MBE Admissions

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. Many applicants hold a terminal or professional degree and are seeking to enhance their primary training in a related field. 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.

Information Sessions

November 13

General Info Session

The education team discussed available course formats, curriculum, the capstone experience, and admissions tips. Watch the recording on our YouTube.

December 11

Alumni Panel Discussion

Alumni from various backgrounds discussed their experiences in the program and after graduation. Watch the recording on our YouTube.

February 12

Student Panel Discussion

Current students in their second and third years of the part-time online program discussed their experiences. Watch the recording on our YouTube.

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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. Many applicants hold a terminal or professional degree or are seeking to enhance their primary training in a related field. International applicants should review our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.

Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree or equivalent 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): Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or equivalent (MCAT or LSAT) scores are not required. Those who opt to submit GRE scores can send to Institution Code 3812.

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 a dozen other countries around the globe. The Office for Graduate Education has additional, important information for international applicants.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

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Students whose native language is not English must also include results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.

  • A minimum score of 103 on the TOEFL and/or a 7.5 on the IELTS is required. A 130 on the Duolingo English Test is the minimum score required.
  • The TOEFL Code for Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs is 3151.
  • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of examination. Applicants who tested more than three years ago must repeat the test.
  • Applicants should submit scores from the Internet based test (IBT) of the TOEFL.

The only exemption from this requirement is anyone who earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction.

Visa Requirements for International Applicants

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Please visit the Harvard International Office website to learn about the student visa process.

International Student Financial Certification Documentation Requirements: Harvard is required to certify that international students have funds to cover the full cost of tuition, fees and living expenses for the first year of their program before issuing an I-20 or DS-2019. To view the latest breakdown of tuition and expenses by program, please see the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance.

If funding originates from multiple sources, documentation for each source is needed. All documentation must be submitted in English or accompanied with a certified translation.

Fellowship/Grant/Scholarship: Official award letter that states the value of the award in the home currency and U.S. dollars, as well as the period for which it is valid.

Employer or Agency Sponsor: Official letter from employer or agency on letterhead that states the amount of funding in the home currency and its U.S. dollar equivalent, as well as the period for which the funding is valid.

Personal Savings - Bank Statement:

  • No more than two personal savings accounts will be accepted.
  • Student's name must be listed as account holder or joint account holder.
  • Account must be in U.S. dollar currency; U.S. dollar equivalent is not acceptable.
  • Bank must have retail/consumer banking operations in U.S. (non-U.S. banks with branch in U.S. is acceptable).
  • Funds must be in cash accounts, available without restrictions. Stocks, mutual funds or other investment accounts do not meet these criteria.
  • Monthly bank statement is required. Bank letters and references are not sufficient.
  • Dated within the last three months.

Loan: Must be approved by Harvard Medical School's Financial Aid Office.