Health and Societies- Bioethics and Society
The Health and Societies: Bioethics and Society Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ethical, social, and policy issues in healthcare and biomedical contexts. The curriculum integrates bioethics, public health, sociology, policy studies, and research methodology, enabling students to critically examine ethical dilemmas, analyze societal impacts on healthcare, and explore policy responses to contemporary health challenges. Students engage in applied research, case studies, and field projects, cultivating analytical, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential for professional or academic careers in health policy, bioethics, and public health.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in bioethics, health policy, and sociology. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary analysis, applied research, and critical thinking, preparing graduates to evaluate ethical issues, assess healthcare systems, and design evidence-based solutions. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking abilities, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in bioethics, healthcare policy, public health, or health administration.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Health and Societies- Bioethics and Society
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Health Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Bioethics and Society
- Introduction to Bioethics and Ethical Reasoning
- Fundamentals of Health Policy and Sociology
- Research Methods and Critical Analysis
- Social Determinants of Health
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Health and Ethics
- Ethical Issues in Medicine and Biomedical Research
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Applied Research Projects in Healthcare Contexts
- Electives: Global Health, Public Policy, or Health Communication
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Case Studies in Bioethics and Healthcare Decision-Making
- Policy Analysis and Healthcare Governance
- Fieldwork and Community Engagement
- Electives: Health Law, Medical Anthropology, or Health Economics
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Bioethics and Policy Challenges
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Hospitals, Research Institutions, or Policy Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bioethics and Society program are prepared for careers in bioethics consultation, health policy analysis, public health research, hospital administration, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Alumni may work as ethics consultants, policy advisors, health analysts, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in bioethics, public health, health policy, or healthcare administration. The program equips graduates to critically analyze ethical challenges, evaluate healthcare systems, and implement evidence-based solutions. With strong analytical, research, and ethical reasoning skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on health policy, ethical decision-making, and applied research.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of bioethics, health policy analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in healthcare, policy, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical problem-solving, preparing graduates to address complex health and societal issues, contribute to research and policy initiatives, and apply their knowledge in professional or academic contexts. For students passionate about healthcare ethics, social justice, and policy analysis, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
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
