Program Overview

Medical Anthropology and Global Health

The Medical Anthropology and Global Health program at Case Western Reserve University offers a dual Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degree. This program is designed to train medical anthropologists, physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to recognize and resolve the complex relations between determinants and concomitants of sickness and health.

About the Program

The program combines classroom learning and experiential field research, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests while preparing for a career in academia, government, international agencies, health facilities, community organizations, or the policy realm. Students can complete their master's in three semesters before proceeding to the PhD program if they have a bachelor's degree. Those with a master's degree can enter the PhD program in their first year.

What to Expect

The program requires 30 credit hours of courses for the master's degree, including core courses in anthropological theory, methods, medical anthropology, and global health. The PhD requires an additional 18 hours of coursework focused on preparing students for dissertation fieldwork. Motivated students may also choose to pursue a Master of Public Health and/or a Certificate in Global Health in conjunction with their anthropology degree.

Beyond the Classroom

Students will have hands-on experiences by conducting research alongside internationally recognized faculty, who are leading researchers in areas such as:

• Illegal drug use
• High altitude living
• Child well-being
• HIV
• The culture of science
• Reproductive health
• And other areas in the forefront of contemporary health challenges.

By the Numbers

• 30 credits of MA coursework
• 36 credits of PhD coursework
• 29 current graduate students

Admission Requirements

When reviewing applications, the program requires:

• Completed online application
• A statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts (an official transcript will be required if an applicant is accepted)
• GRE is currently optional
• $50.00 application fee

Program Details

Graduates of the program can be found working in hospitals and universities, community programs, and public health departments across the U.S. and around the world, where they conduct research, oversee programs, and shape policy to address the world's most pressing health problems.