Overview

This program, founded in 1989, affords students the opportunity to observe ethical issues as they arise in clinical practice and to pursue in-depth research. Course work allows students to combine study in ethical theory, philosophy, history of medicine, cultural and gender studies, health law, public health, and the social sciences. The program may be completed in one or two years, depending on the student’s prior experience and training.

The MA curriculum includes core courses, electives, clinical practica, and the MA thesis project. The degree is intended primarily to complement and enhance other graduate or professional education, although some students pursue the degree immediately upon graduation from college.

The Center provides Program students with a full calendar of educational opportunities in bioethics, health policy, and the medical humanities including Bioethics Grand Rounds in several clinical departments and the School of Public Health, the Center’s Medical Humanities Lecture series, Center colloquia, and the CF Reynolds Medical History Society Lecture Series. These forums feature visiting scholars as well as University of Pittsburgh faculty, and allow students to engage with members of a national and international community of bioethicists.