How to Apply for Graduate Programs

three students inspecting a fossil

The Department of Anthropology is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort. A note that our graduate program is currently undergoing updates. If you would like to reference our original program information, please use this link.


We offer three graduate programs:


Applying to CSUN graduate programs is a two-step application process. You must first apply directly to the Anthropology department. If accepted, you will then be prompted to apply to the University. As our graduate programs are currently undergoing updates, we ask that you do not apply to the University until instructed by the Department.


Applying to the Department

The department applications for each of these programs are available in the drop-down menus below.

The Masters in Anthropology program develops anthropology-focused theoretical knowledge, research and application skills, and professional career development.

The program is suitable for those students with an undergrad degree in anthropology, archaeology, or linguistics.

We strongly encourage you to contact the graduate advisor ahead of applying to discuss your interests and receive guidance about your application.

Go to the University Catalog for more information

Download the Application for the MA in General Anthropology (.pdf)

The Certificate in the Foundations of Anthropological Knowledge program explores anthropology as a discipline and potential career. This program allows students maximum flexibility to explore our discipline without commitment to an immediate focus on research. Completion of the Certificate program allows students to apply to the MA Program. 6 units of the certificate will automatically be applied to the MA program and up to 15 units are applicable, depending on the student's certificate elective choices and MA program option.

The program is suitable for those students without an undergrad degree in anthropology, a graduate degree in another field, or an existing established relevant career. The program is also suitable for students who are uncertain if they want to study anthropology extensively, but who wish to experience an advanced introduction to anthropology theory, methods, and topical knowledge.

Go to the University Catalog for more information

Download the Application for the Post-baccalaureate Certificate in the Foundations of Anthropological Knowledge Program (.pdf)

The Certificate in the Foundations of Anthropological Research program develops research-focused skills and knowledge in an accelerated, targeted program. Qualified students can complete the equivalent of the first year of the MA program and transition seamlessly to the MA program if their performance in the program permits it, allowing them to finish a MA degree in two years.

The program is suitable for those students without an undergraduate degree in anthropology or archaeology, but who have either a graduate degree in another field or an existing established career demonstrating skill-based capacity for research.

We strongly encourage you to contact the graduate advisor ahead of applying to discuss your interests and receive guidance about your application.

Please email your department application materials to: anthro@csun.edu.


Department Application Deadlines

  • March 1, 2026- Application deadline

We strongly encourage you to speak with our graduate advisor, as well as relevant members of the faculty, as you prepare your application materials.


Faculty bios and contact information can be found on our Faculty and Staff page.