Bioethics, MA

Overview of Degree Program

The interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Bioethics, offered by the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the Center for Bioethics & Health Law, is designed for those with a background in the humanities or social sciences, or with degrees in law, medicine, or public health. The degree is intended primarily to complement and enhance other graduate or professional education, although some students pursue the degree immediately upon graduation from college.

This program, founded in 1989, affords students the opportunity to observe ethical issues as they arise in clinical practice and to pursue in-depth research. The curriculum includes core courses, electives, clinical ethics practica, and the MA thesis project. Course work, which may be completed within one year of full-time study, allows students to combine study in ethical theory, philosophy, history of medicine, cultural and gender studies, health law, public health, and the social sciences. The program, including Master’s thesis research, may be completed in one or two years, depending on the student’s prior experience and education.

Joint JD/MA and MD/MA programs with the Schools of Law and Medicine afford students the opportunity to pursue both the MA in bioethics and professional degrees in law and medicine in less time than would be required to pursue the degrees separately. The joint degree programs allow students to integrate their dual interests during their professional education. Joint program students must be admitted by both the bioethics program and the relevant professional school.