Can I go to grad school in biology with a background in anthropology?

Question

As an undergraduate I majored in Anthropolgy (mostly biological anthropology and human evolutionary ecology) and also alot of evolutionary psychology classes. I also know calculus and am very strong in statistics. I only took 8 hours each of chemistry and biology though. I was always interested in evolution's implications on humans, but am now thinking that I would rather go to Grad school to study genetics and evolution itself.

Could I be admitted directly to a biology program with this background our am I doomed to studying humans unless I make up these undergrad defeciencies?

Answer 1

I don't see why not. I'm a graduate student in biological anthropology, and I teach in the biology department and the anatomy department.

In many ways, biological anthropologists have more in common with biologists than we do with anthropologists.

Given your background, it may be advisable to take a few lower-level classes to catch up, but you should be able to do that your first year. Most departments will have you take some sort of entrance or qualifying examination which will identify your weak spots, and they will reccommend additional coursework if they think it's necessary.

Answer 2

Yes you can, as long as you can get an acceptable score on the entrance exam required for the biology grad program. I was an anthropology major in undergrad, and now am working on my MBA. It is a lot different, and you may have to work a little harder then others in the program, but it can be done. I'm not sure what exam would be required for you, I had to take the GMAT, but be sure and study hard for it since you don't have the same background as other candidates.

Answer 3

If you have done research in anthropology then you could probably apply, as your research experience and admissions essay are more important than GPA and GRE scores. IF you have no research experience then wait, you likely won't get into the programs you want to go to. It is almost a formal prerequistite for graduate school to have research experience. Also if you do, your chances of getting in are very high, as this is above all the most important factor for your committee. One year will suffice, even if really when you apply you only have a few months experience in the lab. Also they will expect to receive letters from your mentor, a real scientist, hopefully attesting to your ability and potential. Best of luck, it's really not so bad doing the admissions rounds as GRADUATE SCHOOLS PAY FOR EVERYTHING INCLUDING AIRFARE AND TRAVEL AND FOOD. ALSO ALL GRAD BIO PROGRAMS PAY YOU TO GO THERE, EXPECT A SALARY OF $24,000 A YEAR AT LEAST WITH PAID TUITION. Cheers.

Answer 4

I don't see any real reason why not. As long as your grades are good. You might wanna do some grad school shopping around. I am sure there is a grad school out there some where that will accept you. And oh by the way, you better be looking at funding also. Most biology grad schools require a masters with a thesis. Unless you'd settle for an MA. But even the MA requires a paper, just no real research.

Answer 5

COULD you go into grad school for biology? Yes. This is a rather obvious answer and highlights a need for a better question. The question I think you are asking is "will I be prepared for the graduate program". The answer to that is highly dependent upon your personal ability to learn. It's certainly possible for someone to achieve this goal, but honestly it's going to be a lot more ... biology intensive than anthropology's "philiosophy" conceptual-type background.

Be prepared for a lot of details.

Answer 6

Wow, the 1st answer you recieved I definitely have in no way heard of and sounds somewhat promising- I definitely have a BA in Anthropology and that i've got been given definitely nowhere with it i might desire to assert -and that i'm afraid that in case you get a grasp's in Anthro would be a good larger waste of time- considered one of my pals in Anthro, even nevertheless, went all the way and definitely professional in primates and have been given his PhD and is now a college Professor- it grew to become right into an prolonged haul yet he grew to become into extrememely obsessed with it and had a blast traveling the worldwide interpreting primates of their organic habitats - I say the two do simply by fact the 1st poster exhibits or get a sensible degree now- like a regulation degree, or in case you're in biology now, what approximately being a marine biologist or different form of biologist- you decide on some thing sensible- a level that definitely has a valid interest identify- BA's are not getting you something yet clerical jobs for my section- which got here approximately to me (worked as a teller for 10 years!) and approximately 10 of my pals additionally- even have 2 pals that have been given a Masters in history- ones works at Aldo footwear making min.salary and the different in no way chanced on a job and have been given married and remains at abode now... 2 many years later, i'm a mom of three, stay-at-abode/section-time worker as a mountain canines hiker! nonetheless love those animals nevertheless having focussed on primates myself yet consistently definitely had to be the two a zoologist, marine biologist, veterinarian- why oh why did I not do some thing extra sensible with my techniques ? haha solid question by the way and my desire for you is to discover your interest and choose for all of it the way- artwork difficult and the rewards would be there on the tip-

Answer 7

Yes, you can since they are science related. As long as you have all the requirements (depends on the college you are attending), then you can change. You should talk to your advisor. I took my pre-veterinary requirements while I was an LA major. Good Luck!