The department is presently ranked among the top five anthropology programs in the nation, according to the National Research Council. The department offers programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in anthropology. Major concentrations are available in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, or linguistic anthropology.

Applications: In addition to official transcripts, each applicant is required to submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination taken within the last five years, a detailed statement of professional goals, and at least two letters of recommendation from instructors or other individuals in a good position to evaluate the applicant's academic potential. Department application forms are now on line (https://sbs.arizona.edu/project/admission/anthro/login.php). Although the full range of factors is considered in admissions decisions the statement of professional goals is weighted especially highly.

Master of Arts: A master's thesis or master's report is required for all students entering without the MA. A minimum of 6 units in anthropology core courses and 24 units in supporting work must be completed. Supporting courses may be taken within the department or in a range of other departments within the University at the discretion of the student and his or her advisor.

Doctor of Philosophy: The major consists of 36 or more units of course work plus the dissertation. The minor may be taken within the department, in which case it consists of 12 or more units. Minors may also be taken in other graduate programs at the University; students wishing to minor outside the department should consult with the appropriate program advisor. Specialized concentrations in applied anthropology, ecological anthropology, anthropology and history, medical anthropology, and Southwest Land, Culture and Society have specific course requirements, which are listed in the Graduate Handbook. Additional requirements for the Ph.D. include a reading knowledge of at least one language other than English and a working knowledge of statistical or other quantitative methods.

Related research opportunities: Departmental and affiliated faculty are engaged in a diverse array of research projects around the globe: students play key roles in many of these projects. The Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology (BARA),  an independent organization with close ties to the Department of Anthropology, is dedicated to research and instruction in the area of applied anthropology. It carries out a wide-ranging agenda of applied research related to culture change, urban and rural living, gender, agricultural development, technological innovation, policy analysis, learning and education, cultural preservation, and environmental change. Extensive archaeological, ethnological, and osteological collections are available in the Arizona State Museum; internship and research opportunities are available. Field training in archaeological techniques is offered on both the graduate and undergraduate levels at the University of Arizona Archaeological Field School, which is operated jointly by the department and the Arizona State Museum. The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, Department of Geosciences, and the Arizona Radiocarbon Facility provide opportunities for climatic and chronological studies of special interest to advanced students in archaeology. Programs in public health, nutritional sciences, and genetics as well as the Laboratory of Molecular Systematics and Evolution provide research opportunities for advanced students in biological anthropology. A joint program in linguistic anthropology and linguistics leading to the Ph.D. is offered in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics.

The Minor in Anthropology: Students majoring in other doctoral programs at The University of Arizona who elect a minor in anthropology must complete 12 hours of course work (15 hours for Medical Anthropology). Students who contemplate such a minor should consult with the graduate advisor in anthropology to develop a plan of study.