Anthropology, Biomedical (MS)

Program Overview

The Department of Anthropology offers graduate study leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree in biomedical anthropology. This is a course-based professional degree in an emerging sub-disciplinary area within biological anthropology. The program emphasizes an evolutionary and cultural approach to understanding disease and public health. A diverse range of courses trains students to recognize historical patterns and current events and allows students to study across disciplines. Prospective students should explore faculty research areas to see if interests align.

Please note that spring semester admission is only available for ßÙßÇÂþ»­ undergraduates pursuing the 4+1 program.

A is also available for graduate students who are interested in developing practical training and skills that will help foster success in the workplace. The curriculum consists an additional 13 credits in professional skills courses that move beyond the training of a traditional master’s degree.

Degrees Offered

  • MS in Biomedical Anthropology

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

While our program does not require a final thesis project, the curriculum is more intensive than the MA program in anthropology. Students are encouraged to take advantage of diverse course offerings and pursue specializations in fields such as epidemiology, international health, forensics, primatology, human genetics and paleoanthropology.

This 2-year program includes an internship of at least 320 hours and an oral examination at the completion of study. Faculty and department staff are eager to help students find placement at internship sites that correspond with their specific research interests; past students have accompanied PhD candidates as research assistants to conduct field research in areas such as Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean. Other internship sites have included county health departments, the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institution and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

After You Graduate

While one-third of alumni have continued on to doctoral studies, most graduates pursued a variety of different professions within the health field, particularly positions that require interdisciplinary training and depth of knowledge. Graduates find jobs with hospitals, nationally acclaimed research centers, nonprofit disaster relief organizations and government agencies such as state departments of health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Admission Requirements

Funding/Scholarships

There are many funding and scholarship opportunities at ßÙßÇÂþ»­. We encourage prospective students to review available program-specific scholarships and awards, and visit the program's website for additional information. Note: Master's students are generally self-funded, although funding opportunities occasionally arise.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Anthropology, Biomedical website.