Q: What is the difference between the M.A. in MSTS and the Graduate Specialization in Medicine, Science, and Technology?
A:
The M.A. in Social Sciences (Medicine, Science, and Technology Studies), known as the M.A. in MSTS, is a separate program from the Graduate Specialization in Anthropologies of Medicine, Science, and Technology.

Both programs build on the research strengths of faculty in the Department of Anthropology. The Specialization is available to current Ph.D. students only and requires the completion of four courses. After completing the Ph.D. requirements of their home departments, students may append "Specialization in Anthropologies of Medicine, Science, and Technology" to their curricula vitae.

The M.A. in MSTS is a more extensive degree program that requires the completion of nine courses and a comprehensive exam. The degree is available as either a one-year terminal Masters program or as a degree earned along the way to the Ph.D. Upon completion of this program, students receive a Master of Arts degree in Social Sciences (Medicine, Science, and Technology Studies).

Q: I am a current graduate student at UC Irvine. Can I complete the M.A. in MSTS?
A:
Yes, current students may complete the M.A. in MSTS as an interim step towards the doctoral degree. Current doctoral students do not need to apply for separate admission to the M.A. in MSTS program but should declare their intent to complete the degree by applying for M.A. in MSTS advancement to candidacy at least one quarter before the anticipated M.A. degree quarter. Advancement to candidacy for the M.A. in MSTS is subject to approval by the Dean of the candidate's home school.

Enrolled students undertaking the program as an interim step to a doctoral degree may begin at any time during the academic year and are not bound by the single-year, three-term structure followed by students who are earning the degree as a terminal Masters.

For students within the School of Social Sciences, courses taken to earn the M.A. in MSTS may "double count" for both M.A. and Ph.D. requirements. However, courses may not be double-counted for both the M.A. in MSTS and another M.A. program. For example, Anthropology 204A, the Proseminar in Medicine, Science, and Technology, may be counted toward both the M.A. in MSTS and the Ph.D. in Anthropology. However, it may not be counted toward both the M.A. in MSTS and the M.A. in Anthropology.

All students intending to complete the M.A. in MSTS program (including current Ph.D. students) must successfully complete the comprehensive exam.

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