Dr. Lanita Jacobs

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Lanita Jacobs. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Lanita Jacobs is a Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity as well as Anthropology at the University of Southern California. She earned her PhD in Linguistic Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1999. Her research focuses on African American women's discourse, anthropology of the body, language and identity, and the intersections of language and gender in diasporas. Jacobs employs ethnographic methodologies, conducting multisited research on topics including African American hair care, the experiences of children coping with Acquired Brain Injury, and the dynamics of African American standup comedy. Her work has been published in top-tier journals and presented at national and international conferences. Jacobs has also been recognized with multiple teaching and mentoring awards, reflecting her commitment to student engagement.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2024-09-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Joint appointment in the Departments of American Studies and Ethnicity and Anthropology.

Associate Professor

2006-06-01 — 2024-09-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Joint appointment in the Departments of American Studies and Ethnicity and Anthropology.

Assistant Professor

2000-08-01 — 2006-05-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Joint appointment in the Department of Anthropology and American Studies and Ethnicity.

Assistant Professor

1999-08-01 — 2000-05-01

College of Charleston • Charleston, SC

Worked in the Department of Anthropology.

Awards

#

Inductee

#

Nominee

#

Recipient

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.