What should my undergraduate degree be in?
As long as you have a good selection of courses in anthropology and the sciences, there is no real restriction on what your undergraduate degree can be in. Most of our graduate students come with degrees in Anthropology, Biology, Human Biology, or Genetics.
What type of GRE scores should I have to apply?
We require a minimum of 500 in the verbal and quantitative sections. A score of 500 or better on the analytical section or a 5.0 or better on the writing section is recommended.
Is a GRE subfield test (such as Biology) required?
No, but we would be happy to review the results of subfield tests if you have taken them and feel that they would contribute to the strength and diversity of your application.
How much science do I need?
As much as possible! Our program is not simply an anthropology program - we take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of humans. As such, we would hope that you have already taken a selection of science courses in addition to your anthropology coursework. Successful applicants typically have completed an array of courses in biology, botany, physiology, chemistry, physics, geology, paleontology, astronomy, and/or forensic science. It is also extremely important that you have completed at least one semester of human or vertebrate anatomy, including dissection, and at least one semester of majors-level chemistry.
What anthropology courses are necessary?
We like to see a mix of courses covering at least 2 or 3 subfields of anthropology so that the candidate can appreciate the diversity of the field before focusing on human biology with us. Particularly relevant undergraduate courses include cultural anthropology, medical anthropology, physical anthropology, human genetics, human variation, human evolution, primatology, evolutionary theory, faunal analysis, forensic anthropology, archeological theory, prehistoric archeology, and historic archeology. Students interested in skeletal biology should have already taken at least one course in human osteology, with lab.
Must I have completed all of my undergraduate requirements before applying?
No. Just make sure that you clearly list in your application any courses that you are enrolled in now but have not yet completed and/or those that you plan to take before entering our program. We will then ask you to submit a final transcript that lists these courses before you arrive.
Is prior experience necessary?
Yes! We are looking for highly motivated people who have already had a hand in some aspect of skeletal analysis, archeological fieldwork, or scientific laboratory work. The experience can be paid or volunteer, for credit or not for credit, for short durations or for extensive periods of time. Please be detailed in your application about the types of things you have done, and don't sell yourself short -- we'd rather have more information than too little! The most common mistake we see is that students assume that the interesting things that they've done are not important or relevant. The experience does not necessarily have to be in human biology, forensics, or archeology. When in doubt, ask us!
What kind of experience is relevant to the program?
specific types of experiences that we look for include:
Should I contact one of the professors?
Yes, please! Call or e-mail the professor that conducts research in the area that you are most interested in. Give them an idea about your background and interests and have some specific questions ready for them. It would help to send along current resume or vitae and a list of relevant courses you have taken.
Should I schedule an interview?
Absolutely! Graduate school is a considerable investment of time, money, and energy by both you and us, and you do not want to enter into a decision lightly. Come and check out the program and make sure that it is the right choice for you. You will learn things about us that you cannot read on the website. A personal visit gives us both an opportunity to assess whether we will be able to offer you what you need to achieve your career goals. If travel arrangements are beyond your means, then a meeting at one of the major scientific conferences around the country can be arranged (one may be held in a city closer to your home base - ask your professors). We cannot over-emphasize the importance of a face-to-face visit.
What about timing?
It is important that you begin assembling your application materials in a timely manner. You should contact us well in advance to make sure that your prerequisite coursework is in order and to give you time to take additional classes if it is determined that you are deficient in any particular area. The application deadline is JANUARY 15 each year.
How many students apply and are accepted each year?
We receive anywhere from 25 to 40 applications every year. Of these, admission is typically offered to 3 to 5 individuals.
Do you keep an alternate list?
Depending on circumstances, we may place candidates on an alternate list and will advise them if an opening becomes available.
Can I enter the program in January?
While we do not automatically deny requests for January admission, we discourage such requests because one of our core courses, Gross Anatomy, is offered only in the Fall semester each year. A student entering in January would be out of sequence with coursework that builds upon Gross Anatomy. In any event, an individual requesting January admission must still file their application by the January 15 deadline in order to reserve a spot for the upcoming year.
If I am not admitted the first time, can I apply again?
Yes, however, it is likely that you will have to make up deficiencies that led to the rejection in the first place. Suggestions for additional coursework and work experience can be provided on request. Be aware that the success rate for re-applications is low, particularly for students who were not placed on an alternate list.
What department administers the program?
The MS program is administered within the Department of Biology. However, its faculty reside in a number of different departments and facilities and they work collaboratively to set the curriculum and to train graduate students.
Do you offer a PhD program?
No, and we do not anticipate being able to offer one at any time in the future.
What is the basic approach of the MS program?
Our goal is to train students to go on to a PhD program in Anthropology or a closely-related field. As such, we strongly emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications of human biology in our program. In short, we will turn you into a scientist. Your writing skills will be scrutinized carefully, and you will be required to complete original research and a thesis or other similar project. You will be expected to engage in meaningful opportunities outside of the classroom. In addition, you will be encouraged to begin training as a teacher at the collegiate level. You will be expected to develop professionally within the subfield you have chosen, learning its history, relevant literature, and interdisciplinary foundations. You will begin to interact with colleagues at both the regional and national levels.
What is the format of the program?
We take a mentoring approach to educating our graduate students, with lots of personal contact, informal instruction outside of the classroom, and hands-on learning. Most students in a cohort rotate as a group through the same classes, which are generally small seminars with ample opportunity for discussion. Due to the small size of the program, the number of elective courses available is limited compared to larger universities.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The typical student is in residence for three years (6 semesters), although a few have finished in two years (4 semesters). The amount of time required depends on the type of thesis research each student is engaged in, the amount of teaching they do, and their involvement with skeletal and archeological casework.
What do students do their theses on?
Many complete theses and thesis abstracts are available on the Archeology & Forensics Laboratory website.
What have your graduate students done after completing their degrees?
Between 1995 and 2006, 23 individuals graduated from our program. Of these, 15 are currently completing or have completed Ph.D. programs in anthropology, the clinical sciences, or medical school at programs throughout North America. Others have gone on to work for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL), the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory (CILHI), the Indiana State Police DNA Laboratory, or in the private sector as medical researchers, laboratory technicians, or archeologists.
Can I complete your program and then get a job at a crime lab doing forensic anthropology?
In short, no. We strongly believe that a forensic anthropologist MUST obtain a PhD and become board-certified in order to practice professionally. We are not in the business of training forensic technicians, and the Master of Science in Human Biology SHOULD NOT be viewed as a terminal (final) degree for a forensic anthropologist.
Are assistantships available for first-year graduate students?
No, although most students find hourly employment in the Biology laboratories or at other facilities on campus. Some hourly employment is available during the summer.
What funding is available for advanced students?
Two assistantships are currently available for second-year graduate students: one to manage the Archeology & Forensics Laboratory, and one to manage the Gross Anatomy Laboratory. Each carries with it a partial or complete tuition waiver for the year.
What is the tuition rate?
The graduate tuition rate for the 2005-2006 academic year was $304 per credit hour (the same tuition rate applied to both in-state and out-of-state residents). Students wishing to apply for Federal financial aid should contact our Financial Aid Office at (317) 788-3217.
Will I get to assist on skeletal casework?
If your primary interest is in skeletal biology (either bioarcheology or forensic anthropology), you will be expected to volunteer on casework in the field and in the lab right from the very beginning. Students in other subspecialties are generally allowed to participate if they have sufficient training and experience.
What other opportunities are available?
Students are typically given the chance to:
What about overseas opportunities?
A number of our advanced students have been able to participate in forensic and archeological projects in Alaska, Cyprus, Bosnia, Croatia, and South Africa.
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Graduate Application