Applying to the Program

The application process includes two steps.

  1. The first step requires you to submit an online University application using the Cal State Apply portal.
  2. The second step requires submission of an Anthropology Department application which will be accepted via email during the campus closure.

The final deadline for submitting all materials is April 1, 2025. However, if you submit all materials by our early decision deadline of February 1, 2025 we promise a decision by the end of February.

Step 1: The University Application

You will need to apply to the University to obtain approval for University-level admission. Minimum requirements for admission to San José State University are outlined in the Graduate Admissions section of the SJSU catalog. The application to the University is submitted electronically through CAL State Apply. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the University (CAL State Apply) or to the Anthropology Department.

Please note: The University-level graduate application is separate from the application you send to the department. Deadlines for the University Application can be found at the Graduate Admissions website. (Please note that only GAPE can receive official transcripts, the Anthropology Department is unable to forward transcripts to GAPE.)

Step 2: The Anthropology Department Application

You will also need to apply to the Anthropology Department to obtain approval for admission into the M.A. Program in Applied Anthropology. 

Please submit the following materials to the Anthropology Department:

  • A 2-3 page letter of intent that addresses: (1) how your background prepares you for our program; and (2) how our program fits into your career plans
  • A sample of your academic writing (8 page minimum)
  • A current curriculum vita or resume
  • Two signed letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic reference*
  • Optional, but encouraged: apply for the Allison and Elizabeth Stubbs Davis Graduate Fellowship by submitting a 450-500-word statement summarizing how your work or career objectives include a commitment to race, class, education, or African American communities. The award, which will be announced in September, includes an unrestricted honorarium of $2000.

All materials must be emailed as one PDF labeled YOURLASTNAME_MA.Application_MMDDYY to the
Graduate Coordinator, Dr. A.J. Faas, aj.faas@sjsu.edu and letters
of recommendation should be emailed directly by letter writers.

Important Notes

* Please ask recommendation letter writers to email their letters directly

Note: For applicants seeking readmission into the M.A. program in Applied Anthropology, we strongly recommend that the writing sample take the form of a detailed prospectus describing their projects or theses. 

Note: We do not accept internal transfers into the M.A. program in Applied Anthropology from another M.A. program at SJSU. If you are currently a graduate student at SJSU and wish to enroll in Applied Anthropology, you will need to apply to the program through the two steps described above.  

Note: Fall 2025 admitted students must accept their admission by (1) saying ‘yes’ through Intent to Enroll and (2) paying a $200 non refundable (and non transferable) enrollment deposit by June 1, 2025 in order to register for Fall 2025 classes. The $200 enrollment deposit will be applied towards your tuition and fees once you enroll in Fall 2025 classes. For more information visit Mandatory Intent to Enroll webpage on the Graduate Admissions website.