Anthropology

WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?

Simply put, Anthropology is the study of human beings, their complex relationships with one another, and with the world around them. Of course, this is an inexhaustible subject. Historically (and in our department) Anthropology has been divided into four sub-fields: Archaeology (the study of the past through changes in human landscapes, material artifacts, and documentary records) Biological Anthropology (the study of the biological evidence for such phenomena as evolution, population change, health, and social inequality), Linguistics (the use and transformation of language in social practices and cultural contexts) and Social, or Cultural Anthropology (the study of human relationships and activities, and the meanings and values that motivate them).  In our department, we offer an array of coursework in all four of these sub-fields, and promote opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to develop their own research projects.  The Anthropology department at William & Mary is especially interested in promoting engaged anthropology, scholarship and teaching that works with members of diverse communities – from Virginia Indians to Mexican farmers – to carry out research that addresses their concerns and interests. These projects are crucial dimension of our ethics and practice.

WHY STUDY ANTHROPOLOGY?

Because the study of human relationships touches on literally every aspect of our world, studying anthropology provides students with an array of indispensable opportunities. Our majors have gone on to work as everything from physicians and journalists, to playwrights and software designers. We provide access to specific institutions like museums, laboratories, and cultural resource management firms that directly make use of anthropological skills and insights. Some of our students participate in internships or conduct research within local cultural institutions that include Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne. Our methods are as diverse as scientific techniques used to understand the biochemistry of ancient agricultural or hunting practices, and the interpretive skills necessary to an ethnographic understanding of immigrants and refugees around the world.  Our faculty are dedicated to insuring that our students develop the skills, concepts, and experience they need to make vital contributions to the world beyond William & Mary.

Students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Anthropology. Our graduate program offers terminal M.A.'s and M.A./Ph.D.'s with specializations in Historical Anthropology and Archaeology. Undergraduates can major and minor in Anthropology or minor in Native Studies. Students at all levels have multiple research opportunities in and around Williamsburg.

Secondary School Report Form including official records of your courses and grades from all secondary schools and universities you have attended. Please note that in order to have complete secondary school records, we need to have records from your ninth grade year (last year of middle or junior high school) as well as your complete senior high school records. These records must be sent directly to us from your school. Certified non-English transcripts or grade reports should be accompanied by official (literal, not interpretive) translations.

*Students applying as international transfer students need to complete the transfer student application requirements.

Optional Application Materials include:

1. Teacher Evaluation Form and Letter of Recommendation - you may submit one letter of recommendation with your application. Please do not submit more than two.
2. Results of optional standardized tests a) SAT or ACT; and b) TOEFL or IELTS. Results may be sent directly to William & Mary by the testing organization or self-reported in the application. Admitted students who self-reported standardized test scores in the application will be asked to have official scores sent by the testing organization at the time of enrollment.
3. Creative and Performing Arts Submission
4. InitialView - William & Mary is a welcoming community that offers endless opportunities to discuss big ideas both inside and outside the classroom. Applicants who are non-native English speakers are welcome to participate in a third-party, unscripted interview through InitialView. If you have interviewed with InitialView, we encourage you to consider adding William & Mary to your list of school as an optional way to supplement your application.

Tell us your story. We want to learn more about who you’ve been, who you are and who you’ll become in college. Numbers will inevitably be part of your story, but we’re also interested in your ambition, your drive and your hidden talents.

William & Mary practices holistic review; decisions are not based solely on one aspect of your application. Rather, we review your essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvements, and yes, those numbers like GPAs and standardized test scores. Each application is read at least twice, including once by your regional counselor. At the end of this process, our goal is to bring together a class of dynamic, diverse and academically engaged students.

Our Applications & Instructions

William & Mary currently accepts:

• The Common Application