What can you do with a Master's in Anatomy?

Careers in anatomy

7 questions—and answers—about anatomy master’s degrees

Health care and medical careers continue to have one of the strongest job outlooks. In fact, health care occupations are expected to grow 15% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By pursuing a master’s degree in anatomy, you will gain valuable, practical experience and strong knowledge of the human body. A master’s in anatomy can open doors to many jobs in health care and medicine.

What can you do with a master’s in anatomy?

A master’s of anatomy will help you prepare for further training and to pursue careers in education, biotechnology, exercise science and many other health care or medical settings. With a master’s degree in anatomy, you can also pursue many health-related jobs, teaching and research opportunities.

Here are answers to seven questions you might be thinking about if you’re considering an anatomy master’s degree.

What is an M.S.A. degree?

An M.S.A. degree—or a Master of Science in Anatomy—provides advanced training in human anatomy. You will gain the knowledge and skills to apply, communicate and teach that knowledge.

With a master’s degree in anatomy, you will be prepared to enter medical and allied medical professional programs, careers in academic teaching or graduate school for further specialized education.

What Is the Difference Between a Master’s in Anatomy and a Master’s in Physiology?

If you’re fascinated by the human body, you may be thinking, what can you do with a master’s in physiology that you can’t do with a master’s in anatomy.

The distinction between the two disciplines is important, because anatomy and physiology focus on entirely different subject areas. Anatomy studies the internal and external structure of muscles, bones and interior organs of the body. Physiology investigates the function of different organs related to digestion, respiration, reproduction and more.

So, what can you do with a master’s in physiology is different than master’s in anatomy.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Anatomy?

Jobs with anatomy expertise are in high demand, garner promising salaries and can bring personal satisfaction through helping others live happier, healthier lives. While most individuals who pursue a master’s degree in anatomy go on to work in medicine and health care, their broad-based education can open doors for anatomy careers in other settings.

When comparing anatomy and physiology graduate programs you’ll want to think about:

Your personal goals and expectations
Hands-on experiences through assistantships and other research experience
Who is teaching your classes

What Fields and Industries Have Jobs for Master’s of Anatomy Graduates?

With a strong background in anatomy, M.S.A. degree graduates can choose from careers in a broad range of fields and industries. Here are a few examples:

Education—A common career option for master’s degree in anatomy graduates is teaching. If you choose high school settings, you might teach both introductory and advanced science courses. At a college, university or health care institution, you might teach anatomy and direct students in projects and research.
Health Care—While most medical professions—including doctors and dentists—require doctorate degrees, many of these individuals also have a background in science that includes anatomy and physiology. What can you do with a master’s in anatomy includes starting a path to professional programs.
Veterinary Medicine—Much like health care, veterinary medical schools generally require grad students to complete a wide range of classes in anatomy, biology, chemistry and physiology. That’s why a strong background in anatomy and other sciences may be beneficial for veterinarians.
Medical Science and Research—In an effort to improve human health, medical scientists conduct research through clinical trials and investigative methods. They also work with medical samples and medical devices and build programs to improve public and individual health. A background in anatomy will help medical scientists and other researchers find success in their field.
Pharmaceuticals—With advanced education in science and anatomy, you can work with drug and pharmaceutical companies to research and test products. You may also be qualified to work in sales, marketing or public relations.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Anatomy?

After earning a master’s degree in anatomy, you will have several paths forward in health care and science. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most careers related to anatomy have strong projected growth.

Here are a few job titles that show what can you do with a master’s in anatomy.

Professor
Genetic counselor
Medical scientist
Pharmaceutical salesperson
Research scientist

Also, many people use their master’s in anatomy degree to pursue other graduate degrees such as:

Doctor of osteopathic medicine
Doctor of podiatric medicine
Doctor of physical therapy
Physician assistant

How Much Do Professionals With a Master’s in Anatomy Make?

Some graduate students will use a master’s in anatomy as a springboard to a terminal degree, so salaries for anatomy graduates can vary greatly. Here are five examples of careers and salaries, according to ziprecruiter.com, where a master’s of anatomy can be valuable:

Research Scientist — $96,131
Physician Assistant — $95,172
Human Anatomy Professor — $92,514
Operating Room Nurse — $71,425
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative — $70,106

How Much Does a Master’s in Anatomy Cost?

M.S.A. degree tuition varies—with some anatomy graduate programs costing as much as $33,000 a year. Many colleges and universities have in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, which can make a master’s of anatomy degree program even more costly. If you also consider housing costs and living expenses, you might be adding as much as $20,000 a year to your overall cost of earning an anatomy graduate degree.

At Des Moines University, students in the master’s of anatomy program are charged a per-credit-hour rate for tuition and do not pay graduate student fees. This means you can pursue an M.S.A. degree at a lower cost while taking courses on a schedule that works for you.

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A DMU Anatomy Master’s Degree Creates a Wide Variety of Career Paths

Health care and medicine need well-rounded professionals with advanced education, training and experience. Des Moines University’s master’s degree program in anatomy will provide you with extensive knowledge in the anatomical sciences. You’ll develop the ability to apply, convey and teach that knowledge.

Learn what can you do with a master’s in anatomy from DMU and get started on building your successful health care or medical career.

When you choose DMU, you can:

Align your master’s program in anatomy with your career plans by choosing the teaching or thesis track.
Develop knowledge from thought leaders in evolutionary sciences, comparative anatomy and forensics.
Gain hands-on experience through gross anatomy dissection teaching assistantships.