Bachelor of Medical Anthropology at The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University offers the Bachelor of Medical Anthropology as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Columbus campus in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for medical anthropology and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Medical Anthropology
Medical Anthropology
Degree: BS, BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Medical anthropology is the study of health, illness and disease from an evolutionary, biocultural, cross-cultural and historical perspective. Medical anthropology focuses on how biology, culture and the environment intersect to shape variability in human health and well-being through an evolutionary lens, while maintaining a biocultural perspective emphasizing the need for ethnographic engagement with diverse populations. Medical anthropologists use both biological and social science theories and methods to tackle pressing 21st century health challenges and examine the complex ways in which social, political and economic forces shape health, influence how people experience illness, and guide how health care services are provided and delivered. This includes the study of topics such as health disparities, healing practices, chronic and infectious diseases, and evolutionary medicine.
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The medical anthropology major can lead to a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree.
The BS option is designed for students committed to pursuing careers in health care (in fields such as public health, occupational therapy, psychiatry, nursing and allied health fields). This option also provides a solid foundation for students pursuing graduate-level training in anthropology or other disciplines such as health policy, medical sociology and social work.
The BA option is designed to broadly prepare students to pursue careers in health-related professions including those in the natural, social and behavioral sciences, medicine, nursing, public health, health policy, and social work.
On admission to the university, students declare an interest in medical anthropology within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Curriculum
The BS option requires a minimum of 46 credit hours; the BA option requires a minimum of 43 credit hours. In either option, students will complete prerequisite course work in physical and cultural anthropology and statistics and core course work in medical anthropology, epidemiology, anthropological theory, research design and more.
See the full list of possible courses for the BS option.
See the full list of possible courses for the BA option.
Honors and Scholars
The Department of Anthropology offers Honors sections of the prerequisite courses that survey the basic concepts and knowledge central to the study of medical anthropology (Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Peoples and Cultures). Honors students may pursue graduation with distinction in medical anthropology by completing a senior Honors thesis. Non-Honors students may also graduate with research distinction by the completion of a senior thesis.
Research
Undergraduates can (and should!) involve themselves in diverse laboratory and field-based research opportunities. In particular, students can take advantage of:
- medical anthropology field experiences
- a human biological anthropology laboratory with training in nutritional anthropology and food security, child growth and development, and the physiology of stress and frailty
- training on equipment used to assess nutritional status and physiological function
- training in ethnographic data collection and analysis methods used to study health and illness experiences
- a state-of-the-art bioarchaeology laboratory and extensive human skeletal collections for the study of health in past populations
Student organizations
The Undergraduate Anthropology Club offers a chance to get to know other students and to hear from faculty about research and field study opportunities.
Possible careers
A variety of employment opportunities exist for a graduate with a medical anthropology degree, including working as administrators analysts, and researchers in health care settings, domestic and international nonprofit organizations (e.g., Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, RAND Corporation, World Health Organization), think tanks (e.g., Economic Policy Institute, Kaiser Family Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Urban Institute), medical device companies, insurance companies, social welfare programs (e.g., Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, Office of Refugee Resettlement, WIC), and government agencies (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Veteran’s Affairs). It also provides a strong foundation for post-graduate study in medicine, nursing, allied health fields, public health, social work and health policy, as well as entry into the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Medical Anthropology at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Medical Anthropology at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Medical Anthropology at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus