Bioethics
The Bioethics Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University is a one-year, full-time graduate degree designed to critically examine ethical questions at the intersection of medicine, science, technology, and society. The program provides students with a strong foundation in ethical theory, biomedical law, and health policy, equipping them to navigate complex moral challenges in clinical care, research, public health, and biotechnology. Emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, the curriculum draws from philosophy, law, public health, and biomedical science to foster critical thinking and ethical leadership.
Ideal for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds—including healthcare, life sciences, law, and policy—the program encourages nuanced reflection on issues such as genetic engineering, end-of-life care, reproductive ethics, data privacy, and global health equity. Through seminars, case analyses, and a final research project, students are guided by faculty with expertise in clinical practice, moral philosophy, and regulatory frameworks. The program supports both professional development and preparation for further academic study in health law, medicine, or ethics.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Bioethics
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Biomedical Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Biomedical Ethics
- Ethical Theory and Moral Reasoning in Healthcare
- Law, Policy, and Regulation in Biomedical Science
- Bioethics in Clinical Practice: Case-Based Approaches
- Research Methods and Interdisciplinary Inquiry
Semester 2 – Emerging Issues and Applied Bioethics
- Global Health Ethics and Public Health Policy
- Ethics of Genetics, AI, and Biomedical Innovation
- Elective: Neuroethics, Reproductive Rights, or Environmental Health
- Capstone Project: Bioethics Research Paper or Policy Proposal
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bioethics MS program are equipped to pursue impactful careers in clinical ethics consultation, healthcare compliance, research ethics, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy. They work in hospitals, research institutions, ethics committees, government health agencies, and bioethics centers, advising on complex decisions related to patient rights, informed consent, research oversight, and emerging medical technologies. Some graduates also contribute to institutional review boards (IRBs) or serve as policy analysts shaping legislation on medical innovation and patient care standards. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for further study in medicine, law, public health, or philosophy, especially for those interested in integrating ethical analysis with professional practice. In a healthcare landscape shaped by rapid scientific advances and social complexity, ethical expertise is increasingly vital across all sectors.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique and timely exploration of the ethical dimensions of modern medicine and biomedical innovation, blending academic depth with practical relevance. The one-year structure provides an intensive yet manageable path for professionals and students who seek to make immediate contributions in health-related fields. Learners benefit from faculty mentorship, access to hospital ethics boards, and opportunities for interdisciplinary research and engagement. The curriculum encourages open dialogue, critical reflection, and responsible leadership, preparing students to address urgent ethical questions with clarity and compassion. Whether your aim is to guide ethical practices in healthcare, shape equitable health policy, or pursue advanced academic work, this program delivers the intellectual foundation, practical insight, and ethical perspective to lead with integrity in today’s biomedical world.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
