For the MA program (thesis-based), the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree in Anthropology or a closely related discipline with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For the PhD program, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a thesis-based master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4- point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to
). Any one of the following is acceptable:
TOEFL (internet-based):
For tests written before January 21, 2026:
score of 90 with no band less than 21 or equivalent;
For tests written on or after January 21, 2026:
score of 4.5 with no band less than 4.5 or equivalent;
IELTS (academic) overall band score of 6.5;
CAEL overall score of 70 with at least 70 on each subtest;
The Department of Anthropology offers the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts (thesis-based). Students contemplating graduate work in Anthropology should direct their inquiries to the Graduate Program Advisor/Research Coordinator of the Department. Departmental Graduate Program Guidelines can be found on our Graduate Student Information website linked to the Department of Anthropology Website.