Bioethics, MA

Overview of Degree Program

The 30-credit interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Bioethics, permits students to tailor the curriculum to their interests and career paths. Designed for clinicians, lawyers, and students of the humanities and social sciences, the program is interdisciplinary with a strong emphasis on the philosophical foundation of bioethics. The program, founded in 1989, affords students the opportunity to observe ethical issues as they arise in clinical practice and to pursue in-depth research. Coursework allows students to combine studies in ethical theory, philosophy, history of medicine, cultural and gender studies, health law, public health, and the social sciences. The degree is intended primarily to complement and enhance other graduate or professional education.

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