MBE Admissions

Applications Are Currently Open

  • Deadline to apply for the in-person program: January 14, 2026
  • Deadline to apply for the virtual program: March 4, 2026

Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) students join the program from a range of professional and educational backgrounds, united by a commitment to developing expertise in bioethics. Applications can be submitted for in-person (full-time) or online (part-time) study. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a one-on-one call with the admissions team, please send us an email at bioethics_masters@hms.harvard.edu.

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Access the application management system to begin your admissions process! First-time users will need to create an account to start an application. Returning users will need to log in.

Go to Application Portal

Info Sessions

Want to learn more about the programs and admissions process before you apply? Attend an upcoming info session:

  • General MBE Info Session: Watch a presentation on the overall program, including information about the curriculum and capstone experience, the differences between the in-person program and the online program, what to expect during the admissions process, and key deadlines.

    View the recording here. 

  • Current MBE Student Panel: In-person, Full-time Program Info Session: Come to campus virtually, meet MBE students and alumni, and hear about the full-time, in-person Master of Science in Bioethics program.

    View the recording here.

  • MBE Alumni Panel: Research, Regulatory, and Industry Professionals: Alumni currently working in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, law and policy sectors will share their experiences. 

    View the recording here.

  • Q&A Session for the In-Person MBE Program on Wednesday, January 7 at 12-1pm: Got questions? We have answers! Join this special session for prospective students specifically interested in applying to the full-time, in-person, 1-year Master of Science in Bioethics program. This session will be dedicated to answering audience questions ahead of the application deadline.
  • MBE Alumni Panel: Healthcare and Medical Careers on Wednesday, January 28 at 6-7pm ET: Encountering challenging ethical issues at the bedside or in the clinic? This session is intended for prospective students interested in applying to the Master of Science in Bioethics. Alumni currently working in healthcare will share their experiences. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions to panelists and program staff at the end of the session.
  • Q&A Session for the Online MBE Program on Wednesday, February 25 at 6-7pm ET: Remaining questions on your application? This session is intended for prospective students specifically interested in applying to the part-time, online, 2- or 3-year Master of Science in Bioethics. This session will be dedicated to answering audience questions ahead of the application deadline.

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Who Should Apply

As science advances and expands, there is an increasing need for leaders who are able to think critically about pressing ethical issues. Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) students join the Harvard program from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, united by a commitment to developing expertise in bioethics through formal education. International applicants should review our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.

Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree is required. All majors and backgrounds are welcome. Candidates must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis. Your work, research, clinical and other relevant experiences are valued in the application review. We seek applicants who:

  • care about responsibilities for patients, clients, and the public
  • exhibit intellectual curiosity and humility
  • are from a variety of professional fields and bioscience industries
  • are eager to address complex moral challenges
  • think ethically and critically about emerging issues in the life sciences
  • care about social justice

Application Requirements

Completed Online Application Form: All applicants must create a user account via Harvard Medical School's application portal.

Unofficial Transcripts: PDF copies of transcript(s) from all institutions where applicants earned credits toward academic degree(s) must be uploaded to the application database.

Statement of Purpose: Your personal statement is an opportunity to share with the admissions committee why you are interested in obtaining a Master of Science in Bioethics degree at Harvard Medical School. The statement should be limited to 750 words in length. Your personal statement should focus on two to three of the following topics:

  • Motivation for Bioethics: What initially sparked your interest in the field of bioethics?
  • Impact and Contribution: How do you envision making a difference in the field of bioethics? What unique perspectives or experiences do you bring to the program that will enrich the learning environment for your peers?
  • Academic and Professional Background: How have your previous academic experiences prepared you for this bioethics program? Describe any professional experiences or internships related to bioethics that have shaped your understanding of the field.
  • Goals and Aspirations: What specific areas of bioethics are you most interested in, and why? How do you plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this program in your future career?
  • Personal Commitment: What personal qualities do you possess that will help you succeed in a rigorous bioethics program?

Resume or CV: The resume or CV should outline your previous academic and professional experience.

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants will need to enter the names and email addresses of three references into the application portal. Recommenders will be contacted directly with instructions on how to submit their recommendation letters. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the timely submission of the letters of recommendations from their recommenders.

Application Fee: There is a $100 application fee payable by credit card.

Test Scores (Optional): you may optionally submit the GRE, MCAT, or LSAT. If you opt to submit test scores and are admitted to the program you will need to have official copies sent to the Office for Graduate Education before matriculating.

Program Costs and Tuition Reductions

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All information and the latest updates are on the Cost of Attendance and Types of Funding webpages. Please note:

  • The tuition listed for part-time study is for one year of attendance.
  • Part-time online students do not need to pay for any of the listed living expenses.
  • Full-time faculty and staff at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions may be eligible for a tuition reduction.

Important Information for International Applicants

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Harvard Medical School is an international center of learning. We value and welcome the diversity and breadth of experience international students bring to the Master of Science in Bioethics program. Our faculty collaborate with colleagues around the world, drawing students into their work and facilitating future connections. Our MBE alumni work in the United States and more than twenty other countries around the globe. 

For information on English language proficiency requirements, visa information, official transcripts, and local banks, carefully review the Office for Graduate Education's important information for international applicants.

Disclosures for Online Degree-granting Programs

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Degree Recognition: Students pursuing online degrees should note that the governments of some countries may not formally recognize online degrees earned from foreign institutions. This could impact students who wish to enroll in other academic programs or seek employment with governmental agencies or employers that require specific credentials. Harvard Medical School cannot confirm that its online degree programs will be recognized in or meet requirements to comply with distance education regulations in any particular non-U.S. country. It is the responsibility of each student to determine how the laws and regulations of any particular non-U.S. country, including those related to degree recognition, apply to participation in Harvard Medical School programs.

Sanctions: In order to comply with applicable US export control and sanctions regulations, Harvard Medical School prohibits access to and use of Harvard Medical School educational offerings, programs and resources to individuals from certain sanctioned regions or who are otherwise subject to US government sanctions, unless an appropriate license is in place.