Program Overview

Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts Program in Medical Humanities and Bioethics is designed to emphasize the interdisciplinary study of medicine and bioethics through the humanities. The program consists of ten total courses, including six core courses, three units of shorter seminars, and a capstone.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of medical humanities and bioethics. The core courses are taught by acclaimed Graduate Faculty and include:

• MHB 401: Foundations of Bioethics
• MHB 402: Medicine & Law
• MHB 403: History of Medicine
• MHB 404: Literature & Medicine
• MHB 405: Social Science & Medicine
• MHB 406: The Practice of Bioethics The program also includes three units of shorter seminars that span multiple quarters and a capstone.

Logistics

The program is designed to accommodate a typical work schedule, with core courses meeting in the evening, typically once weekly from 6 to 9 pm. The Special Topics course meets every Thursday from noon to 12:45 pm. All classes meet on Northwestern's Chicago campus.

Alumni Outcomes

Students in the single-degree MA program represent a wide range of educational backgrounds and career paths. Most MHB students have completed or have firm plans to complete a degree that will enable them to work in a healthcare setting. Equipped with both degrees, these graduates often apply their MHB education to clinical ethics consultation, institutional ethics leadership, policymaking, research, publishing, and teaching.

Admissions

The program is designed for students who already have a professional degree, but a Master of Arts degree is not considered a terminal degree in this field. Applicants must provide:

• Transcripts of past coursework
• Letters of recommendation from two faculty members or employers
• A one-page statement of purpose
• A writing sample The GRE is not required but may bolster the application. If English is not the applicant's native language, official scores from the TOEFL or IELTS standardized test are required.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition is set annually by The Graduate School, with the current tuition being $8,173 per course. Annual increases should be expected. The program provides tuition reduction in the form of need-based financial aid, and students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive aid. Financial aid in the form of loans is available to part-time students who enroll in at least two courses per quarter. Some students receive tuition reimbursement through their employers, and Northwestern faculty and staff can use their tuition benefits.