UCSF/UCB Joint Medical Anthropology
Admissions Procedures

MD/Ph.D. Applicants:

Students applying to the Medical Sciences Training Program (MSTP. Also known as MD/Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology) must submit the Medical Anthropology program application by December 1st each year.

Please read our guidelines (PDF ) prepared specifically for MSTP applicants.

Ph.D. Applicants:

The UCSF Medical Anthropology program application process for the 2008/09 academic year was closed on January 31, 2008.

The next application process for the 2010/11 academic year will begin the fall of 2009 and will most likely have a deadline of January 31, 2010.

Admissions Procedure

The Medical Anthropology Program utilizes an online application system. Please contact Kimberly Bissell (415-476-7223) if you have any questions about the application process.

Students applying for Fall 2010 admission to the Medical Anthropology Program must:

Visit the online Graduate Application website to create an account. This site will not be able to be accessed until Fall of 2009.

Your application will not be complete until the Graduate Division has received the $60 application fee ($80 for International applications). You have the option to pay by credit card at the end of the online application or by check. Instructions on how to pay by check will be available on the website (all checks should be made payable to the UC Regents). Applicants who are disadvantaged economically may submit an Application Fee Waiver form to the Graduate Division. This form is available on the application website.

GRE Scores/TOEFL Scores: All applicants are required to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). GRE scores should be no more than five years old. UCSF Institution code is R4840 and program code is 1701.

MA Requirement
UCSF admits students who have a master's degree or equivalent.

All foreign students whose native language/mother tongue is not English must also take the TOEFL examination. Official reports of GRE and TOEFL scores must be sent by the testing organization directly to the:

Graduate Division
Box 0244
University of California 
San Francisco, CA 94143-0244

You will be asked to enter the following information online:

• Current Address
• Permanent Address
• Phone Number
• Citizenship
• Education
• Curriculum Vitae
• Background
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendations
• Example of Written Work
• Other Schools
• Demographic Data

For further information regarding the Medical Anthropology online application, please contact Kimberly Bissell.

You can also submit the following information directly to the Department:

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Example of Written Work
3. Letters of Support (three are requested)
4. Transcripts

These should be sent to:

the Chair,
Admissions Committee
C/O Kimberly Bissell
Medical Anthropology Program,
University of California,
San Francisco, CA 94143-0850.

Request transcripts when the application form for admission to the Graduate Division is returned to the Registrar and Admissions Office.

The Program operates under strict admission ceilings and rules set by the Graduate Division. Applicants are therefore encouraged to see that all application forms, transcripts, and supporting materials are sent to the appropriate persons before the deadline date.

Notification of selection for the Medical Anthropology Program at UCSF will be made after April 1st, although formal admission to the University is made by the Dean of the Graduate Division, usually a few months later.

Personal Interview
No prelimary interview is necessary and applicants will not be penalized for not personally contacting the Program prior to submitting an application. However, applicants are welcome to contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Medical Anthropology, Dr. Vincanne Adams (adamsv@dahsm.ucsf.edu) or visit the Department before applying for admission to the Medical Anthropology program at UCSF to determine if the Program is compatible with the student's career interests and goals. Telephone ahead of time to set up appointments. Applicants who cannot make personal interviews are also welcome to contact faculty and students at professional meetings or via email.