How To Apply?
- Applicants should click the button below marked Apply Online Now.
- Next, applicants need to create a CollegeNET (aka ApplyWeb) account.
- Once you are logged into your CollegeNET account, select Penn: Gratuate, Professional, and Continuing Education Application.
- Next, you must choose Perelman School of Medicine - Masters and Certificate Programs.
- Finally, select either the Bioethics, MBE or the Medical Ethics, MSME program application.
- In addition to needing an official transcript and three letters of recommendation, applicants will be required to upload a Personal Statement. The Personal Statement is our opportunity to learn about who you are and why bioethics is important to you. Please write 1-2 pages (250-500) words describing your interest in studying bioethics and the impact you hope it will have on your future, professionally or otherwise. Be sure to include your plans and aspirations for after you complete the MBE degree.
Who Should Apply?
The Master of Bioethics is designed for the following types of students:
- Professionals in bioethics-related fields, including medicine, nursing, law, dentistry, social work, health care administration, industry, public policy, regulatory affairs, and other allied health professions, or,
- Students pursuing another bioethics-related graduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania or other area professional schools.
- Post-baccalaureate students with a special interest in the field who plan further graduate study in law, medicine, humanities, or social sciences.
- Current undergraduate students at Penn, Haverford, or Bryn Mawr who would like to submatriculate into the MBE while still finishing their BA/BS degrees.
Post-bacclaureate students (those who have recently completed a BA or a BS) and submatriculation applicants require a 3.5 GPA for admission. NOTE: The MBE degree is not considered a "terminal degree;" further academic work is needed for most positions in the field of bioethics.
Admissions Criteria
Professional applicants will be evaluated on the applicant's professional record and on the extent to which the MBE degree complements the applicant's career and future professional growth. For those students already matriculated in another graduate program who are applying for a dual degree, applicants are considered based on their academic record and on the extent to which the MBE degree complements the applicant's interests and educational goals. Post-bacclaureate students must have a 3.5 GPA. We do not require any standardized tests.
Submitting Your Transcripts
Official transripts must be submitted directly by your University or a document sharing service used by your University. The MBE requires transcripts for every credit hour listed on your application. Please select to have transcripts sent to:
Rashon Clark 423 Guardian Dr., Floor 14
Philadelphia, PA 19104; OR
Rashon.clark@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Dual Degree Students
Special Instructions for Dual Degree Students here.
Submatriculation
Applicants who intend to submatriculate from the University of Pennsylvania, Haverford College, or Bryn Mawr College can find detailed information about the program here. Submatriculation students are encouraged to speak with Faculty Program Director Dr. Autumn Fiester prior to submission of the application. Submatriculation into the Master of Bioethics requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.50.
International Students
International Students should apply as described above. For important information for international students, please visit the Penn International Students and Scholars Services website.
Non-matriculated Students
Students can take courses at the University of Pennsylvania without officially enrolling in the Master of Bioethics Program. Consider taking a course with us if:
- You are working in a bioethics-related field and we are offering a course that would enhance your career goals or that matches your personal interests
- You are working in a bioethics-related field and you want to see if this is the right program for you
- You are a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania who needs or wants a bioethics-related elective
- You have a general interest in bioethics and want to learn more about the field
A bachelor's degree is required to take a course with us. As a non-matriculated student, you can take up to 3 courses without formal admission to our program (subject to Director's approval). Any courses taken on a non-matriculated basis will count toward the MBE degree if you later are accepted into the program. Current tuition and fees can be found here.
For more information on how to apply as a Non-Matriculated Student, and to download the Take a Course application, see our Take a Course With Us page. See our current course listings here.
Application & Admissions Cycle
All applications are considered on a rolling basis. Students will be notified in the applicant portal when their application is complete and submitted to the admissions committee.
If accepted, the student chooses the semester in which they would like to begin taking courses. We offer a full Spring, Summer and Fall semester.
Nondiscrimination
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).