Anthropology

The Stanford University Anthropology Program offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the diverse ways humans have adapted to their environments and the intricate social structures that define societies across the globe. Students engaging in the Anthropology major will have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including archaeological practices, socio-cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic diversity, all grounded in a multidisciplinary framework that emphasizes critical thinking and empirical research.

The curriculum at Stanford combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging students to develop analytical skills that are essential for careers in academia, research, public policy, museums, and international development. Undergraduates can choose to focus on specific areas such as Archaeology, which involves excavating and analyzing ancient artifacts; Cultural Anthropology, which examines contemporary social issues, belief systems, and traditions; Biological Anthropology, which explores human evolution, genetics, and physical adaptations; or Linguistic Anthropology, which studies the relationship between language and social life.

Students in the program benefit from the university’s renowned faculty, who are leading experts in their respective fields and often involved in groundbreaking research projects worldwide. The program also offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in research initiatives, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, the department fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to critically evaluate ethnographic work, archaeological data, and biological findings.

Graduates of the Stanford Anthropology Program are equipped with a broad skill set that includes cultural awareness, research methodology, data analysis, and effective communication. They are prepared for graduate studies, careers in cultural resource management, museum curation, international development, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of human diversity and history. With its interdisciplinary approach, practical focus, and commitment to fostering global perspectives, the Stanford Anthropology Program aims to cultivate scholars and professionals who can contribute thoughtfully to understanding and addressing complex human issues in a rapidly changing world.

AUTUMN

Courses:

• Both Tracks-ANTHRO 310G Intro Grad Studies and ANTHRO 444 Colloquium
• AR-None given
• CS-ANTHRO 301A Foundations of Social Theory (optional for MA),  ANTHRO 306 Research Method (may waive out of requirement based on previous Methods training), and Anthro 400 Cultural & Social Dissertation Writers Seminar

Funding:

• non given

Milestones:

• Approved Department's Plan of Study and Declaration of Track (form) due by the last day of the first week in Autumn quarter of first year Other

Requirements:

• By the end of the first quarter, submit the Registrar's Masters Degree Program Proposal form
• By the last day of the first quarter of the Masters degree program, submit the Department's Graduate Report of Degree Progress form

Units:

• Full time 11-18 (15 minimum). Suggested: at least one or more department review courses (usually ANTHRO 300-level), ANTHRO 444 and 445, 310G, and a Theory course (usually ANTHRO 300-level) as required by track.

WINTER

Courses:

• All Tracks-ANTHRO 444 Colloquium
• AR-ANTHRO 303 Intro Arch Theory
• CS-ANTHRO 311G Intro CS Grad Studies and ANTHRO 301 Hist of Anth Theory
• EE-ANTHRO 364 Eco Group (letter grade required)

Funding:

• non given

Units:

• Full time 11-18 (15 minimum). Suggested: at least one or more department review courses (usually ANTHRO 300-level), ANTHRO 444 and 445, 311G (required of the CS track students, only), and a Theory course (usually ANTHRO 300-level) as required by track.

Central or Other Department: [Download department forms at Graduate Forms and References]

• Plan of Study and Declaration

Registrar:

• Masters Degree Program Proposal.  See https://stanford.app.box.com/v/progpropma

SPRING

Courses:

• All Tracks-ANTHRO 444 Colloquium
• AR-ANTHRO 303 Intro Arch Theory and ANTHRO 307 Arch Methods Res Des (or, by end 2nd year)
• CS-ANTHRO 311G Intro CS Grad Studies and ANTHRO 300 Reading Theory Through Ethnography (optional for MA)
• EE-ANTHRO 304 Data Analysis (or, by end 2nd year)

Funding:

• non given

Other Requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 4 department review courses, inclusive of the theory course requirement, by the end of spring quarter (or the third quarter of matriculation as a graduate Masters student).
• Completion of at least on Methods course by the end of spring quarter (or the third quarter of matriculation as a graduate Masters student).

Units:

• Full time 11-18 (15 minimum). Suggested: at least one or more department review courses (usually ANTHRO 300-level), ANTHRO 444 and 445, 311G (required of the CS track students, only), and a Theory course (usually ANTHRO 300-level) as required by track.
• Complete at least 45 units by the end of Spring quarter in the first year

SUMMER

Courses:

• No enrollment required

Funding:

• non given

Units:

• Zero units; no enrollment required unless graduating in Summer Quarter

Requirements

1. Submission of the Stanford University Electronic Graduate Admissions Application (for PhD and terminal MA applications only) by the published deadline. Please review the information and instructions, for accessing the electronic application, via the Stanford University Graduate Admissions webpages located at http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions. To choose an Anthropology graduate degree program, search for the Department of Anthropology in the School of Humanities and Sciences.
2. Submission of the Writing Sample detailing evidence of both writing ability, the capacity for research, analysis, original thought at the graduate level, and demonstration of the ability to use theory in relation to evidence. Please submit a 4,500-5,400 word paper, via electronic pdf file upload directly to the electronic graduate application. If electronic submission is not possible, please send an email message to anth_gradadmission@stanford.edu explaining the circumstance and make a request for an alternate method of electronic submission.
3. Submission of all cited transcripts, via electronic .pdf file upload directly to the electronic graduate application. In addition to uploading a scanned copy of the transcript, applicants must arrange to have two official transcripts sent to you from every post-secondary institution they have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. NOTE: An official transcript is one that is received directly from the issuing institution that bears the official seal and signature of the institution, representing its validity. See https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-application-documents/transcripts-academic-records-0.
4. Submission of required test scores by way of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) listing the Stanford University Institutional code: 4704 (there is no department or school code, only the University code)
   • GRE required for all national and foreign national applicants
   • TOEFL for all foreign national applicants (please see the information listed at University Registrar Office of Graduate Admissions for exceptions)
5. Submission of a statement of purpose detailing academic and professional preparation for the Anthropology graduate degree program. Please submit a 900-1,350 word paper, via electronic pdf file upload directly to the electronic graduate application.
6. Submission of three letters of recommendation, only. Please review the University Registrar Office of Graduate Admissions instructions for submission of the letters of recommendation. Important - Letters must be submitted electronically by each recommender. A private letter/credentialing service is not permitted. If electronic submission is not possible, please send an email message to anth_gradadmission@stanford.edu explaining the circumstance and with a request for alternate method of electronic submission. All letters should be received by the published deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with each recommender to ensure that the department’s deadline for submission of the electronic graduate application will be met.

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Enroll in the course

The Anthropology undergraduate program at Stanford University offers a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical research opportunities. Funding for students pursuing a degree in Anthropology can be obtained through various sources, including university-specific scholarships, need-based financial aid, and external fellowships. Stanford University's financial aid program is one of the most generous nationwide, aiming to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Undergraduate students in the Anthropology program can apply for need-based grants and scholarships that do not require repayment, helping to offset tuition costs and associated expenses. Additionally, there are work-study opportunities available, allowing students to gain practical experience and earn funds during the academic year. Stanford's Office of Financial Aid provides detailed information and personalized assistance to help students navigate available funding options. Many students also participate in research grants and fellowships specific to anthropology, often supported by faculty research funding, external organizations, or academic associations. These funds can support fieldwork, conference attendance, and research publications, enriching the educational experience. For students interested in graduate studies following their bachelor's degree, Stanford offers various fellowships and assistantship programs that provide stipend support and tuition remission. Overall, the financing of anthropology studies at Stanford is structured to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing their academic and research interests in the field.

The Stanford University Anthropology program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding human societies, cultures, and biological aspects of humanity. It provides students with a solid foundation in the four major subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, methodological skills, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of human experiences across different historical and geographical contexts. Students have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, laboratory research, and theoretical analysis, often collaborating with faculty who are leading experts in their respective areas. The program emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative research methods, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, cultural resource management, and more. Additionally, Stanford offers specialized tracks such as medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, and human evolutionary studies, allowing students to tailor their educational experience to their specific interests. The university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning encourages students to integrate insights from psychology, biology, history, and other fields, fostering a holistic understanding of what it means to be human. The program also benefits from Stanford's extensive resources, including world-class research centers, laboratories, and libraries, as well as opportunities for internships and field-based projects both nationally and internationally. Graduates of the Stanford Anthropology program have gone on to succeed in various fields, including academia, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry, demonstrating the program's relevance and excellence in preparing students for diverse career paths. Overall, Stanford's anthropology program combines rigorous scholarship with practical experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex issues relating to human diversity, evolution, and societal development.