Admission Standards

Anatomists directly observe and chronicle form and then to describe, interpret and explain what has been observed. Ultimately they must understand morphology (the structural and functional organization of the body), microanatomy (integration of structure and function), neuroscience (procedural operations controlling form and function), developmental anatomy (processes of change in form and function), and biomechanics (the procedural integration of systems). Anatomists teach and conduct original research. While computers are used extensively, the most commonly used tool in teaching and research is the light microscope. To undertake and be successful in this rewarding and highly challenging profession, specific physical as well as cognitive capacities are required.

Graduate study in anatomy, thus emphasizes active student participation. Graduate students will be expected to observe and then respond to information provided through a variety of media and to actively participate in planned educational experiences. Because research constitutes a significant part of the academic experience, graduate students will be expected to develop a habit of reading and critiquing the current literature; to use a computer in gathering potential bibliographic information and manuscript preparation; to gather and analyze data from a variety of sources; to produce illustrations for presentation; to deliver oral reports; and to provide constructive criticism of presentations. Furthermore, graduate students may be given teaching assignments in anatomy that require extra-curricular preparation and delivery of instruction involving three-dimensional macroscopic objects and identification of microscopic objects. All these academic and research expectations place specific requirements on the graduate student beyond what might be anticipated of a typical undergraduate student. Therefore, a graduate student should have analytical abilities, and above average reading and writing skills. Furthermore, a graduate student must have near-normal sensory function (vision, hearing and touch), and motor (speech and dexterity) skills. All these academic and research experiences place specific requirements on the potential graduate student beyond what might be expected of a general undergraduate liberal arts student.

The successful applicant must have the capacity to use a standard optical instrument without complex support, the capacity to distinguish objects not having a specifically defined three-dimensional relief from their respective background, the capacity to interpret information presented visually and verbally in a formal setting, the capacity to use a computer, the capacity to present information verbally and visually, and the capacity to complete manual tasks requiring some dexterity.

Therefore, admitted students must have the ability to reason, to work independently, interpret orally presented information (requiring no more than a hearing assist device), express themselves orally and in writing (in English, without interpreter), interpret visually based information (requiring no more than eyeglasses), and complete manual tasks requiring some dexterity. A successful applicant must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their selected major field of study. International students must have a minimum score of 45 on the Spoken Test of English. In addition, the successful applicant should have a demonstrated commitment and personal dedication to undertake advanced study.

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