Medical Anthropology Concentration
BA/MA in Anthropology
Fast track your path into health-focused anthropology
The combined BA and MA in Anthropology with a medical anthropology concentration at the University at Buffalo is a five-year program designed for students who want to move efficiently from undergraduate study into advanced, health focused research. You will earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree while building strong qualitative research skills and working closely with faculty mentors.
This program is ideal for motivated students interested in health, medicine, public health or doctoral study who want a clear and supported path to a graduate credential.
This combined degree offers the depth of graduate training with the continuity of an undergraduate experience. Instead of applying separately to a master’s program later, eligible students transition smoothly into graduate coursework while completing their BA.
The medical anthropology concentration is a strong fit if you:
- Are interested in health, illness and healing in cultural and social context
- Want to begin graduate level anthropology coursework earlier
- Are considering careers in health care, public health or global health, and community-based work
- Are thinking about doctoral study in medical anthropology or related fields
- Value close mentorship and small, discussion-based classes
- Integrated undergraduate and graduate coursework completed over five years
- Early entry into graduate-level anthropology courses
- Training in qualitative research methods used in health and social research
- Medical anthropology electives focused on illness, healing and care systems
- A faculty-guided MA project or thesis as the centerpiece of the master’s degree
- Strong advising support to help students plan an efficient academic path
Students begin as anthropology majors and follow the undergraduate curriculum during the first three years. During the fourth year, eligible students formally enter the combined program and begin graduate-level coursework. The BA is awarded after year four. Students then complete graduate coursework and the MA project or thesis during the fifth year.
Applying to the combined BA and MA program
Students typically apply during their fifth semester at UB. Admission is competitive and based on academic preparation and faculty recommendations.
Research is central to the combined BA and MA experience. Students work closely with faculty mentors and connect classroom learning to real-world questions about health and human experience.
Students in the program:
- Conduct qualitative research grounded in anthropology
- Learn how to design research questions and analyze evidence
- Develop skills in interviewing, fieldwork and interpretation
- Communicate research findings clearly in writing and presentations
- Prepare for advanced study or professional roles in health-related fields
Graduates of the combined BA and MA in anthropology are well prepared for paths that value cultural insight, research skills and advanced training, including:
- PhD programs in anthropology or related social science fields
- Careers in health-related professions
- Roles in nonprofits, NGOs and government agencies
- Health-related research and policy work
- Applied anthropology positions focused on care, access and equity
The structure of the program allows students to build confidence, depth and a strong professional identity as scholars of health and culture.
If you are interested in health-focused research and want a streamlined path to a graduate degree, the combined BA and MA in anthropology at UB offers a supportive and rigorous environment to grow as a researcher and professional.
For questions about the combined BA and MA in anthropology with a medical anthropology concentration:
