Master of Science in Bioethics Degree Program

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) degree program emphasizes academically rigorous coursework in combination with practical fieldwork, translating foundational principles and knowledge into informed and effective approaches to address contemporary challenges in bioethics. The multilayered curriculum also develops core competencies for addressing ethical concerns in clinical, research, public sector and medical industry workplaces.

A combination of core and elective courses offers students the opportunity to study a broad range of topics. The course of study for the MBE requires 36 credits, of which 32 are earned in classroom study and four are earned through the capstone experience. The backbone of the MBE curriculum is the required year-long, eight-credit course, Foundations of Bioethics. 

In addition to Foundations of Bioethics, degree candidates are expected to complete three required courses: Introduction to Clinical Ethics, Introduction to Research Ethics and Health Law, Policy and Bioethics. Together, these courses cover critical areas in the field of bioethics. It is the expectation of the program that, in order to complete the MBE's course of study, students will demonstrate knowledge and analytic ability in a substantial body of the central bioethics topics. 

In addition to the above requirements, 12 elective credits must be taken in either elective courses offered through the program or in other parts of the University. This ensures opportunities for students to achieve learning objectives across disciplines and approaches to the wide range of challenges in bioethics.

Course of Study Schedules

Course of study schedules are listed below in details for both the Full-Time, 1-Year and Part-Time, 2-Year options. The Harvard Master of Science in Bioethics program now offers a two-year, part-time virtual option for mid-career students.

The two-year, part-time virtual option leverages our high-quality, cutting edge bioethics curriculum with a focus on discussion-based and applied learning in a flexible online format that appeals to leaders in a wide range of disciplines at the intersection of health care, law, academia, and public health. 

The program includes synchronous online required and elective coursework and opportunities to build your Harvard network virtually. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.