Gain the expertise to seek careers in medicine, teaching or research
Pursue DMU’s Master’s in Anatomy Degree Program
A comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy can save lives. That’s why health care professionals pursue highly regarded programs in human anatomy — so that they can become well-rounded health care providers.
Through Des Moines University’s master’s degree in anatomy program, you will strengthen your understanding of the basic medical and translational sciences. Our two-year master’s in anatomy degree program will help you to take what you learn and become an authority on the anatomical sciences.
Are you planning to work in allied medicine, academic teaching or research? DMU’s anatomy master’s program gives you the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise—and options for using them—in your career or further clinical studies.
The Future of Health Care Education is Here
Discover the new home of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences.
Latest News
DMU Graduates Over 400 Health Care Professionals During 125th Commencement Ceremony
Over 400 DMU graduates received their degrees in medicine and health sciences at the university’s 125th Commencement Ceremony on May 30, 2025.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
87%
of graduates are employed or in graduate school
2
years to complete our anatomy master’s program
9:1
graduate student to faculty ratio
Master’s of Anatomy Degree Highlights
DMU’s master of anatomy degree program provides you with extensive knowledge in the anatomical sciences and the ability to apply, convey and teach that knowledge. When you choose DMU over other master’s in anatomy programs, you can expect to:
-
Specialize for your future
DMU’s master of anatomy degree program offers two tracks for advanced training: a non-thesis track and a thesis track. Our non-thesis track prepares graduate students for entry into medical and allied medicine professions, careers in academic teaching or further graduate studies. The thesis track helps graduate students prepare for a research-based career in comparative and evolutionary anatomy.
-
Gain knowledge and experience from leaders in anatomy
Our faculty members within the anatomy master’s program are experts in the field. This means you will learn from faculty thought leaders in evolutionary sciences, comparative anatomy and forensics.
These leading minds will be accessible to you, taking the time to answer your questions—whether they be about a recent classroom discussion, your educational and career outlook, research opportunities or anything else. You can also look to our master of anatomy faculty for mentoring and help with your CV, job search and career plan.
-
Receive personal attention and professional guidance
With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, DMU’s master’s of anatomy program offers a close-knit community where faculty provide one-on-one feedback and coaching on your educational advancement. This allows you to apply new knowledge immediately to your career or advanced studies.
-
Learn outside the classroom, too
DMU’s Anatomy Ambassadors Program provides organ demonstrations to audiences ranging from young children to undergraduate students. This volunteer program allows you to have hands-on teaching experiences with a wide range of learners and mentor them toward careers in anatomy.
-
Gain hands-on experiences through teaching assistantships
Each year, several master’s of anatomy students take part in gross anatomy dissection teaching assistantships. These hands-on learning opportunities allow you to work in small groups using traditional didactic instruction methods and to work with other DMU health care programs. You will acquire presentation skills necessary for further graduate, clinical or residency programs.
What can you do with a master's in anatomy degree?
Whether you choose the non-thesis or thesis track in DMU’s master’s degree in anatomy program, you will have a broad range of career possibilities. In fact, most careers in anatomy have strong projected job growth.
Anatomy Careers
While seven in 10 of our master’s degree in anatomy graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees, some of our anatomy graduate students start their careers immediately after earning their degree by working in:
- Health-related jobs, including positions at medical examiner facilities
- Teaching or research jobs in an academic setting
Meet Your Anatomy Faculty
Our faculty members within the anatomy master’s programs are supportive teachers, groundbreaking researchers and dedicated public servants.
Explore Master’s Degree Anatomy Program Courses
DMU master’s in anatomy students gain comprehensive knowledge of gross anatomy, cell and tissue biology, neuroanatomy and human development. The culminating experience of our anatomy graduate program is a capstone course.
Whether you choose the non-thesis or thesis track, you can expect to master your knowledge and skills in the field through graduate classes in anatomy such as:
- Anatomy Seminar
- Gross Anatomy
- Statistics
Advanced Degree Programs Related to Anatomy
Lead With Knowledge. Serve With Insight.
At DMU, your story matters. The background, experiences and perspective you bring will strengthen our community and expand how we learn from each other. You’ll grow as a future health care professional and in your ability to serve people from all walks of life.
Visit DMU: See What Sets Us Apart
Get to know DMU by experiencing our campus firsthand. From simulation labs to collaborative spaces, DMU offers future health care professionals opportunities to get involved in and out of the classroom. You’ll find hands-on learning, leadership development and a welcoming campus community built on respect and shared purpose.
Living in Greater Des Moines: Your New Favorite Place
Besides being a great place to live and work, the greater Des Moines metro is a vibrant area with communities from all walks of life. Ethnic grocery stores, restaurants and year-round events ensure that there’s always something for everyone.
