Graduate Admissions
Ready to take the next step?
The Department of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo offers graduate programs for students who want to deepen their understanding of humanity through advanced study and research. At UB, you will work closely with faculty mentors, build strong research skills and prepare for careers in academia, professional practice and public service.
Learn about:
🎓 Expert Mentorship
Study with faculty who are internationally recognized researchers at the top of their fields. Our professors bring scientific expertise and innovative techniques into graduate training, providing personalized mentorship and collaborative learning.
🌍 A City on the Rise
Buffalo offers an affordable and energetic community that’s perfect for graduate study. Build connections with local hospitals, research centers and community organizations in a city that values innovation, curiosity and creativity. Discover the possibilities waiting in the Buffalo Niagara region.
💼 Career Preparation
Our graduates thrive in research, education, health care, industry and public service. Through hands-on research experience, specialized training and professional networking, UB prepares you for a rewarding, purpose-driven career.
Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
- UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
- Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
Most master’s programs are self-funded, and many students use a mix of financial aid, employment and scholarships to support their studies. Continuing your education is an important investment, and UB offers resources to help you explore available options.
Step 1: Review application requirements
To apply to a graduate program in anthropology at UB, you must submit the following materials through the online application.
Program application requirements
Electronic transcripts: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 required. Upload scanned copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. Include English translations when required. Official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and enroll.
Three letters of recommendation: Recommenders should know your academic or professional work well. Letters are requested after you submit your application for final review.
Personal statement: In 1,000 words or less, explain your research interests, academic background and how UB will help you reach your goals.
Resume/CV: Include academic and research experience when applicable. Your resume or CV should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills and prepared for graduate-level work.
Academic writing sample: Upload a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to think critically, analyze sources and communicate ideas clearly.
Electronic transcripts: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 required. Upload scanned copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. Include English translations when required. Official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and enroll.
Three letters of recommendation: Recommenders should know your academic or professional work well. Letters are requested after you submit your application for final review.
Statement of purpose: Describe your academic background, research or professional experience, research interests and career goals. Explain why you are pursuing the MA in Anthropology and Law at UB.
Resume/CV: Include academic and research experience when applicable. Your resume or CV should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills and prepared for graduate-level work.
Academic writing sample: Upload a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to think critically, analyze sources and communicate ideas clearly. Preferably related to anthropology, law or a relevant discipline.
Electronic transcripts: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 required. Upload scanned copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. Include English translations when required. Official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and enroll.
Three letters of recommendation: Recommenders should know your academic or professional work well. Letters are requested after you submit your application for final review.
Statement of purpose: Describe your motivation and preparation for advanced study in museum work. Address:
- Personal, educational or professional experiences that shaped your interest
- Relevant professional activities and your role in them
- Leadership, organizational or collaborative skills developed
- Contributions to museum-related fields and broader societal impact
- Perspectives or experiences that shape your approach to museum practice
Resume/CV: Include academic and research experience when applicable. Your resume or CV should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills and prepared for graduate-level work.
Two academic writing sample: Upload a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to think critically, analyze sources and communicate ideas clearly.
Graduate research plan statement: Two-page maximum, which includes all references, citations, charts, figures, images, and lists of publications and presentations. Describe a proposed research topic, approach and methodology. You may include literature citations and discuss potential scholarly or societal impact.
Formatting requirements:
Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font for all text.
Electronic transcripts: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 required. Upload scanned copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. Include English translations when required. Official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and enroll.
Three letters of recommendation: Recommenders should know your academic or professional work well. Letters are requested after you submit your application for final review.
Personal statement: In 1,000 words or less, explain your research interests, academic background and how UB will help you reach your goals.
Resume/CV: Include academic and research experience when applicable. Your resume or CV should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills and prepared for graduate-level work.
Academic writing sample: Upload a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to think critically, analyze sources and communicate ideas clearly.
International Applicants
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow time for student visa processing, which can take 1 to 4 months depending on your country of origin.
Please submit the following in addition to standard program requirements.
For admission review: (uploading unofficial versions is acceptable)
- Transcripts with English translations
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5, PTE 55, Duolingo 120 or higher)
- Passport biographical page (showing name, date of birth, and expiration date)
After admission (for visa processing):
- International Applicant Financial Form
- Bank statements showing financial support equal to or greater than the full cost of the first year of graduate study
- Additional documents based on the program's funding, visa status or dependents, if requested
Step 2: Start your application
Apply through UB’s online application system.
- Create an account
- Select your program and term
- Follow the College of Arts and Sciences instructions
Returning users may log in to view or update their application.
Non-refundable application fee: $75
After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.
U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.
Application deadlines
- December 1: Funding consideration and PhD in Anthropology
- February 15: MA in Critical Museum Studies
- March 15: International applicants for MA in Anthropology
- March 31: MA in Anthropology and Law
- April 15: U.S. applicants for MA in Anthropology
Interested in taking graduate psychology courses without completing a degree?
Department requirements include:
- Email permission from each course instructor
- Written request to the Director of Graduate Studies explaining your goals
- A transcript showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree
Graduate survey courses may be taken if space permits.
If you have questions about our programs, please contact:
