Des Moines University Master of Science in Anatomy

Des Moines University Master of Science in Anatomy MASTER’S DEGREE IN ANATOMY
DMU gives you a complete understanding of the human body

The master of science in anatomy program at DMU provides advanced training in anatomy and is designed to prepare students for professional careers in academic teaching or further study in graduate or professional programs. Students gain comprehensive knowledge in the four areas of anatomy: gross anatomy, cell and tissue biology, neuroanatomy and human development. The 40.5 credit hour program of s

tudy includes 37.5 credit hours of required course work and three hours of electives. The curriculum includes first-year medical school classes, courses specifically designed for the anatomy master’s degree program and an extensive requirement to teach anatomy by assisting the anatomy faculty in this noble craft. In addition, MSA students have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in comparative anatomy and functional morphology and, through research electives, gain valuable experience in conducting research and communicating their findings through publications and at scientific meetings. Students are a vital component of the anatomy department, and a favorable student-to-faculty ratio allows for close mentorship in research, public outreach and educational goals. Students enrolled in DMU’s doctor of osteopathic medicine program or doctor of podiatric medicine program also can apply to the anatomy program. The curriculum for dual-degree students is designed to be completed during the first two years of the medical program. The emphasis for dual degree students is on expanding their understanding of the human body to better prepare to enter medical specialties underpinned by anatomical knowledge. Program Mission – To educate highly competent students for professional careers in teaching the anatomic sciences, in conducting interdisciplinary research in anatomy and in advancing knowledge of human health, evolution and global diversity. Program Vision – The Master of Science in Anatomy (MSA) program at DMU will mentor future educators and researchers in advancing and disseminating knowledge that enhances our understanding of the anatomical sciences as they pertain to the global community.

Congratulations to Gloria Eddy on successfully defending her Thesis work under the mentorship of Dr. Heather Garvin. Ou...
05/12/2026

Congratulations to Gloria Eddy on successfully defending her Thesis work under the mentorship of Dr. Heather Garvin. Our newest graduate of the Master of Science in Anatomy, Thesis degree.

📘 A groundbreaking new resource in skeletal anatomy!Heather Garvin, Ph.D., D-ABFA, professor of anatomy at Des Moines Un...
11/04/2025

📘 A groundbreaking new resource in skeletal anatomy!

Heather Garvin, Ph.D., D-ABFA, professor of anatomy at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has co-authored A Visual Atlas of Skeletal Growth and Development — a first-of-its-kind reference illustrating bone growth from birth through age 20. The atlas helps students and practitioners better understand skeletal changes across the lifespan using real CT scan data.

Congratulations to Dr. Garvin, her co-author Dr. Kyra Stull, and contributing DMU graduates Hannah Porter, D.O.’24, and Andrea Stone, M.S.A.’22, D.O.’24!

With the recent publication of “A Visual Atlas of Skeletal Growth and Development,” Heather Garvin, Ph.D., D-ABFA, professor of anatomy at Des Moines Univer ...

Our Annual Halloween party, a great time with our MSBS and MSA Students!!
11/01/2025

Our Annual Halloween party, a great time with our MSBS and MSA Students!!

Congratulations to Jessica Hensley for her second published article! This took a collaboration from DMU Anatomy and Sou...
10/18/2025

Congratulations to Jessica Hensley for her second published article! This took a collaboration from DMU Anatomy and South Dakota State's Anatomy Department to get it published! She started this research with the right coronary artery ostium variation that we observed in our anatomy lab! Jessica is a graduate of our MSA program working on her anatomy doctorate degree at South Dakota State!! Click on the image below if you would like to view the paper!

Introduction: The high oxygen demand of the heart’s myocardium is met via perfusion through the coronary arterial system. During embryological development, the right (RCA) and left (LMCA) coronary arteries fuse onto the aortic root, creating right (RCO) and left (LCO) ostial openings respectively ...

09/10/2025

Researchers led by Dr. Julie Meachen of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences discover a nearly complete articulated mammoth skeleton in Wyoming's Natural Trap Cave. It's Meachen's last season at the remote BLM cave, which has a rich collection of Late Pleistocene animal remains, including cheetahs, bears, horses, and lions.

https://buff.ly/ei5TG96

🐺 From Ice Age fossils to today’s headlines: DMU anatomy professor Julie Meachen, Ph.D., is at the center of the global ...
08/20/2025

🐺 From Ice Age fossils to today’s headlines: DMU anatomy professor Julie Meachen, Ph.D., is at the center of the global debate on the return of the dire wolf. Her expertise in paleoecology and ancient carnivores has made her a go-to voice for outlets like The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine and ABC News.

➡️ Read how Dr. Meachen’s research and perspective are shaping the conversation on de-extinction and conservation.

Professor Julie Meachen weighs in on the groundbreaking (and controversial) de-extinction of the dire wolf and what it truly means for science.

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West Des Moines, IA
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