Graduate Students

The Ohio State University Department of Anthropology is second-to-none in graduate student opportunities for faculty collaboration, research and field work. Regionally, our faculty and graduate students are pursuing research world-wide, including:

• Archaeology: Eastern U.S., Europe, Mesoamerica, Near East
• Modern Populations: Africa, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, United States, Latin America, Samoa, India
• Primates: Africa, Central America, SE Asia
• Aging/Gerontology
• Archaeological method & theory
• Belief Systems and world view
• Bioarchaeology
• Biomedical anthropology
• Culture & development
• Ecological anthropology
• Evolutionary genetics
• Forensics
• Human and nonhuman primates evolution and ecology
• Human population biology
• Paleoethnobotany
• Paleopathology

We invite you to explore the programs, experiences of past and present graduate students and our faculty Web sites to learn more about our excellent program.

Specific information about our graduate program and application process is available in our Graduate Student Handbook (doc). 

Please note these deadlines:

• Applications are due no later than December 15th in order to be considered for Fall Quarter Admission. 

• International applicants must apply by the last working day in November.

Materials required for application to our program:

•       An official transcript from each college or university attended, listing all courses taken, grades and degrees earned;

•       The completed Graduate Admissions application form;

•       Official reports of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores; 

•       Three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant's academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance.  These letters are extremely important and applicants are advised to select referees who are familiar with their best work, particularly in anthropology and related disciplines;

•       A statement (no more than three typed pages) of the applicant's special background, or other preparation for the study of anthropology, not evident from other credentials submitted, including a  statement of the applicant's academic goals and objectives.  This statement should indicate why the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in anthropology, why they are applying to Ohio State, and why the chosen subfield is of special interest to the applicant;

•   A certified statement indicating that financial resources are available to defray the cost of graduate education [forms are available at Admission Office].  This requirement applies only to international applicants who are candidates for U.S. non‑immigrant visas for study at this university.

For specific questions and information, please contact our graduate studies chair, Jeffrey McKee, via email.

If you’re ready to join us, apply now and become part of a remarkable, exciting group of graduate students in a journey that will take you to new places with new people! The opportunities are limitless!