Department of Anthropology
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General Requirements
There is a general written English proficiency requirement for all degree-seeking graduate students in anthropology. Incoming students are expected to fulfill the English proficiency requirement before beginning their graduate studies at Purdue. Students whose native language is English satisfy the requirement (a) by earning a grade of B or better in an undergraduate English Composition course (or its equivalent) prior to graduate admission, or (b) scoring 600 or higher on the verbal section of the GRE. Students whose native language is not English satisfy the written English proficiency requirement if they scored (a) 5 or higher on the TWE, or (b) 600 or higher on the verbal section of the GRE.
Students admitted to the MS program must have completed a BA or BS degree. An undergraduate degree in anthropology is not necessary in order to be admitted to the graduate program; however, all graduate students are expected to gain and demonstrate a solid substantive base in anthropology prior to advancement in the program. The Graduate Committee may require students to complete specific courses at the time of admission.
Students admitted to the PhD program must have completed an MA or MS in anthropology. Students with advanced degrees in other fields will be required to complete MS requirements in anthropology. Additionally, students entering the PhD program with an MS or MA from another institution will be required to demonstrate their expertise in the four fields of anthropology (sociocultural, archaeological, linguistic, and biological anthropology) by taking the diagnostic examination by the end of the second semester in residence, or by supplying comparable materials from an earlier program in anthropology.
In addition to the electronic application and a $55 fee, four additional types of information are required for an application file:
Grades: Two copies of transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. A minimum 3.0 ("B") undergraduate cumulative GPA is required for admission.
Aptitude Test Scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required for international non-native speakers of English. Applicants must score 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 77 or higher on the Internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who take the TOEFL iBT must achieve the following minimum test scores: reading, 19: listening, 14; speaking, 18; and writing, 18.
As an alternative to the TOEFL, applicants may submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores of 6.5 or higher.
The Test of Written English (TWE) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) are recommended for international applicants but not required.