Programs - Graduate Admission

The admission process to the graduate program can be found below. The Annual Graduate Application Deadline for Department of Anthropology is the first Friday in January. Please download the application checklist (on the left) to insure you have completed all the required steps in the application process.

Application Procedure

  • Deadline
    The Graduate Application Deadline for Department of Anthropology is the first Friday in January for a fall admission of the same calendar year. All application materials must be received by the deadline. We have only one admission cycle per year, (none in the Spring or Summer).

  • Requirements
    The University provides the option of either an on-line application form or a hard copy (available from the department or as a download on-line). However additional materials are required as well (see below). If you are submitting an on-line application, please provide printed verification of the application submitted along with the additional application materials.

    Application – Sent to UNM’s Admissions office (address below):
      1. Online applications or a download (printed) application and registration form.
      2. Application fee ($50) We recommend that you request an official transcript for your own files as a back up.

      Required Additional Materials Sent to the Department of Anthropology (address below):

      1. Departmental Application Form
      2. Three letters of recommendation using UNM recommendation form
      3. GRE scores (required of all applicants including those with a Master’s degree)
      4. Letter of intent (Please indicate which sub-field you are interested in)
      5. One official transcript (from all colleges attended)

        Note: International students will be required to submit application materials and additional materials to the International Admissions Office. Contact the Office of International Admissions for detailed information and instructions. The International Admissions office will determine if an application file is complete when the application has met the departmental requirements listed above plus the additional materials required by International Admissions (TOEFL, Certification of Financial Responsibility, etc). Applicants must adhere to both the department and the International Admissions deadline.

        You may contact their office via phone: (505) 277-5829; FAX: (505) 277-1867;
        Email: goglobal@unm.edu; or view requirements on their website.

Application Process

  • Department decisions
    After the deadline applications are divided and filed by subfield. Faculty from a given subfield will review only the applicant files from that subfield. Decisions are made between mid February and early March. Decision letters will be sent to all applicants.

  • Funding packages
    Funding packages are offered to a select number of admitted students. No need to apply. Preference for Federal Financial Aid is given to students at UNM who file their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before March 1st. Therefore even if you are applying to several schools, it is best to apply before March 1st and list UNM as one of your potential schools. For additional information on available financial support see Funding Sources.

  • Applicant decision deadline
    We will request that applicants offered funding make a relatively quick decision, as there is always a waiting list for funding packages. However, admitted students have until mid April to make a decision. In certain circumstances, students needing more time may contact the department and request it.

  • Deferred admission
    Once accepted, it is possible for an applicant to defer admission to the following year. However, the subfield faculty upon request from the applicant must approve deferred admission. Also, students who deferred are still required to send a new application form and any updated transcripts the following year to meet OGS requirements.
Application Address

The University of New Mexico Office of Admissions
Attn: Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 4849
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 06-3720
Albuquerque, NM 87196-4895

Required Additional Materials

Department of Anthropology Attn: Erika Gerety
Program Advisement Coordinator
MSC01-1040
1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87131-0001

© The University of New Mexico Department of Anthropology, 2008.
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