Biomedical Anthropology, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

The Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Anthropology is a two-year program designed to develop strong research expertise for careers in health-related fields. Biomedical Anthropology integrates biological and anthropological approaches to understand variation in health and disease across populations, considering evolutionary, environmental, and cultural influences. Students investigate health patterns at molecular, skeletal, and population levels, gaining insights into the causes and consequences of human biological variation and learning to interpret these findings within broader social and ecological contexts.

The program offers a combination of content and methods courses, including topics in human biology and focused training in research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, laboratory methods, and data analysis. Through course-based experiences, students apply these skills and build a portfolio of work through an internship at a local, national, or international site. This combination of coursework and application develops professional skills and prepares graduates for a wide range of careers.

Graduates of the MS program are equipped for work in research and laboratory science, biotechnology, public health, healthcare administration, clinical medicine, and allied health professions.

For current Binghamton University students, the program is available as a 4+1 BA/BS + MS Biomedical Anthropology for most Harpur majors. See the 4+1 guidelines for more information.

Admission Requirements

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in the social or biological sciences are invited to apply. All applicants must submit a statement of career goals.

Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States or other anglophone countries must also submit proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic scores). International students who have received a college or university degree from an institution in the United States or another anglophone country are not required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic scores. Additionally, all international students must provide immigration forms guaranteeing financial support.

Program Requirements

For the Master of Science in Biomedical Anthropology, a student must complete a minimum of 43 credits and fulfill the following requirements:

Pass ANTH 501 History of Anthropology or other approved anthropological theory course with a grade of B- or better
Pass with a grade of B- or better 38 additional course credits, 28 credits of which are specified by the program below
Satisfactorily complete an approved 320-hour summer internship (one additional credit), and give a formal summary presentation in the department
Successfully complete an oral examination administered by program faculty at the completion of the second year of study

Course Requirements

The following courses are required for the program:

ANTH 501 History of Anthropology or other approved anthropological theory course
ANTH 540 Human Skeletal Biology OR ANTH 572J Stress and Health
ANTH 543 Human Biological Variation OR ANTH 515 Evolutionary Theory
ANTH 544 Forensic Anthropology OR ANTH 550 Coevolution of Humans and Pathogens OR ANTH 572V Virtual Anthropology OR ANTH 572T Evolutionary Medicine
ANTH 572K Global Health in Anthropology OR ANTH 572R Epidemiology OR ANTH 572G Migration and Disease
ANTH 572L Laboratory Practicum OR other approved lab course
ANTH 559 Molecular Anthropology OR ANTH 547 Anthropological Genetics OR ANTH 572B Methods in Biomedical Anthropology
ANTH 572S Advanced Multivariate Statistics OR other approved advanced statistics course

Internship Requirements

Satisfactorily complete an approved 320-hour summer internship (one additional credit), and give a formal summary presentation in the department

Exam Requirement

Successfully complete an oral examination administered by program faculty at the completion of the second year of study.

Additional Information About the Program

There is no thesis requirement for the MS degree. Because this is an applied program, the internship and presentation are in lieu of the thesis.

For more information on the Biomedical Anthropology MS program, please refer to the Anthropology website for more information. To apply to the Biomedical Anthropology MS program, please visit the University Admissions website.