MA in Anthropology
Become a Mason Graduate Student
All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.
You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.
Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.
Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.
Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.
Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.
The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.
The spring graduate degree seeking application opens April 15.
Program Specific Requirements
| College Transcripts | Goals Statement | GRE | Portfolio | Recommendation Letters | Resume | Writing Sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Additional Information
Applicants to the MA in anthropology must have 3 credits of sociocultural anthropology before applying to the program.
The program also requires a 1,000-word writing sample such as an essay or full-length research paper.
Regarding the goals statement, the key is to (1) show how your background studies (in your undergraduate degree, for instance; or current work) have led you to want to deepen your knowledge of the discipline of anthropology and undertake research at the Master's level in anthropology and (2) describe the topic or questions your eventual MA research project might focus on. The statement should also (3) describe what it is about our program that makes you think it would be a good fit for you, and (4) mention one or two faculty members you would like to work with and why. MA students in our program work closely with one or two professors as they complete their thesis or project, so it is important to study the anthropology faculty research areas and publications before applying to the program. A professor’s research area could be a good fit depending on the area of the world she or he studies, but equally in terms of the themes, topics, and/or research methods he or she employs. There is no page limit but most goals statements run between 3 to 4 pages double-spaced.
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission Deadline: February 1
Spring Admission Deadline: November 1
Funding Deadline: February 1
Fall admission: Application review will begin on February 1.
- Applications for Fall 2024 will be accepted until June 1, 2024. Applications missing supplementary materials after June 1 will be considered until July 1. Applications received by February 1 will be considered for GTA positions.
Spring admission: Application review will begin on November 1.
- Applications for Spring 2025 will be accepted until December 1, 2024. Applications missing supplementary materials after December 1 will be considered until January 12, 2025.
Additional Requirements for
English Proficiency Requirements
All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.
International Transcript Requirements
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
International student visa questions should be directed to the Office of International Programs and Services.
You have the option to take graduate courses in non-degree status. To apply, you must complete an online application for your intended start term and include transcripts as well as a resume. You will also be required to indicate on the application which courses you plan to take for approval during the application review process. Credits earned in non-degree status may potentially transfer to a degree program at a later date so long as it meets the program requirements and the program director approves the transfer. For information on transfer credit policies, please refer to the University Catalog.
Non-Degree Requirements
| College Transcripts | Goals Statement | GRE | Portfolio | Recommendation Letters | Resume | Writing Sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Required |
Application deadlines for graduate non-degree coursework differ from program deadlines. For additional information on the non-degree application process and deadlines please refer to Applying for Non-Degree Graduate Study.
