MA in Anthropology

Medical anthropology is ideal for students who want to understand health beyond biology alone. At UB, this concentration connects anthropological theory and methods directly to pressing health questions at the local and global level.

You will:

• Study how culture, inequality and social systems shape health outcomes
• Examine medicine as both a scientific and social practice
• Learn qualitative research methods widely used in public health and community research
• Work with faculty who study health, disability, care and ethics across diverse settings

This concentration is especially well-suited for students planning careers in health-related fields or advanced study.

The medical anthropology concentration is offered within the MA in Anthropology. Students complete graduate-level coursework, develop an approved research project and produce a substantial research paper or thesis under faculty mentorship.

Key features include:

• A strong foundation in anthropological theory and research design
• Focused training in medical and health-related anthropology
• Flexibility to tailor research interests with advisor guidance
• Opportunities to connect anthropology with public health, medicine and nursing

Medical anthropology at UB spans multiple themes and approaches. Students may focus on topics such as:

• Social and cultural dimensions of health and illness
• Disability, care and access to medical systems
• Ethics, genetics and health policy
• Global and public health
• Religion, belief and healing practices
• Community-based and applied health research
• Health disparities across race, class and gender

Research projects are developed in close consultation with faculty and often draw on interdisciplinary perspectives.

Graduates of the medical anthropology concentration build a strong set of analytical, research and communication skills that translate across health-related fields.

You will learn to:

• Apply anthropological theory to health, illness and medical systems
• Design and carry out original research on health-related topics
• Use qualitative and mixed research methods ethically and effectively
• Analyze how social, cultural and biological factors intersect in health outcomes
• Communicate research findings clearly in written and professional settings

These learning outcomes prepare students for both applied work and further graduate or professional study.

Students benefit from UB’s strong health and research ecosystem. With advisor approval, students may engage with coursework, research or collaborators across:

• The School of Public Health and Health Professions
• The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
• The School of Nursing

These connections strengthen research training and professional preparation while keeping anthropology at the center of the experience.

Medical anthropology graduates pursue a wide range of paths. Some continue on to doctoral programs, while others move directly into health-related careers.

Alumni work in areas such as:

• Public health research and program evaluation
• Health policy and advocacy
• Community health and nonprofit organizations
• Clinical research coordination
• Global health and humanitarian work
• Health professions and professional schools
• Government and applied research roles

The concentration builds transferable skills that employers value, including qualitative research, critical analysis, ethical reasoning and cross-cultural communication.

If you are interested in museums as dynamic cultural institutions and want graduate training that blends theory, critique and hands-on experience, the MA in Critical Museum Studies at UB offers a distinctive and interdisciplinary path forward.

We are happy to help you explore whether this program is the right fit.