Medical Anthropology and Global Health

Program Description:

The Medical Anthropology and Global Health Program at Case Western Reserve University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to explore the complex relationships between culture, health, and medicine in a global context. Students in this program will develop a deep understanding of how social, political, economic, and environmental factors influence health outcomes and healthcare systems around the world. Through rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and field experiences, participants will examine issues such as health disparities, infectious and chronic diseases, healthcare policies, and medical practices across diverse populations.

The program integrates principles from anthropology, public health, medicine, and social sciences to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for addressing health challenges globally. Students will engage with topics including medical systems, health inequalities, human rights, global health governance, and the impact of cultural beliefs on health behaviors. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy development, healthcare delivery, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

Located within a university renowned for its research and healthcare programs, the Medical Anthropology and Global Health Program offers access to a diverse faculty with expertise in global health issues, ethnographic research, and public health practice. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, community projects, and collaborative research initiatives both within the United States and internationally. The program aims to foster a global perspective and a commitment to improving health equity and social justice through culturally sensitive and sustainable interventions.

Graduates of the program will be equipped to analyze health issues from an anthropological perspective, advocate for underserved populations, and contribute to the development of effective health policies at local, national, and international levels. Whether pursuing careers in academia, healthcare, policy-making, or international development, students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary to make meaningful impacts in the field of global health and medical anthropology.

The curriculum covers the range of medical anthropology interests: ethnomedicine, international health, urban health, psychiatric anthropology, human adaptation and disease, nutrition, social demography, and so on. All Master of Arts degree students in medical anthropology must complete 27 hours:

Specializations in Medical Anthropology and Global Health

International Health

The international health specialization offers students training in international health research as well as in evaluation of international health projects. The curriculum includes course work in medical anthropology, epidemiology, and special topics in international health, such as maternal and child health. Students are qualified to work in international health research, in academic positions, or in administrative positions in governmental or private agencies.

Urban Health

The urban health specialization prepares students for careers in anthropology, public health, or allied fields, with a special focus on racial and ethnic disparities in health and on underserved populations in urban areas around the world. Under the guidance of faculty with research experience both domestically and internationally, students will learn anthropological theory and methods focusing on health and illness among urban populations. 

Psychological Anthropology

The psychological anthropology specialization prepares students for positions in teaching and research institutions. It is also relevant for mental health professionals concerned with research and theoretical issues related to multiethnic patient populations.

Cross-Cultural Aging

The cross-cultural aging specialization focuses on the processes of aging and the circumstances of older people throughout the world. Particular attention is given to the impact of social, cultural, economic, political, and demographic variables on the experience of aging.

All MA students in the cross-cultural aging specialization must complete 27 credit hours, including the medical anthropology core courses, an approved statistics course, and 12 credit hours of electives approved by the advisor. At the PhD level, students specializing in cross-cultural aging must develop a program with their advisor to meet all PhD requirements.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
• Applicants must meet all of the undergraduate prerequisites for the proposed field of graduate study.
• Statement of Objectives — Some programs have this built into the application. If not, create your own using "Statement of Objectives" as the heading. The statement should be one to two pages and include your purpose in undertaking graduate work as well as an explanation of your study and research interests as they relate to your undergraduate/graduate study and professional goals.
• Academic Transcripts – You are required to identify all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended on your application form, and to submit an official transcript from each. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is conditional on final certification of degrees awarded. Note to International Students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.
• Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from those individuals sufficiently familiar with you, and who can assess your academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities.
• Test Scores – Your department will identify required standardized tests. When you fill out forms for these use 1105 as the institutional code for Case Western Reserve University. The School of Graduate Studies will forward all official score reports of standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) to the program of interest. The department will inform you which standardized tests are required for your program. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 577 if paper-based, or 90 if Internet-based. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. Some departments may require higher scores. International applicants cannot be admitted without receipt of an acceptable official TOEFL score. The TOEFL is valid for two years after the test date. The GRE is valid for five years after the test date.
• Application Fee - A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted.

The Medical Anthropology and Global Health program at Case Western Reserve University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, assistantships, and private grants. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal loans, work-study programs, and need-based grants. The university provides several merit-based scholarships specifically tailored for graduate students pursuing degrees in anthropology and global health, which are awarded based on academic achievement, research experience, and commitment to global health issues. Teaching and research assistantships are available for qualified students, offering stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for teaching responsibilities or research support. Additionally, students may explore externally funded scholarships and fellowships offered by governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and international health institutions. Internships and practicum placements often include stipends, providing experiential learning alongside financial support. The program encourages early application for financial aid and scholarship opportunities to maximize funding potential. Students are also advised to seek funding through their home institutions or international organizations related to global health. Payment plans and financial advising services are accessible through the university’s Office of Financial Aid, helping students manage tuition costs and financial planning effectively. Overall, the program aims to provide accessible funding options to support diverse student populations and enable them to focus on their academic and research pursuits in Medical Anthropology and Global Health.

The Bachelor of Arts in Medical Anthropology and Global Health at Case Western Reserve University offers students a comprehensive understanding of how health, medicine, and well-being are shaped by cultural, social, economic, and political factors across different societies worldwide. This program is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from anthropology, public health, medicine, and social sciences to address contemporary global health challenges. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, ethical considerations, and practical applications, preparing students for careers in healthcare, policy, research, and community development.

Students in this program explore topics such as the social determinants of health, health disparities, disease transmission, healthcare systems, and the impact of globalization on health outcomes. They analyze how beliefs, practices, and social structures influence health behaviors and access to healthcare services in diverse populations. The program also covers topics like infectious and chronic diseases, mental health, reproductive health, and the role of traditional and alternative medicine in various cultural contexts. Emphasizing experiential learning, students may participate in fieldwork, community surveys, and internships that foster real-world understanding and skills.

The program aims to prepare graduates for advanced studies, careers in global health organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, and healthcare institutions. It encourages critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and advocacy for health equity. Students can also take advantage of the university's resources for research, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their educational experience. Graduates of the program will possess a nuanced understanding of the complexities of health and illness across different societies and the ability to develop culturally sensitive solutions to global health issues.