All of the “minimum criteria” for admission set by the UAB Graduate School must be met, and the Department of Anthropology has some additional admission requirements.

Graduate School Requirements

For complete Graduate School admission requirements, see the Graduate School websiteOpens an external link..

As a brief summary, the UAB Graduate School requires:

• An online applicationOpens an external link. and payment of an application fee.
• A personal statement as part of the application that specifies your academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience — in this case, in relation to the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights program. Include in your personal statement any peace and human rights volunteer work or work experience, and any other relevant information as to why you wish to study in this program.
• A recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree.
• Previous studies that are acceptable in quality and content to the program (also see Additional Admission Requirements below).
• One official transcript from each postsecondary school attended.
• If currently enrolled at another institution, applicants must provide both provisional and final transcripts, the latter showing the completion of a degree prior to enrollment in UAB.
• For international students whose first language is not English, the Graduate School recommends the following scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA exams:
  • TOEFL — minimum score of 80.
  • IELTS — minimum score of 6.5.
  • PTEA — minimum score of 53.

Additional Admission Requirements — Department of Anthropology

The following are additional admission requirements of the Department of Anthropology:

• At least two letters of recommendation.
• Applicants who have not 1) majored in anthropology, 2) minored in anthropology, or 3) taken at least five courses in anthropology with grades of C or better, must pass a designated course that provides a background in anthropology. This course must be completed within the first year of master’s study.
• Please see the Application Checklist for important specific procedures and details related to your application to the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights.

Application Checklist

Application Deadline for Spring Admission: December 1
Application Deadline for Fall Admission: March 1

There are a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships available. Applications received before March 1 may be given priority in funding decisions for Fall admission.

• Complete and submit the online applicationOpens an external link.. Gear your personal statement toward your background, interests, and goals in relation to the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights.
• Submit your application payment of $50 (domestic) or $60 (international).
• Arrange for one official transcript from each prior post-secondary institution to be sent by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School, 1720 2nd Avenue South, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0013.
• Arrange for at least two reference letters to arrive electronically before the application deadline. We ask individuals who have agreed to provide references for you to submit them via the online application system. Make your requests for recommendations early.
• If you are an international student required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA, arrange to take one of these exams in time for your scores to be received at UAB before the application deadline. The UAB Institution Code is 1856. We encourage you to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA early to meet the deadline.
• To be assured of consideration, all application material should arrive on or before the application deadline.
• Applicants will be notified of admission decisions within a month of the deadline.
• If you would like to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, please request an application from the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Peter Verbeek, and deliver it by email attachment to Ms. Vern Bush, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or in-person to the UAB Department of Anthropology as soon as possible — before the deadline listed in the GTA application form.

How Much Does the Program Cost?

Detailed tuition and fees information can be found on the UAB Tuition & FeesOpens an external link. page.