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The Graduate Program in Anthropology at the University of Virginia prepares new generations of anthropologists to teach, conduct research, and undertake community-engaged work, applied and theoretical, at home and abroad. We admit new graduate students biannually, in three subfields: sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Every other year, a new class of about 8 PhD and up to 6 MA students across the 3 subfields begin their studies. (Students apply in fall of odd-numbered years to begin their studies in fall of the next year; for example, students can apply in fall 2025 to begin in fall 2026.) The department is known for its warmth, collegiality, and supportiveness, one where classes are small, students work closely with faculty and peers, and students are encouraged to take courses in other disciplines. Regular workshops prepare students for proposal and grant writing, teaching, professional presentations, and job searches, and each sub-discipline supports faculty-graduate student research workshops. The Department also sponsors a colloquium series that brings everyone together for lectures by speakers from outside the department and the University.

We pride ourselves on the following emphases:

• studies in the history and theory of anthropology that give students a broad view of the field;
• integration of theory and ethnographic research;
• collaboration and inspiration across the three sub-disciplines;
• training in grant writing;
• mentoring for intensive field research;
• training and experience in teaching; and
• mentoring for job placement.

We also take interdisciplinarity seriously and pride ourselves on our many and strong ties to other University departments and programs, including affiliated faculty in such diverse units as: American Studies; African and African-American Studies; East Asian Languages and Cultures; English; Environmental Sciences; Global Studies; History; Latin American Studies; Media Studies; Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures; Linguistics; Music; Public Health Sciences; Religious Studies; Women, Gender, and Sexuality; and many others.

We invite you to explore the links below to find out more about our curriculum and community.  If you have questions please contact our Director of Graduate Studies or our Director of Graduate Admissions.