Applicants must possess an Honours BA (4 years) degree or its equivalent with at least a 'B+ average in the final two undergraduate years. Students who do not meet departmental requirements, e.g., students whose undergraduate degree does not include basic courses in sociology and/or anthropology, may be admitted provisionally.

The MA program allows students to become actively involved in advanced studies and research in Anthropology. Students enrol in one of two study options: 1) thesis, or 2) course work and major research paper.

All students are required to attend a Public Issues Anthropology seminar (ANTH*6000) in their first semester and the pro-seminar (ANTH*6700) in their first two semesters. They must also master basic theory and methodological skills. This is normally fulfilled through the successful completion of ANTH*6080 and one of ANTH*6140, ENVS*6450, or SOC*6130. Students typically begin their studies in the Fall semester.