Graduate Programs

Admissions Instructions

African Diaspora Program

Prospective students interested in the African Diaspora program may apply to the University and the Department of Anthropology using the on-line application at the Graduate and International Admissions Center's (GIAC) website. This is the preferred method for applying for admission, as it allows the most efficient processing. If this is not an option, an application bulletin may be obtained by calling (512) 475-7390, or writing to the Office of Admissions, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.

A copy of all application materials submitted to GIAC should be mailed to the Department of Anthropology, along with a completed Biographical Data Sheet; a curriculum vitae may be substituted. For students applying directly to the Ph.D. program, a copy of the M.A. thesis or report is required and should be included in the materials sent to the department.

Admission to the Anthropology graduate program is very competitive, so applications should be prepared with care. To guarantee the most thorough consideration, all materials should be submitted well before the December 15th deadline. Although the department does not have restrictions for GRE or GPA scores, the Office of Graduate Studies may choose to deny admission to applicants with extremely low scores. Interests in areas in which faculty have teaching and research expertise, and a well-constructed statement of purpose, are of great importance. For more information, please visit the Department of Anthropology website.

Doctoral Portfolio Program

Students interested in developing an African and African American Studies Portfolio must complete an application form, which will be reviewed by the African and African American Studies Doctoral Portfolio Steering Committee. The application will include a statement that details the candidate's academic and research plans and the importance of the portfolio work to those plans. It should also include a list of the courses the candidate plans to take for completion of the portfolio requirements. The student's Graduate Advisor must sign the application indicating his or her approval of the portfolio plan.

Students can enter the African and African American Studies Portfolio Program at any point in their doctoral work. However, it is recommended that they complete the portfolio requirements before being admitted to candidacy. Candidates must be students in good standing in an approval doctoral program, maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or better, and receive approval to join the Portfolio Program in African and African American Studies from their Graduate Advisor and the African and African American Studies Portfolio Steering Committee that outlines the student's research goals.