PhD Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is your application deadline?
December 15th for PhD applications for admission the following Fall. March 15th for applications to the Archaeology terminal MA program.
. We review PhD applications once a year for admission the following Fall. All application materials must be received in our office by the deadline. If your application is not complete by the deadline, it will not be reviewed.
2. How many applicants are there each year? What percentage gets accepted?
We average 160 applications a year and about 25 percent are offered admission. Admission within our subfields varies. Our Biological Anthropology program is our most competitive.
3. What determines whether I get admitted?
Assuming that you have an acceptable GPA, there are several steps you can take to increase the likelihood of admission.
- Write a focused Statement of Purpose. Demonstrate how you could contribute to research in Anthropology, particularly with the faculty at UF. Discuss how your interests align with important applications of Anthropology.
- Relate your interests to the interests of our faculty. No matter how wonderful your application packet is, you will not be admitted unless your research interests match our faculty’s strengths.
- We encourage you to contact faculty with whom you wish to work. We have a large number of applicants every year, and it is generally helpful for the faculty to have had contact with prospective students before applications are received.
4. Do I need a degree in Anthropology to be admitted?
Applicants without an Anthropology background may be admitted based on other relevant qualifications or experience. They may be expected to complete remedial coursework assigned by their advisor, possibly including reading lists, auditing undergraduate courses or individual study. Students admitted with a Master’s degree in a field other than anthropology will be admitted into our MA program. The supervisory committee may require completion of the anthropology MA.
5. I only have a BA. Can I be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program?
Students without an MA degree will be admitted to our Master’s program and then progress to the doctoral program.
6. What if I only want to earn an MA?
We have a doctoral program in all subfields and a terminal Master’s program in Archaeology. Information on the Master’s program can be found here.
7. What GPA is required?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but the average GPA of our accepted students is generally over 3.5. Very low GPA or test scores will weaken your application, but your application will be considered. You should mention these issues to the faculty members you contact; they will be able to tell you how your situation will affect their review of your application.
8. What About the GRE?
GRE scores are not required.
9. May I send a CV or writing sample with my application?
A CV or short writing sample (up to 20 pages) is optional. You may upload them with your application, email them to the Graduate Program Assistant, or mail them to the department.
10. Must all of my letters be from professors?
Letters from anyone who can attest to the qualities which would make you a good researcher and graduate student are welcome. You should have at least one letter from someone who has direct academic experience with you.
11. What exactly gets submitted to what office?
Please review the Application Checklist for a full breakdown, with addresses.
12. What are the additional requirements for international students?
The University of Florida requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of several different tests.
13. When can I expect notification of admissions or funding decisions?
We send acceptance letters by late February for applicants to the PhD program, with funding offers and denial letters shortly thereafter. Funding decisions can be made all the way up until the first day of classes. Acceptance letters for the terminal MA program will be sent out by mid-May. Those students are not eligible for funding.
14. I still can’t find the answer to my question.
Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant if you have any questions or would like to check the status of your application package.