Admissions

The application deadline has passed.

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. Please note that we welcome applications from students wishing to complete their studies either in-person (part- or full-time) and online (part-time only).

Deadlines

  • The January 15, 2023 deadline has passed for early professional applicants (0-2 years work experience) and international students applying for the full-time program.
  • The March 15, 2023 final deadline has passed for mid-career professional applicants (3+ years work experience) and those applying for the part-time program.

Prerequisites

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • All majors and backgrounds are welcome

Experience

  • Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis
  • Work, research, clinical and other relevant experience is valued in the application review
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Tuition Reductions

Full-time faculty and staff at HMS and affiliated institutions may be eligible for a tuition reduction.

Learn More

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. This statement can detail academic, professional or personal experiences. The statement should be limited to 500-750 words in length. 

Your personal statement should incorporate the following topics:

  • What drew you to bioethics?
  • What unique perspectives will you bring to the MBE and/or bioethics community?
  • What experiences have prepared you for advanced study in bioethics?
  • What would you like to do once you obtain an MBE?

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 0550.

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Still Have Questions?

Visit our FAQ page for more detailed information, send us an email, or give us a call at 617-432-4020.

Review FAQs

International Candidates

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. Alumni with Harvard MBE work in the United States and more than a dozen other countries around the globe.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

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 125 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

International students must fulfill visa requirements. International students can find more information via Harvard Medical School's International Students page.

 

Program Cost

You can find more information regarding the cost of attendance on the How Much Will My Master's Degree Cost? webpage.