Overview

The Bioethics and Medical Humanities master’s degree from Elms College combines two related yet distinct fields to create a new program that is rare among American universities. There are a dozen or so master’s programs in bioethics nationwide, and a dozen or so in medical humanities. Elms is one of a handful of institutions to offer a combined master’s program in Bioethics and Medical Humanities.

Ethics, in the broadest sense, is the philosophical study of morality, which entails making distinctions between right and wrong – virtuous and vicious – modes of action and behavior. Bioethics, in the broadest sense, is the study of morality as it pertains to life and living things, particularly within the fields of healthcare and the biomedical sciences. Medical Humanities, in the broadest sense, applies the humanities – the interdisciplinary study of philosophy, religion, history, literature, language, and art – to the practice of medical science.

Career

DePergola says that a commitment to Bioethics and Medical Humanities education will transform patient experience by assisting healthcare organizations generally, and healthcare providers specifically, to realize that alleviating clinical symptoms is the minimum, not the maximum, of what healthcare, at its best, is called to do.

The United Stated healthcare system is built in such a way that it rewards treatment that addresses issues in the most immediate, cost-effective way. But this often conflicts with the moral values of the provider and/or the patient. The provider may want to order specialized tests to confirm an elusive diagnosis, or to keep the patient in the hospital for a few extra days to ensure a safer discharge, but there is often pressure from insurance companies to do otherwise.

Bioethics and Medical Humanities examines the nature of those conflicts, why they arise, and how they may be addressed in an ethical and dignifying way.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Medical Humanities
Global Bioethics
Clinical Bioethics
Narrative Medicine
Biomedical Research Ethics
Genetics and Ethics
Neuroethics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Chicopee, United States

Disciplines

Medicine Liberal Arts Ethics View 415 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

The successful applicant will possess:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A GPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale in one’s undergraduate program.
If applicable, a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale in one’s previous or current graduate program.

Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the program. While students are recommended to have completed at least some ethics and/or health science courses, it is not mandatory.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Out-of-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year

Living costs

Chicopee

United States

1006 - 2084 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Bioethics and Medical Humanities.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Chicopee

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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