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Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy

The Master of Bioethics (MBE)

The Master of Bioethics (MBE) is an interdisciplinary degree offered by the renowned Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy (formerly the Center for Bioethics) at the University of Pennsylvania. The MBE degree program gives students broad exposure to the full range of topics and issues in contemporary bioethics, drawing on the expertise of our distinguished faculty and visiting fellows.

The Master of Bioethics program is one of the nation's premier centers for bioethics education, attracting exceptional students from both the US and abroad. The program admits highly accomplished professionals who work in the bioethics-related fields of medicine, nursing, law, dentistry, social work, genetic counseling, regulatory affairs, public policy, veterinary medicine, and industry, as well as outstanding students in other professional degree programs at the University of Pennsylvania.

What makes the Master of Bioethics program unique is a threefold approach to bioethics training that combines excellent academic instruction, a worldwide network of alumni, and hands-on research and consulting opportunities that build on the classroom experience.

Master of Science in Medical Ethics (MSME)

The Master of Science in Medical Ethics (MSME) aims to identify and train the next generation of biomedical ethicists. It combines intensive didactics, mentoring, and independent scholarly research. The first cohort of MSME fellows will begin their training in 2013.

Undergraduate Minor

The Bioethics Minor will launch in the 2013 Fall semester. It is a collaborative effort involving the Departments of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, History & Sociology of Science, Philosophy, Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology. Students will be required to take 6 courses across three core areas of bioethics to earn the minor.

The University of Pennsylvania is a member of the Coursera consortium of universities, all aiming to make world-class educational opportunities within the reach of anyone, anywhere.   The Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy produces serveral courses for Coursera, all of which are free of charge and open to the public.