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The Masters of Science (MS) program is separate from the PhD program and transfers between the two, though not impossible, are anomalous. The MS is a specialized degree in a particular subfield or subfields of anthropology, and is designed for students whose primary career lies outside anthropology, but who wish to acquire an anthropological perspective in their work. Typical MS candidates are medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and PhD candidates in Education, Communications, Planning or Management.

The MA is offered as part of the PhD program.

Course Requirements
The MS degree requires a total of ten course units, with a normal full-time program of four units per term. A specific course of study is arranged for each student according to their interests. Of these units, at least eight must be taken at Penn. Up to two units may be transferred from another institution. Requests for credit transfer are made by the student to the Graduate Group Chair anytime after the first year of residence.

Advising - According to the student's proposed area of research, a committee is appointed to advise each student. A committee normally consists of two members (1 advisor and 1 reader) of the GG, who are jointly responsible for working out the details of the students program from semester to semester.

Time Limitation
Students must complete all course requirements and the MS Final Examination within a period of six consecutive years, with an additional year allowed for the completion of a research paper or master's thesis. The granting of a leave of absence by the University does not extend this limit.

Foreign Language Requirement
None.

MSc Comprehensive Examinations
A candidate for the MS degree is required to pass a comprehensive final examination that is appropriate to their individual program. This final exam may be given any time after the completion of the course requirement.

Research paper or Masters Thesis
Each MS candidate is required to complete a research paper or Masters Thesis within one year after the course requirement is met.