Anatomy
Overview
Programs in anatomy teach students about organ systems and tissues that make up the physical structure of animals and plants.Programs in anatomy teach about the structures and parts that provide the framework for animals and other living organisms. Students learn organ systems and tissue structure. They may also study the dynamics of structures that make up the whole organism.
Anatomy programs include topics such as:
- Tissue and cell biology
- Structural biology
- Embryology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular mechanics
- Statistics for data processing
- Research methods
Schools
Students can take courses in anatomy as an undergraduate, but almost no colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in anatomy. It is possible to major in biology with a focus in anatomy.
Some universities offer graduate degrees in anatomy. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Sciences, General
- Biological Sciences, General
- Chiropractic
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Science and Kinesiotherapy
- Forensic Science
- Medical Illustration
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Medicine
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Sciences
- Zoology and Animal Biology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Athletic Trainers
- Chiropractors
- Coroners
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family and General Practitioners
- Massage Therapists
- Medical Coders and Billers
- Medical Sonographers
- MRI Technologists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pediatricians
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Veterinarians
- Zoologists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Composition
- Physics
- Pre-Calculus
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree (usually in biology), good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Graduate Program Courses
A graduate degree program in anatomy typically includes courses such as the following:
- Basic Physiology
- Human Gross Anatomy and Embryology
- Laboratory Safety and Ethics
- Medical Histology
- Neuroscience
- Principles of Cell Biology
- Statistical Methods and Experimental Design
- Topics in Anatomical Research
In addition, graduate programs typically require the following:
- Working as a teaching or laboratory assistant
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
This program can prepare students to teach anatomy or do research.
In a medical school you may be able to take a combined PhD/MD program. This prepares you to be a medical doctor as well as an anatomy teacher or researcher.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Veterinary Science
King-Snohomish Area
South Seattle College
- Anatomy and Physiology (Transfer)