths—archaeology of complex societies; medical anthropology; ethnicity, nationalism and the state—and are joined by a newly enhanced graduate program in physical anthropology. All four paths of study are embedded in a context of anthropological training of broad theoretical and geographical scope. Slightly over half the graduate students in the department concentrate their efforts in one of these four flagship programs; the rest pursue a variety of interests across the full range of anthropology.

Prospective Students

Admissions season has begun!  We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2023.

For more information on graduate studies in Anthropology, please contact one of our graduate student liasons, 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 Thesis.

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 2022 for more news and updates about this program.  

The MA in Anthropology

Completion of a master's degree takes approximately two years. View more information on MA requirements »

The PhD in Anthropology

The PhD program normally requires about six years, and is completely separate from the MA program. View more information on PhD requirements »

Courses

View more information on graduate courses »

How to Apply

View more information on how to apply »

Support

View more infomation on support offered for graduate studes »

Graduate Student Guide & Petition Information

View the graduate student guide and petition information»

Dissertations & MA Theses

View recent Doctoral Dissertations and MA Theses »

Contact Us

Contacts for more information on Graduate Studies in Anthropology »