Anthropology, MA

Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Field of Study: Anthropology


Program Overview

The graduate program in the Department of Anthropology focuses on medical anthropology and global health. The objectives of the program are to train students (1) to recognize and address, on both theoretical and practical levels, the complex relations between the biological, social, cultural, psychological, economic, and techno-environmental determinants and concomitants of sickness and health in both local and global settings; and (2) to analyze and evaluate how health services are organized and delivered. Students may receive a Certificate in Global Health in conjunction with their anthropology degree.

The Master of Arts degree program prepares students to begin teaching, research, or service careers with a strong background in anthropology, including theory and methods. Undergraduate coursework in anthropology, while helpful, is not a prerequisite for admission.

The MA program is designed for two groups of students:

MA to PhD: Students who wish to obtain a PhD but enter the program with only a BA must obtain the MA before being admitted to the PhD program. This is accomplished in three semesters. Upon successful completion of the MA degree, students continue on to the PhD program.

MA only: Those students who wish to obtain an MA only can enroll in the one-year intensive MA program and complete the degree requirements in two semesters. This program is designed for students who plan careers in other fields, including the allied health professions. These students may not enter the PhD program directly, although they may apply for admission.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The curriculum covers the range of medical anthropology interests: ethnomedicine, international and global health, psychiatric anthropology, human adaptation and disease, nutrition, and so on. All Master of Arts degree students in anthropology must complete 30 credit hours:

Required Courses:
ANTH 439Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Methods3
ANTH 462Contemporary Theory in Anthropology3
ANTH 480Medical Anthropology and Global Health I3
ANTH 481Medical Anthropology and Global Health II3
Approved statistics course3
Approved anthropology electives a15
Total Credit Hours30
a

 Anthropology or other department offerings with advisor approval.