Medical Anthropology
The Medical Anthropology program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationships between culture, health, and medicine. Students explore topics such as global health, cultural perceptions of illness, medical systems, and social determinants of health, developing the ability to analyze how cultural, social, and political factors influence health outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes research skills and critical thinking, allowing students to combine theoretical knowledge with applied fieldwork, case studies, and collaborative research projects. Through lectures, workshops, and ethnographic studies, participants gain hands-on experience in analyzing health practices, designing research studies, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
In addition to anthropological expertise, the program fosters analytical skills, research proficiency, and ethical insight, equipping students to assess health behaviors, interpret cultural contexts, and contribute to evidence-based health policy and practice. Applied research projects, fieldwork, and independent studies allow participants to explore real-world health challenges, develop culturally sensitive interventions, and contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary health discussions. Graduates leave the program prepared for careers in public health, global health research, medical consultancy, or to pursue further studies in anthropology, health policy, or related fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Medical Anthropology
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: Harvard University, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Medical Anthropology
- Introduction to Medical Anthropology
- Culture, Health, and Illness
- Research Methods in Anthropology
- Global Health Perspectives
Semester 2 – Applied Research & Capstone
- Ethnographic Methods in Health Research
- Medical Systems and Policy Analysis
- Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Medical Anthropology
- Independent Research Project / Applied Study
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in public health, global health research, medical consultancy, policy analysis, and non-governmental organizations, taking on roles such as health researchers, anthropological consultants, program officers, and policy advisors. The program equips students with analytical, research, and applied skills, enabling them to design culturally informed health studies, assess health interventions, and communicate findings effectively. Additionally, graduates are well-prepared for further academic studies, including doctoral programs in anthropology, global health, or health policy, positioning them for specialist and leadership roles in international organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and health agencies.
Why Choose This Program
This program provides a comprehensive and applied learning experience that integrates anthropological theory, global health, and applied research methods, preparing students to address complex health challenges across diverse cultural contexts. Through lectures, workshops, applied fieldwork, and independent research, students develop practical skills in ethnographic study, health analysis, and professional communication. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, analytical proficiency, and ethical insight, ensuring graduates are capable of producing culturally sensitive research and contributing meaningfully to health practice and policy. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience, the program equips students with the expertise, confidence, and professional readiness needed to excel in careers in medical anthropology and global health.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 617 495 1000
Email: admissions@harvard.edu
Address: University of Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
