Integrative Anatomical Sciences (MS)

Program Director: Kristi L. Lewton, PhD

The Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences provides training in the basic medical sciences to health professional students. It also prepares graduate students as future teachers and researchers in the human anatomical sciences and functional morphology. The graduate-level course of study includes in-depth training in core anatomical disciplines: gross anatomy, histology and neuroanatomy, including cadaveric dissection and microscopic study of tissues. In addition, students receive an intensive introduction to fundamentals of bone and dental biology, human anatomical variation and clinical anatomical correlations. Interested students may receive training in laboratory teaching for gross anatomy or research training in functional and evolutionary morphology. 

Admission

The Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences selects highly qualified students for admission into its Master of Science program in Human Anatomical Sciences. The prerequisite for applicants to the MS program is a bachelor’s degree with a science major or equivalent. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Generally required courses include at least one year of college-level biology, one year of college-level physics, and mathematics through calculus. College-level courses in cell biology, developmental biology, organismal biology and physiology are recommended.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required. Foreign applicants are expected to provide results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Results from Internet-based, computer-based, or paper-based tests are acceptable. However, candidates with special circumstances may be considered for conditional admission.

Progressive Degree Applicants: Current undergraduates at USC may apply to the IAS Masters Program as a Progressive Degree. This waives the need for Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. 

Special Admission Considerations: Special considerations may be given to students who experienced extenuating circumstances and to applicants with limited English proficiency that could be corrected by language courses offered by the University’s American Language Institute.

Questions regarding program admission can be directed to: msanatomy@usc.edu

Degree and course requirements

The Master of Science (MS) degree is awarded for demonstrated competence in the anatomical sciences. This is a 12-month program that begins with intensive training in human gross anatomy in the summer term. Students must complete a minimum of 32 units of graduate-level courses (500 or higher) beyond the baccalaureate degree, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Students complete 16 units from courses in Human Gross Anatomy (CNB 501a , CNB 501b ), Microscopic Anatomy (CNB 511a , CNB 511b ) and Neuroanatomy (CNB 521 ), equivalent to medical school instruction. They receive 8 units of additional specialized training in Human Skeletal Anatomy (CNB 504 ), Gross Anatomy Teaching Practicum (CNB 580L  or CNB 581L ), and participate in the Cell and Neurobiology Seminar (CNB 550 ). Students must take 8 additional units from the following list of courses: Advanced Regional Anatomy (CNB 502  / CNB 503 ), Systems Physiology and Disease I and II (CNB 572  /CNB 573 ), Gross Anatomy Teaching Practicum (CNB 580L  or CNB 581L ), Directed Research (CNB 590 ), Special Topics (CNB 599 ). Relevant courses in other departments and schools can also be selected, but all course work must be approved by the chair of the graduate program.