Medical Ethics
The Medical Ethics Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University offers a focused and intellectually rigorous exploration of ethical issues in medicine, healthcare policy, and biomedical research. This one-year, full-time program is designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who seek to develop a deep understanding of how ethical theory intersects with real-world medical challenges. The curriculum equips students with the analytical skills necessary to assess clinical dilemmas, institutional decisions, and public health practices through the lens of moral philosophy, legal frameworks, and cultural sensitivity.
The program blends interdisciplinary coursework with case-based learning, fostering critical thinking across topics such as patient autonomy, end-of-life care, genetic technologies, and global health justice. Students benefit from direct engagement with faculty from medicine, philosophy, law, and public health, gaining varied perspectives on urgent bioethical questions. Through seminars, collaborative projects, and applied research, students graduate with the tools to contribute meaningfully to ethical discourse and policy development in clinical and research environments.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Medical Ethics
- 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: Medicine
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Bioethics
- Introduction to Ethical Theory in Medicine
- Clinical Ethics and Patient Care
- Law and Ethics in Healthcare Practice
- Seminar: Case Studies in Medical Dilemmas
Semester 2 – Advanced Topics and Applications
- Public Health Ethics and Global Justice
- Ethics of Emerging Biomedical Technologies
- Research Ethics and Institutional Review
- Final Project: Ethical Analysis and Policy Proposal
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Ethics Master’s program are prepared to assume key roles in a range of ethically complex environments, including hospitals, bioethics committees, research institutions, and government health departments. Many serve as clinical ethics consultants, policy advisors, healthcare educators, or compliance officers, where they contribute to institutional decision-making and guide ethical standards in practice. Others support medical research review boards, assist in developing ethical frameworks for public health interventions, or provide training on healthcare ethics in academic and organizational settings. The degree also serves as a valuable foundation for those pursuing further study in medicine, law, or public health, as it strengthens critical reasoning and ethical communication—skills essential for leadership in any health-related profession. With ethical questions growing more complex in an age of rapid medical innovation, graduates of this program are well-positioned to respond with clarity, integrity, and informed judgment.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a rare opportunity to examine the ethical dimensions of medicine through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach grounded in real-world application. Students are challenged to think critically about some of today’s most pressing questions in healthcare, supported by a faculty composed of leading scholars, health practitioners, and policy experts. The compact one-year structure is ideal for those seeking professional advancement or academic enrichment without committing to a longer degree. Pennsylvania University’s proximity to major hospitals, research centers, and policy institutions allows students to observe and engage with ethical issues as they unfold in practice. With its emphasis on applied analysis, collaborative discussion, and global relevance, the program cultivates professionals capable of influencing ethical standards, shaping policy debates, and advancing justice in healthcare.
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
