About the Program
One strength of our program (among many) and why I chose the MSMHA program over others was the versatility of our second year... do you want to get a PhD? Then your Capstone should develop your research skills. Do you want to go to medical school? Then your Capstone should be clinically relevant and you should work at the DAWN clinic. Are you not sure what you want to do yet? Then engage with the local community, do your electives with whatever program interests you, and do a Capstone project that develops multiple skills.
Jake Smith, MHA Class of 2017
Medical Student | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Overview
The Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is innovative and unique, bridging an established anatomy/developmental biology curriculum with the foundations of digital imaging technologies now in use in medical care, biomedical research, medical illustration, and teaching. This program blends modern and classical approaches to anatomical study, with a goal of producing a new generation of anatomical professionals prepared for diverse careers. The program emphasizes an individualized, flexible approach to professional growth and career development through a student-designed capstone project.
We are at the Forefront of Virtual and Imaging Technology | Extensions of the virtual 3D human body are at the forefront of diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions that are increasingly commonplace in the medical setting. Virtual human anatomy and advanced imaging technology have also become a platform for the development of new instructional venues, as well as the of simulators and protocols for advanced procedural training. This two-year program will prepare graduates to work in a broad spectrum of educational and biomedical sub-specialties where creativity and innovation abound and knowledge of human anatomy is highly valued.
Diverse and Robust Curriculum | The Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy provides this graduate level training and teaching experience in the physical and virtual anatomical sciences through human cadaver dissection, neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology; all addressed from a modern perspective stressing quantitative imaging, modeling, informatics, and clinical applications. The curriculum is translational in integrating computer and engineering technologies into the domains of anatomy and developmental biology through a project oriented curriculum.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The ​University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare.
The campus includes the University of Colorado health professional schools, multiple centers and institutes and two nationally ranked hospitals, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado, which treat nearly 2 million patients each year. All interconnected, these organizations collaboratively improve the quality of patient care they deliver, research they conduct, and health professionals they train.
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus serves 4,500 students in more than 40 highly rated degree programs across six schools and colleges, supported by $500 million in research awards in fiscal 2018 – creating an overall economic impact to the state of Colorado of $5.8 billion, on par with the Colorado ski industry.
Why Colorado?
There is a reason that Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation - the secret it out! During the 2nd year curriculum, students have more flexibility and opportunities to take advantage of all that Denver and Colorado have to offer.
Denver is a vibrant city that is small enough to be easy to naviagate, but big enough to have tons of diversity and culture. Some fun facts about Denver:
- The city really is a mile high, sitting at an elevation of 5280 feet
- Denver boasts of having 300 days of sunshine each year
- Denver has the second highest educated population in the nation
- Denver has 7 professional sports teams
- Denver has multiple live music venues, the second largest performing art complex in the nation, and a vibrant arts scene
- other cities envy Denver's parks system, as the city has more than 200 parks within the city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains
Of course, Colorado is known for the mountains and access to the great outdoors. Within an hour's drive of the campus, you can be hiking or rock climbing in the mountains, camping (like our students in the picture above), or a slightly longer drive will put you at the base of some of the most spectacular ski resorts in North America. Colorado continues to be one of the healthiest states in the country due to the abundant outdoor activities that are available every season of the year.
