Learn From and Work With World-Class Faculty
The M.S.A. Thesis Track is an exciting opportunity for students to work closely with members of one of the Midwest’s largest faculty in anatomy, biological anthropology, paleontology, and evolutionary biology. These experts have made groundbreaking discoveries in anatomy around the world. They organize and lead forensic investigations and paleontological digs, publish renowned research articles and textbooks and present at national conferences.
Students in the Thesis Track learn from all of these experts, but they select one faculty member as a primary mentor/adviser and principal investigator. The interests and investigations of DMU’s anatomy faculty are diverse yet also often cross over, creating a rich and stimulating environment for collaboration and scholarship.
Applicants are highly encouraged to contact the specific faculty member they are interested in working with prior to applying.
A Path With Purpose
The M.S.A. Thesis Track is designed to prepare students for a research-based career in comparative and evolutionary anatomy. Students in the track complete courses to train in anatomical sciences and scientific writing, to research scientific topics and to become proficient scholars in their respective fields. This track is specifically geared toward individuals wanting to matriculate into Ph.D. programs, such as those related to paleontology, biological anthropology, or evolutionary biology.
The Thesis Track is not recommended for individuals wanting to pursue a clinical or anatomical-education degree, nor is this track available as a dual-degree program for current DMU osteopathic or podiatric medical students.
Engaging and In-Depth: M.S.A. Track Curriculum
In the Thesis Track, the student must successfully complete 20 credit hours of required coursework, one credit hour of elective coursework, 14 credit hours of research and nine hours of thesis work. This curriculum is designed to immerse students in independent study of evolutionary and comparative anatomy while honing their research and presentation skills.
|
Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
Summer Term (June - July) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9.5 Total Credits Gross Anatomy A (6 credits) Intro to Anatomical Research (2 credits) Special Topics in Evolutionary Anatomy (1 credit) Responsible Compliance & Lab Safety (0.5 credits) | 10 Total Credits Gross Anatomy B (4.5 credits) Statistics (3 credits) Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research (1 credit) Thesis (1.5 credits) | 5 Total Credits Research (4 credits) Thesis (1 credit) |
| Year 2 | 9 Total Credits Musculoskeletal Cell & Tissue (2 credits) Anatomy Seminar I: Prof. Development (1 credit) Thesis (2 credits) Research (4 credits) | 9 Total Credits Anatomy Seminar II: Journal Review (1 credit) Elective (1 credit, can be research) Thesis (3 credits) Research (4 credits) | |
Application Process
Applicants are highly encouraged to contact the specific faculty member they are interested in working with prior to applying.
Applications to the Master of Science in Anatomy Thesis Track program are submitted directly through the Post Baccalaureate Centralized Application Service.
Students applying to the Thesis Track program must have a strong background in science, with experience in evolution, biology, paleontology, and/or biological anthropology. Specific preferred courses largely depend on the faculty mentor the applicant wants to work with and the mentor’s research program, but courses could include evolutionary biology, genetics, human osteology, comparative anatomy, chemistry, physics, sedimentary geology, statistics, etc.
Other admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Optional: Official GRE, MCAT or DAT scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts of all universities and colleges attended
Competitive candidates for admission will be invited to DMU to tour the facilities, meet faculty and graduate students and have a formal interview. Zoom/Skype interviews are also available.
