Graduate Studies
UIC offers both MA and PhD degrees with specialties in the three major subfields of Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology. Admissions preference is given to MA-seeking students who intend to pursue an MA-PhD sequence, rather than a terminal MA. The interdepartmental concentrations are available in Gender and Women's Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies or Black Studies.
- Archaeology: The combined faculties of the UIC Departments of Anthropology and the Field Museum represent one of the largest concentrations of anthropological archaeologists in the USA. We currently have research projects being conducted across the world.
- Sociocultural Anthropology: The sociocultural program offers focused, topical specializations in Political Economy and Development, Medical Anthropology, Urban Anthropology, Globalization, Transnational Politics, and Social Movements, Gender and Sexuality, the Politics of Commodities and Consumption, Anthropology of Food, and Environmental Anthropology. Area specialties include South Asia (India and Nepal), Southeast Asia (Singapore and the Philippines), Latin America, (Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru), Africa (Tanzania), and the United States.
- Biological Anthropology: Biological anthropology focuses on the evolution of humans and closely related species from a comparative perspective. At UIC we are especially interested in modern populations as well as on issues of health.
Our faculty are actively conducting research in the United States and around the globe. They are also very interested in meeting new students and learning about your research interests. After becoming familiar with our faculty, and their research, feel free to contact faculty to introduce yourself.
The best way to know if UIC Anthropology is for you is to visit the campus and the department. Making your visit the most beneficial for you takes planning before you arrive. We look forward to welcoming you to UIC Anthropology.
Our Programs Heading link
We offer several graduate degrees within the Anthropology department. All of our graduate students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty at the Field Museum and access the resources offered by this world-class museum. All students are included within this collaborative relationship – no special applications are necessary.
Graduate Degrees Offered Heading link
Applying to the Program Heading link
The UIC Anthropology graduate program is competitive and receives many applications each year. All members of the admissions committee, with representatives from both UIC and the Field Museum, review admission materials. The committee members will review college transcripts, GRE scores, letters, personal statement, and any other materials included (i.e. CV or writing samples). Some faculty place more emphasis on previous fieldwork than others, while some look for language skills or unique experiences, and others stress test scores and grades. Regardless, all members of the committee look for evidence of academic excellence and a clear match between your interests and those of our faculty. We have no maximum or minimum number of students that we accept each year.
Important Dates
- Applications are due on December 15 for the Fall term (we do not admit students for Spring or Summer entry).
- Notification letters are sent in mid-March with an April 15 deadline for acceptance.