Overview

The Medical Anthropology programme at Columbia University provides students with a sophisticated framework for understanding the complex relationships between human health, social structures, and cultural practices. This specialised track is designed for those who wish to investigate the profound impacts of illness, suffering, and affliction through an ethnographic lens. By combining theoretical depth with methodological rigour, the curriculum prepares scholars to analyse the diverse ways societies conceptualise and manage well-being.

Why Medical Anthropology at Columbia University?

Choosing this track allows students to benefit from a rich interdisciplinary environment where anthropology intersects with public health, history, and sociology. The programme is supported by a distinguished faculty from both Barnard and Columbia, offering expertise in areas such as global health inequalities, the politics of care, and the history of medicine. Students receive personalised mentorship, particularly during the development of their senior thesis projects, ensuring a high level of academic support and intellectual growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of eleven courses, including foundational theory and specialised electives. Modules may include:

Interpretation of Culture
Anthropological Theory
Senior Thesis Seminar
The Medical Imaginary
Disability
The Body & Society
Politics of Care
Human Skeletal Biology
Toxic

Careers with Medical Anthropology

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths that require a deep understanding of human behaviour and social systems. The specialised training in medical anthropology is particularly relevant for careers in public health, social policy, and international development. Many alumni pursue further academic research or professional roles in healthcare administration, human rights advocacy, and community health organisations, leveraging their skills in qualitative analysis and cross-cultural communication.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Origins of Human Society
The Rise of Civilization
Language and Culture
The Human Species: Its Place in Nature
Anthropological Theory

Senior Thesis Seminar
Death and the Body

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Anthropology Medicine View 515 other Bachelors in Medicine in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application
Barnard Writing Supplement
$75 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver request
Official high school and college transcripts
Secondary school report and high school profile: These are documents that your high school counselor will submit along with your transcript that help our office contextualize your achievements.
SAT or ACT scores
High school counselor letter of recommendation
Two teacher letters of recommendation
Official TOEFL , IELTS, or Duolingo English Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Medical Anthropology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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