Since 1989, the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences has offered a Master of Arts (MA) in Bioethics. It 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 study in ethical theory, philosophy, history of medicine, cultural and gender studies, health law, public health, and the social sciences. Students tailor their course of study and research project to their interests and career goals.
Designed for students of the humanities and social sciences, as well as clinicians and lawyers, the program is interdisciplinary with a strong emphasis on the philosophical foundation of bioethics. The degree complements other graduate or professional education. Joint degree programs allow students to integrate the study of law or medicine with pursuit of the MA in Bioethics.
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.
Students participate in a full calendar of programming sponsored by the University's Research, Ethics and Society Initiative, Center for Research Ethics, and Institute for Bioethics. These educational opportunities in bioethics, research ethics, health policy, and the health humanities allow students to engage with members of a national and international community of bioethicists, as well as University of Pittsburgh faculty.
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. Information about applying to the MA program is available here.
Joint degree information: Those seeking to pursue joint degrees must apply and be admitted to both degree programs, i.e., both the MA in Bioethics and either the JD or MD program. Information about applying to the JD program is available here, and additional information about integrating the curriculum of the law and bioethics programs is available here. Information about applying to the MD program is available here.
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