How to Apply

Each year, we recruit students from a wide range of academic and personal backgrounds. We look beyond grades, like GPA and GREs, to how well you fit into our program and our faculty, and what impact you will have on the field when you graduate. The result of our recruiting strategy is a highly competitive graduate program with outstanding, interesting, diverse, high-impact students.

Advice on Your Application

Our graduate evolutionary anthropology program is very flexible and selective, and we emphasize cross-disciplinary research. As a result, we look for students who have thought in depth about the areas they want to study. It is very important that you tell us your areas of interest in the Specialization and the Statement of Purpose sections of the application. Try to be more specific than just selecting an Area of Knowledge. For example, list interests that tie to our individual faculty research areas. You can also give examples of faculty members whose research is interesting to you. Doing this will help us make sure that your application is reviewed by the best faculty for you. Tell us how Duke will help you pursue your interests, and about your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, when you pick your references, be certain to find people who know you well and can recommend you and your work style.

Questions about Admissions

Review the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website, and feel free to contact the department's Director of Graduate Studies.

How to Apply

To apply to the Ph.D. program, complete and submit the Duke Graduate School application for admission. Please be aware of application deadlines.