Master of Science: Biomedical Anthropology

Biomedical Anthropology, MS

Biomedical Anthropology is a subfield of biological anthropology at the intersection of human biology and health - an area of study that considers the molecular, skeletal, and population-based contexts of disease. With this broad-based training (view past internships), Master of Science in Biomedical Anthropology degree holders are well-positioned to go on to careers in health and forensic-related professions or further study in anthropology, forensic science, medicine, public health and research. 

The Master of Science in Biomedical Anthropology is a 2-year terminal degree program with curriculum focused in three main areas: human genetics, forensics, and public health. We invite applications from students holding baccalaureate degrees in anthropology, biology, nursing, pre-medicine, public and international health, psychology, ecology, chemistry, geography, economics, sociology, and related fields. Degree requirements and financial aid information can be found in the drop-down boxes below. Click here for application instructions.  

  • Key Components
    • Interdisciplinary training in human biology and health.
    • Hands-on field and laboratory research experience in human. genetics, forensics, population biology, and public health. See our Anthropology Research Labs.
    • Internship experiences that meet individual academic and professional interests.  See examples of some of our past internships. 
    • An accelerated degree is offered for Binghamton University students, see our 4+1 Degree Program. 
    • A professional science master's certificate is also available.
  • Degree Requirements

    • Pass ANTH 501 (History of Anthropological Thought) with a grade of B- or better.

    • Pass with a grade of B- or better 38 additional course credits, of which 28 are specified by the program.

    • A GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.

    • Satisfactorily complete an approved one-credit summer internship of at least 320 hours.

    • Successfully complete an oral examination administered by program faculty at the completion of the second year of study. (There is no thesis requirement.)

    Required Courses:

      • ANTH 501 - History of Anthropological Thought or other approved anthropological theory course 
      • ANTH 540 - Human Skeletal Biology OR ANTH 572J - Stress Chronobiology 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 - Darwinian Medicine
      • ANTH 572K - International Health 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

    Students who have previously successfully completed similar courses to those listed may petition to the faculty committee for a waiver of the requirement, and may substitute more advanced courses or electives to meet their credit requirements.

    There is no foreign language requirement.

    Additional courses are strongly recommended, including; Evolutionary Theory, Methods in Biological Anthropology, Darwinian Medicine, and Ethics.

  • Financial Aid
    The Master of Science in Biomedical Anthropology is a terminal master's degree program. As such, funding is limited. However, graduate assistantships may be available through specific professors who have funded, ongoing laboratory and field research projects. Additionally, students who complete the lab practicum may be eligible to work in the serum archive facility on a paid basis. Students may also apply for financial aid consideration directly to the Student Financial Aid and Employment Office, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000. Students are also encouraged to explore opportunities that might be available through the Graduate School.

    International students who are from a Fulbright Fellowship eligible country should apply through their home institution for the Fulbright Program.

    For questions or further information, please contact biomed@binghamton.edu.