FAQs

• October 1, 2025 - applications open
• January 14, 2026 - deadline for the in-person program
• March 4, 2026 - deadline for the online program

Harvard Medical School is a vibrant and diverse community consisting of the Longwood Campus and 12 affiliated teaching hospitals in the greater Boston area. Harvard Medical School is a leader in academic medicine through its teaching, research, and clinical resources. View the Student Resources page for more detailed information.

No. Previous study or experience in bioethics is helpful, but not necessary. You will have the opportunity to describe your interest in bioethics in your personal statement and other application materials.

Yes. Students will be required to complete a core course of study in the foundations of bioethics and major areas in bioethics. With the guidance and approval of the academic advisor, students will have opportunities to tailor their experience to their interests with elective coursework, through the capstone project, and by drawing on the vast resources of the Center for Bioethics and Harvard University.

The program is aimed primarily toward those interested in ethical issues related broadly to health care practice, industry, research, and policy. The minimum requirement for entry into the Master of Science in Bioethics degree program is a bachelor’s degree and demonstrated interest in the field of bioethics. An essential feature of the program is that our students come from diverse backgrounds but collectively share an interest in bioethics.

Common professions include (but are not necessarily limited to) physicians, nurses, social workers, health care administrators, chaplains, attorneys, journalists and writers, scientists and medical researchers, psychologists and therapists.

You must submit a statement of purpose, CV, three letters of recommendation, and a $100 application fee. For specific information about these materials, please see the admissions page. If you have questions regarding the required materials, please contact bioethics_masters@hms.harvard.edu.

In-Person Program

Our full-time, campus-based program is completed in one year. The in-person class is primarily composed of recent graduates and early-career professionals who are exploring pathways into medical school, law school, research, and other advanced academic or professional fields.

Online Program

Our flexible online program allows students to pursue their degree on a part-time basis over two or three years. The online class is composed of working professionals from diverse fields that include healthcare, law, public policy, research, and education; and who seek to integrate a bioethics education to advance and/or enhance their impact while maintaining work and personal commitments. The program is conducted synchronously and there are ample opportunities to build your Harvard network virtually. Classes are generally held between 4 and 8 p.m. ET. 

No, but 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.

We receive many applications, so decisions on some applications may be made without interviews. Three to four weeks after the deadline, you may be invited to interview via Zoom. If you are not invited to interview, please know it is not indicative of any particular decision made about your candidacy.

PDF copies of transcripts from all institutions where applicants earned credits toward academic degree(s) must be uploaded to the application database for review by the admissions committee. An unofficial copy is acceptable only for the admissions process. Unofficial copies should still be in PDF format and easily readable.

Upon enrollment of the Master of Science in Bioethics Program, you will need to submit official transcripts to begin the program. You will get information about where to send official transcripts when accepting your offer to study in the program. Questions regarding official transcripts should be sent to admissions_masters@hms.harvard.edu.

If you need your official transcripts evaluated and translated, Harvard Medical School and World Education Services (WES) have designed an easy application to do so. Please access it here: Credential Evaluation Requirements for Harvard Medical School.

Falsifying documents for admissions review can result in expulsion from the program.

Please visit the Cost of Attendance page. Note the costs shown are for the current academic year, not the academic year you will be applying to. Part-time tuition is paid each year. Part-time online students do not need to consider any of the living expenses listed. There are various types of funding. Should you have any questions regarding the cost of attendance or types of funding, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Yes. HMS has one institutional scholarship, called the Deans Scholarship. The Financial Aid Office also has several resources available that may help you find external scholarships you are eligible to apply for.

Full-time, benefits eligible faculty and staff at HMS and the affiliated institutions/hospitals are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to 10% of the full-time tuition rate for any of the HMS Master’s Degree Programs (tuition only). 

For detailed information and a full list of resources on scholarships, loans, and VA and Military benefits, please review the types of funding page. 

A change in duration of study is possible with program approval.  Full-time students may be able to change to part-time status while remaining in the in-person course of study.  Part-time virtual students may be able to change from the 2-year program to the 3-year program.  A change in course of study, that is to change from in-person to virtual and vice versa, would not be allowed unless under extenuating circumstances with specific program approval.  All changes in program status needs to be approved prior to the start of the fall semester of the academic year and will need additional approval from the Office for Graduate Education. 

Yes. International students may apply using the same materials as US students, and if necessary, submit an English proficiency exam score. 

International students accepted to the full time in-person program will need to provide proof of funding for tuition and living expenses in United States Dollars (USD). 

International students should review this page for detailed information about English language proficiency requirements, visa information, submitting official transcripts, and local bank information.

International students are not eligible for US government loans, but they may be eligible for certain private loans with or without a US co-signer at private financial institutions in their home country or the US. Harvard Federal Credit Union or Eastern Bank can open bank accounts for admitted international students prior to arrival in the US.

HMS has one institutional scholarship, called the Dean's Scholarship, which international students are welcome to apply for. The Financial Aid Office also has several resources available that may help you find external scholarships you are eligible to apply for.

For detailed information and a full list of resources on scholarships and loans for international students please review the types of funding page. 

A language proficiency test is required for applicants for whom English was not the medium of instruction for their undergraduate or graduate degree. Harvard Medical School's master’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic and Duolingo English Test. Please note, English language proficiency tests are only valid for two years after the test date.

Visa regulations require full-time study to enroll in the in-person program. International students may enroll in the part-time virtual program and will complete all degree requirements virtually.