PATRICIA J. McLAUGHLIN, Director, Anatomy Graduate Program
College of Medicine
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, PA 17033
717-531-6414
Ph.D., M.S.
The graduate program emphasizes the general areas of gross anatomy, history, histology/cytology, neuroanatomy/neurophysiology, or appropriate combinations of these areas. Approaches offered include morphological (descriptive, comparative, developmental), functional (physiological, chemical), and experimental.
Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), or from a comparable substitute examination accepted by a graduate program and authorized by the dean of the Graduate School, are required for admission. At the discretion of a graduate program, a student may be admitted provisionally for graduate study in a program without these scores. Requirements listed here are in addition to general Graduate School requirements stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of the Graduate Bulletin.
A bachelor's degree reflecting a reasonable background in zoology, biology, mathematics, or chemistry is required. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior average and with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are available for new students. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Applicants must provide complete transcripts and three letters of recommendation. A personal interview is desirable.
Students must earn a total of at least 35 didactic credits; there are ten required courses, including ANAT 503, ANAT 505, ANAT 506, ANAT 512, ANAT 590, ANAT 602, BMS 501, BMS 502, HES 515 (or equivalent course), IBIOS 591, NEURO 511, and NEURO 530 plus an additional 6 credits in elective courses. Course work must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better. A grade of B(-) or better is required in ANAT 503, ANAT 505, ANAT 506, ANAT 512, and NEURO 511. Each student also must serve as a teaching assistant in SBMP 715 for one semester. In addition, a student must satisfactorily complete the following: (a) candidacy examination, (b) comprehensive examination, and (c) written and oral defense of thesis. Students must demonstrate competency in the English language. Attendance and participation in college-wide seminars, colloquium, and/or journal clubs is highly recommended.
This program is offered only through the College of Medicine at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Graduate assistantships and other forms of student aid are described in the STUDENT AID section of the Graduate Bulletin.
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.
Last Revised by the Department: Fall Semester 2007
Blue Sheet Item #: 35-07-425
Review Date: 6/12/07
Date last updated by Publications: 07/27/09