Bioethics
The Master of Arts in Bioethics at Emory University is a three-and-a-half-year, full-time interdisciplinary graduate program that explores the ethical dimensions of medicine, biotechnology, research, and public health. Grounded in philosophy, law, theology, and social sciences, the program provides students with the intellectual tools to examine and address pressing ethical questions in healthcare and biomedical innovation. Through a curriculum that emphasizes critical reasoning, applied ethics, cultural context, and moral theory, students engage with topics such as end-of-life care, reproductive technologies, health disparities, and human subject research. The program prepares students to reflect deeply on how ethical principles guide clinical decisions, institutional policies, and societal responsibilities in the age of rapid scientific advancement.
Emory’s Bioethics program stands out for its unique integration of academic scholarship and practical engagement. Students participate in case-based discussions, policy analysis, and clinical ethics consultations in real healthcare settings. The university’s strong connections with Emory Healthcare and regional medical institutions allow students to gain first-hand experience navigating ethical dilemmas in hospitals, research environments, and community health systems. Courses are taught by faculty from multiple disciplines, offering students a broad yet coherent foundation in ethical analysis. This multidisciplinary structure promotes collaboration, thoughtful dialogue, and professional development for those seeking careers in clinical ethics, healthcare leadership, or ethical research design.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Bioethics
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 3,5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Biology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Ethics and Biomedicine
- Introduction to Bioethics
- Moral Philosophy and Theories of Justice
- Biomedical Science and Society
- Research Methods in Bioethics
Year 2 – Clinical and Cultural Dimensions of Bioethics
- Clinical Ethics and Decision-Making
- Global Bioethics and Health Equity
- Religion, Culture, and Medicine
- Field Practicum I: Hospital-Based Ethics Service
Year 3 – Policy, Law, and Interdisciplinary Application
- Bioethics and Health Law
- Public Health Ethics and Policy Analysis
- Narrative and Ethics in Patient Care
- Field Practicum II: Community or Policy Setting
Final Semester – Research and Professional Development
- Capstone Seminar in Bioethics
- Independent Research Thesis
- Ethics Consultation Skills Workshop
- Final Presentation and Portfolio Defense
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Emory’s Master of Arts in Bioethics program are prepared to work at the intersection of ethics, health, and policy across a wide array of professional fields. They take on roles as clinical ethics consultants, policy advisors, IRB coordinators, and program directors in hospitals, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. Many also contribute to ethics boards, develop educational curricula, or work in public health programs where ethical oversight is essential. Emory alumni are found in medical schools, bioethics think tanks, biomedical research centers, and international NGOs, applying their expertise to real-world challenges involving informed consent, healthcare access, reproductive rights, and medical decision-making. Some graduates choose to continue into doctoral or professional degrees in law, medicine, or public policy, deepening their impact through further specialization. The program cultivates graduates who are thoughtful, articulate, and trusted advisors in ethically sensitive environments.
Why Choose This Program
Emory University’s Master of Arts in Bioethics offers a rare combination of philosophical depth, clinical immersion, multidisciplinary faculty, and real-world application. The program fosters a learning environment where students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and cultivate a deep understanding of the ethical frameworks that govern healthcare and biomedical research. With its location in a major academic medical center, Emory provides access to ethical debates as they unfold in live clinical and policy settings. Students benefit from individualized mentorship, field-based training, and a network of leaders in ethics and healthcare. The program’s flexible yet rigorous curriculum allows students to tailor their academic experience to specific career goals, whether in policy, clinical consultation, education, or advocacy. For those committed to leading ethical progress in a rapidly changing world of science and medicine, this program provides the clarity, skills, and vision to make a lasting impact.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
