Program Overview

Master of Science in Bioethics Program

The Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) emphasizes academically rigorous coursework in combination with practical fieldwork, translating foundational principles and knowledge into informed and effective approaches to address contemporary challenges in bioethics. The multilayered curriculum also develops core competencies for addressing ethical concerns in clinical, research, public sector, and medical industry workplaces.

Curriculum Overview

A combination of core and elective courses offers students the opportunity to study a broad range of topics. The course of study for the MBE requires 36 credits, of which 30 are earned in classroom study and 6 are earned through the capstone experience. The backbone of the MBE curriculum is the required year-long, 10-credit course, Foundations of Bioethics.

In addition to Foundations of Bioethics, degree candidates are expected to complete three required courses:

• Introduction to Clinical Ethics
• Introduction to Research Ethics
• Health Law, Policy and Bioethics Together, these courses cover critical areas in the field of bioethics. It is the expectation of the program that, in order to complete the MBE's course of study, students will demonstrate knowledge and analytic ability in a substantial body of the central bioethics topics.

Elective Courses and Credits

In addition to the above requirements, students must complete 8 elective credits, which may be fulfilled through elective courses offered within the program or, with a limit of one course per semester, in other parts of the University. This structure ensures that students have opportunities to achieve learning objectives across disciplines while maintaining a strong foundation within the program.

Program Format Options and Schedules

The MBE offers a 1-year, in-person option, as well as 2-year and 3-year, part-time virtual options. The part-time virtual options leverage our high-quality, cutting-edge bioethics curriculum with a focus on discussion-based and applied learning in a flexible online format that appeals to leaders in a wide range of disciplines at the intersection of healthcare, law, academia, and public health.

In-Person, Full-Time, 1-Year Option

• Fall Term:
  • Foundations I (6 credits)
  • Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
  • Total Credits: 17-21
• January Term: Electives (2-4 credits)
• Spring Term:
  • Foundations II (4 credits)
  • Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
  • Total Credits: 16-18 (including January Term credits)

Virtual, Part-Time Options

• 2-Year Option:
  • Year 1:
    • Fall Term: Foundations I (6 credits), Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits), Electives (2 credits), Total Credits: 10-12
    • January Term: Electives (2-4 credits)
    • Spring Term: Foundations II (4 credits), Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 8-10 (including January Term credits)
  • Year 2:
    • Fall Term: Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits), Capstone (3 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 9-13
    • January Term: Electives (2-4 credits)
    • Spring Term: Capstone (3 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 7-9 (including January Term credits)
• 3-Year Option:
  • Year 1:
    • Fall Term: Foundations I (6 credits), Total Credits: 6
    • January Term: Electives (2 credits)
    • Spring Term: Foundations II (4 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 6 (including January Term credits)
  • Year 2:
    • Fall Term: Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits), Electives (2 credits), Total Credits: 6
    • January Term: Electives (2 credits)
    • Spring Term: Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 4-6 (including January Term credits)
  • Year 3:
    • Fall Term: Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits), Capstone (3 credits), Total Credits: 7
    • January Term: Electives (2 credits)
    • Spring Term: Capstone (3 credits), Electives (2-4 credits), Total Credits: 5-7 (including January Term credits)

Notes on Enrollment and Elective Credits

• Enrollment for 20 credits and above needs prior approval from the program and Registrar’s office.
• Elective credits for January Term and Spring Term combined cannot exceed 4 credits in certain configurations and have specific requirements for minimum and maximum credits in other configurations.

The Master of Science in Bioethics program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in bioethics, preparing them for careers in healthcare, law, academia, and public health. With its rigorous coursework, practical fieldwork, and flexible program options, the MBE program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the complex ethical issues in bioethics and develop the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges effectively.