Since 1989, the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences has offered a Master of Arts (MA) in Bioethics. Designed for clinicians, lawyers, and students of the humanities and social sciences, the program is interdisciplinary with a strong emphasis on the philosophical foundation of bioethics. The program, founded in 1989, affords students the opportunity to observe ethical issues as they arise in clinical practice and to pursue in-depth research. Coursework allows students to combine studies in ethical theory, philosophy, history of medicine, cultural and gender studies, health law, public health, and the social sciences. Program alumni pursue careers in the health professions (including medicine, nursing, and social work), health policy (including in the public and nonprofit sectors), academia (especially in bioethics, communication, history and philosophy of science, philosophy, and university leadership), clinical and empirical bioethics, and law.
The MA curriculum includes core courses, electives, clinical practice, and the MA thesis project. The degree is intended primarily to complement and enhance other graduate or professional education, although some students pursue it immediately upon graduation from college, and alumni pursue a variety of careers.
The University's Institute for Bioethics provides Program students with a full calendar of educational opportunities in bioethics, health policy, and the health humanities, including Bioethics Grand Rounds in several clinical departments and the School of Public Health, colloquia, and lecture series including the CF Reynolds Medical History Society Lecture Series and the Healthcare and Religion Lecture series. These forums, featuring visiting scholars and University of Pittsburgh faculty, allow students to engage with members of a national and international community of bioethicists.
The program may be completed in one or two years, depending on the student’s prior experience and training. Students may be full- or part-time. Partial tuition scholarships are available to highly qualified applicants fro out-of-state.
Applications for the Fall Term are considered on a rolling basis from September through May 15. Those wishing to apply after May 15 should contact the Director of Admissions @ bioethics@pitt.edu. Current University of Pittsburgh graduate students may apply to begin in the Spring Term; applications are considered from September through December 1.
Additional degree information is available at:
- JD-MA: https://www.law.pitt.edu/academics/joint-degrees/bioethics
- MD-MA: https://bioethics.pitt.edu/academic-programs/school-medicine/joint-degre...
Specific inquiries may be directed to:
Director of Admissions, Master of Arts in Bioethics
Barco Law Building, Room 519
3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-7007
bioethics@pitt.edu