Anatomical sciences

The Doctor of Anatomical Sciences is an 80-credit hybrid doctoral program typically completed over three years. Beginning each summer, student cohorts enter the program starting with the first of two in-person summer sessions in Moscow before moving to complete online coursework during the fall and spring terms.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog 

View the program handbook 

What students study

The curriculum builds knowledge and skills in a stepwise manner, combining anatomical sciences, medical science electives, health professions education and mentored teaching/research experiences. Key areas include:

• Comprehensive, dissection-based gross anatomy using whole-body donors.
• Histology, neuroanatomy, embryology and medical imaging.
• Hands-on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) coursework.
• Human physiology, pathophysiology and related medical science electives.
• Curriculum development, instructional design, measurement and evaluation, educational philosophy and adult learning.
• Immersion experiences that support teaching, research or scholarly/creative work in anatomical and health sciences education.

Curriculum roadmap  

Students typically move through nine continuous semesters across summer, fall and spring. The first two summers anchor the program through eight-week, in-person gross anatomy experiences in Moscow; fall and spring courses are primarily online. Individual study plans may vary with faculty advisor approval.

View the sample three-year plan 

Faculty mentorship and final portfolio

D.A.S. students work with a major professor/advisor and file a study plan through the College of Graduate Studies. Rather than a thesis or dissertation defense, you’ll complete a cumulative final portfolio and oral presentation. The portfolio may include didactic materials, curriculum designs, assessment tools, teaching philosophy and scholarly or creative products from immersion courses.

Learning outcomes

• Develop foundational knowledge in curriculum design and pedagogical technique.
• Improve teaching practice through applied scholarly inquiry and hands-on instructional experience.
• Develop critical awareness of educational practices and evaluation procedures.
• Expand and reinforce expertise in anatomical sciences, with a focus on dissection-based gross anatomy.
• Broaden expertise in subjects relevant to educating allied health professionals, including anatomy, medical imaging and physiology/pathophysiology.
• Develop professional leadership and communication skills for academic and professional settings.

Research and teaching opportunities

• Mentored teaching opportunities for D.A.S. students.
• Immersion projects in teaching, research or scholarly/creative work.
• Capstone portfolio projects that apply D.A.S. skills to educational and scholarly settings.
• Opportunities to connect with SHAMP and U of I’s R1 research environment, including health professions education, underserved and rural medical research initiatives and related applied health work. 

Special course fees

Some D.A.S. courses have additional fees to support whole-body donors, lab equipment, teaching models, PPE and other resources for dissection-based anatomy classes. Refer to the class schedule for special course fees.  

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Program contact: 
Joshua I. Johnson, Ph.D. 
jijohnson@uidaho.edu
208-885-1115

SHAMP admissions: 
vandalmedicine@uidaho.edu  

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001 

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities. 

Find D.A.S. program faculty

Applicants for the D.A.S. in anatomical sciences must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Semester intake: Summer
  • Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 or J-1 visa status
• Locations: Moscow
• Delivery: Hybrid, with in-person summer sessions and online fall/spring coursework
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:  
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements:  

• Education level: Bachelor’s
• GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
• GRE: No
• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
• Number of references: Three

Other requirements:  

• Statement of purpose: Brief essay/personal statement outlining reasons for pursuing a doctorate in anatomical sciences. Recommended content: background, teaching interests, clinical experiences, career goals, degree fit and motivation for entering the D.A.S. program.
• Preferred preparation: Preference is given to applicants with degrees in health sciences, biology or related disciplines; backgrounds in allied health or medicine; and applicants who have completed anatomy and physiology coursework.

Application notes: Admission is competitive. Final selections are based on the complete application, including academic preparation, professional academic and/or clinical experience, personal goals statement and quality of letters of recommendation. No single criterion has decisive influence on acceptability.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Fall and spring coursework is primarily online, while students should plan to attend intensive in-person summer sessions in Moscow. 

The program is typically completed in three years across nine continuous semesters and requires a minimum of 80 credits.

No. The GRE is not required for admission.

The first two summer sessions include eight-week, dissection-based anatomy coursework and other hands-on experiences in Moscow. 

Students complete a final portfolio and oral presentation that synthesize teaching materials, educational philosophy and scholarly or creative products from immersion experiences.