Master of Anthropology at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers the Master of Anthropology as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its WWU - Bellingham campus in Bellingham , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for anthropology and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on September 27, 2026.

About Master of Anthropology

Provide structured training in academic core, appropriate specialization courses, and experience conducting independent research
Prepare students for a variety of professional careers utilizing anthropology (e.g. social services, international corporations, cultural resource management, forensics, public health)
Prepare students for PhD programs or other advanced degrees.

Prerequisites

Undergraduate major in anthropology or related field such as human biology, linguistics, public health, classical studies, history, women's studies, sociology and other social sciences. Applicants with insufficient background in theory, quantitative or qualitative methods relevant to their field of study may be required to take undergraduate classes before entering the program. Applicants are directed to the current course requirements in the appropriate undergraduate anthropology major for an indication of the preparation expected.

Application Information

Deadline: Please see Graduate School deadlines. Preferred consideration for admission will be given to applicants who have complete files by February 1.

TA Deadline: Preferred consideration will be given to applicants who have complete files by February 1.

Disciplines

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Anthropology at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Transcripts

You are required to upload a scanned or electronically generated unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended as part of the application. Provide a copy of your diploma if your transcript does not list the degree awarded.

If you are admitted, a final, official transcript from each institution is still required before you can enroll. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, please upload current transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and choose to attend WWU, you will be required to submit a final official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree prior to registration.

Documents must be issued within the last two years at the time of application.
To be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes prepared by the university or college; attested / certified copies prepared by the institution may be accepted if originals cannot be provided by the institution.
All transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the institution, Ministry of Education (or equivalent), or an accredited agency.

Credential Evaluation

This is NOT in lieu of official transcripts, but an additional requirement.

If your degree was earned outside the US or Canada, submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation. We accept both WES evaluations (standard course-by-course or ICAP), and Educational Perspectives evaluations through the CertiFile Certified Credential Attachment service.
- Note: If you choose to submit a WES evaluation, we recommend the ICAP product, because it includes verified copies of your official transcripts and eliminates the need to provide a separate official transcript to our office if you are admitted and choose to attend WWU.
- Please see Certifile Order Process for detailed information about ordering a degree evaluation through the CertiFile service.
You must have earned, or must be in the process of earning the equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to beginning the graduate program.
The degree-granting institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in the country where the degree was earned.

Please contact the Graduate School office if you have questions or need clarification on these requirements. Applications cannot be sent to the department for admission consideration until all required documents are received.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 86

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Anthropology at Western Washington University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Anthropology at Western Washington University

Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your statement of purpose, and writing samples (if required), are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application. Preparing them in advance will expedite your process.

If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time), at (360) 650-3170 or [email protected].

Master of Anthropology at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham