MBE Curriculum

The Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) 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 30 are earned in classroom study and 6 are earned through the capstone experience. The backbone of the MBE curriculum is the required year-long, 10-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, students must complete 8 elective credits, which may be fulfilled through elective courses offered within the program or, with a limit of one course per semester, in other parts of the University. This structure ensures that students have opportunities to achieve learning objectives across disciplines while maintaining a strong foundation within the program.

Apply to the Master of Science in Bioethics

March 5, 2025 is the application deadline for the virtual program. Please contact our team if you have any questions or would like to schedule a one-on-one call with the admissions team.

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Course Descriptions

The MBE offers a variety of courses on current and emerging topics in bioethics. Between the master's program offerings and Harvard University's course catalog, students are sure to find course offerings that meet their career and professional interests. Offerings are subject to change each academic year. Current offerings can be viewed in the Course Catalog. Please reach out to the Education team at bioethics_masters@hms.harvard.edu with any questions.

Course of Study Schedules

Course of study schedules are listed below in detail. The MBE offers a 1-year, in person option, as well as 2-year and 3-year, part-time virtual options. The part-time virtual options leverage 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.

Curriculum Map

Download the Curriculum Map PDF for a breakdown of the program formats, classes, and credits; or review the detailed information below. Please contact our team if you have any questions.

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Program Format Options & Schedules

In Person, Full Time, 1 Year, 36 credits

Fall Term: September – December
  • Foundations I (6 credits)
  • Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 17-21*
January Term
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
Spring Term: January – May
  • Foundations II (4 credits)
  • Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
  • Credits Spring Term: 16-18 (including J-Term credits)

Virtual, Part Time

Year 1, 18-20 credits
Fall Term: September – December
  • Foundations I (6 credits)
  • Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits)
  • Electives (2 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 10-12
January Term
  • Electives  (2-4 credits)**
Spring Term: January – May
  • Foundations II (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)**
  • Credits Spring Term: 8-10 (including J-Term credits)
Year 2, 16-18 credits
Fall Term: September – December
  • Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 9-13
January Term
  • Electives (2-4 credits)***
Spring Term: January – May
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)***
  • Credits Spring Term: 7-9 (including J-Term credits)

Virtual, Part Time

Year 1, 12 credits
Fall Term: September – December
  • Foundations I (6 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 6
January Term
  • Electives (2 credits)****
Spring Term: January – May
  • Foundations II (4 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)****
  • Credits Spring Term: 6 (including J-Term credits)
Year 2, 10-12 credits
Fall Term: September – December
  • Introduction to Clinical Ethics (4 credits)
  • Electives (2 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 6
January Term
  • Electives (2 credits)****
Spring Term: January – May
  • Introduction to Research Ethics (4 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)****
  • Credits Spring Term: 4 - 6 (including J-Term credits)
Year 3, 12-14 credits
Fall Term: September – December
  • Health Law, Policy and Bioethics (4 credits)
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Credits Fall Term: 7
January Term
  • Electives (2 credits)**
Spring Term: January – May
  • Capstone (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-4 credits)**
  • Credits Spring Term: 5 - 7 (including J-Term credits)

* Enrollment for 20 credits and above needs prior approval from program and Registrar’s office

** Elective credits for J-Term and Spring combined cannot exceed 4

*** Elective credits for J-Term and Spring combined cannot be less than 4 and exceed 10

**** Elective credits for J-Term and Spring combined cannot exceed 2