Tulane University

Overview

The Master of Science in Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Tulane University equips students with the skills to critically analyze ethical dilemmas in healthcare and effectively communicate these issues through the lens of the humanities. This program can be completed in a flexible timeframe of one or two years, allowing for both in-person classes and live synchronous online learning options.

• Degree: Master of Science (MS)
• Credits: 33 credit hours
• Thesis: Capstone project required
• Duration: 1 year (accelerated format) or 2 years (standard format)
• Tracks: Bioethics Track or Medical Humanities Track
• Delivery: In-person or live synchronous teleconferencing
• Format: 7 required core courses + 4 electives
• Language of instruction: English
• Application & start: Refer to the Tulane Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs website for the latest application information

What you'll study

The curriculum for the MS program comprises 7 required core courses and 4 electives, totaling 33 credit hours. Students will complete a capstone project that integrates knowledge from both bioethics and medical humanities.

Required core courses (examples)

• Functions in Bioethics
• Current Controversies in Bioethics
• Medical Humanities
• Clinical Ethics
• History of Medicine

Tracks and electives

Students can choose to specialize in either the Bioethics Track or the Medical Humanities Track. Electives are selected to enhance your primary focus while maintaining a broad interdisciplinary approach.

• Bioethics Track (common elective themes): ethical reasoning in clinical practice, research ethics, and policy-related discussions
• Medical Humanities Track (common elective themes): narrative, cultural studies, and the interpretation of illness experiences

Capstone requirement

A capstone project is mandatory, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize bioethical analysis and humanistic perspectives into a cohesive and academically rigorous outcome.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, along with official transcripts.
• GPA: Competitive academic performance is expected; specific minimum GPA requirements may vary.
• GRE®: Submission of GRE scores is optional.
• MCAT: Required for MD-MS applicants; may be submitted by others who have taken the MCAT and plan to apply to medical school.
• Letters of recommendation: Three letters are required.
• Personal statement: A personal statement must be submitted.
• Writing sample: A writing sample is required.
• CV/resumé: A current CV or résumé must be provided.
• International applicants: Must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).

Career prospects

Graduates of the MS in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. They may pursue roles in healthcare institutions, policy analysis, academic research, or advocacy. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips students with the necessary skills to approach complex ethical issues in diverse professional settings.