Master of Science Degree in Anatomy

Graduate study in human anatomy provides advanced professional education in the essentials of human anatomy, including gross anatomy, developmental anatomy (embryology), microanatomy (cell biology/ histology) and neurobiology. The master’s degree in anatomy is designed primarily for students who expect to continue on to doctoral studies (Ph.D., M.D. or the equivalent), or for students who want to teach anatomy at the college level.

The master’s degree in anatomy can be earned through one of two programs — the course option or the thesis option. In both programs, the required core courses are microanatomy, gross anatomy, embryology, neurobiology and four seminars. Full-time students generally complete the degree within two years.

The Course Option

The course option allows the student to plan a program of study, which satisfies educational needs and career objectives as well as meets degree requirements. The course option requires successfully completing a minimum of 33 credits of graduate-level course work offered by the College of Science and Mathematics. The student’s program of study includes a comprehensive oral examination of the material presented in the core anatomy courses and a written scholarly project focusing on a contemporary issue falling under the various subdisciplines of anatomy. The course option also includes the opportunity to learn fundamental laboratory techniques used in anatomical research, and to help teach in one or more of the department’s graduate or undergraduate courses. The pace of the curriculum is designed to permit adequate time to achieve excellence in the course work.

The Course Option, Teacher Education

The teacher education track is a variation of the second year of the course option for students who want to teach anatomy at the college level. In addition to the required first-year anatomy core courses, students in the second year of the program take an assessment and measurement course as well as a science curriculum course offered by the College of Education and Human Services. The second year also requires a science field experience. The student’s program of study includes a comprehensive oral examination of the material presented in the core anatomy courses and a written scholarly project focusing on the teaching of science. The course option, teacher education track, requires successfully completing a minimum of 34 credit hours of graduate-level course work.

Graduate Program Goals

The goals of the anatomy graduate programs are to provide the opportunity for graduate students to apply their knowledge of the anatomical sciences to solve an original problem and to achieve a high level of professional competence. All graduates of the anatomy master’s program develop a depth of understanding of human anatomy, are afforded the opportunity to prepare for a career in the anatomical sciences and are prepared for further professional study following graduation.

Special Features

The graduate anatomy program:

• Prepares you for a career in medicine and the biomedical sciences.
• Serves as a transition to a Ph.D. program or other professional school program.
• Prepares you for a career teaching anatomy.
• Offers a thesis option and two course options.
• Features courses taught by full-time Graduate School and Boonshoft School of Medicine faculty.
• Provides a strong foundation in histology, gross anatomy, embryology and neuroanatomy.
• Offers a certificate program based on core competency in human anatomy.
• Allows you to choose electives from the College of Science and Mathematics.

 

The Thesis Option

The purpose of the thesis option is to provide the student with a strong research-oriented background in one of several areas of anatomy. A program of study is designed for each student by the student’s faculty advisor and an advisory committee. Course work for the first two semesters is the same as that of the course option described previously. The second year is devoted almost exclusively to research and culminates in the preparation and defense of a thesis based upon original research performed while enrolled as a graduate student at the university. The thesis option requires successfully completing a minimum of 30 credits of graduate-level course work offered by the College of Science and Mathematics. Two years in residence are normally required to complete the thesis option, although this length of time may vary depending on the background and goals of the student.

Certificate Program in Anatomy

The anatomy certificate program is a two-semester, post-baccalaureate program. The program provides graduate level education in three of the four human anatomy core courses — microanatomy, gross anatomy, embryology and neurobiology.

The program is applicable to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, athletic trainers, health and physical education majors and others in allied health disciplines. The intensive course work requires a full-time commitment.

Applicants for admission are expected to meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School with regular or nondegree status. Students must complete microanatomy, gross anatomy and either embryology or neurobiology with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above to earn a certificate.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants must have a baccalaureate (B.S., B.A.) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and should have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above to be adequately prepared for graduate work in anatomy.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should only be submitted if the applicant’s GPA is less than 3.00. The GRE total should exceed 305 (minimum 153 verbal, 152 quantitative). An international student’s TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score should exceed 550, or a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL-IBL exam. This program does not accept the International Language Testing System (IELTS).

Although there are no required prerequisite courses, applicants should have completed at least one year of biology and two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry.

A graduate application must be completed and forwarded to the Graduate School. Transcripts from all institutions attended, an application fee, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation, preferably from college faculty who are familiar with your academic ability and potential for success in a graduate program, must be submitted. An interview is required. The application deadline for fall semester is July 1.

Graduate application forms and instructions are on the Graduate School website. For more information, contact:

Graduate School
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, OH 45435-0001

(937) 775-2976 or (800) 452-4723 (toll free)
Fax: (937) 775-2453
E-mail: wsugrad@wright.edu