MA Bioethics at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

Since 1989 the Dietrich School has offered an MA in Bioethics. The interdisciplinary 30-credit programme has a strong philosophical foundation and suits students of the humanities and social sciences, clinicians and lawyers; joint JD-MA and MD-MA degrees are available.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Bioethics Program | Duration: 1-2 years (30 credits) | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Three core courses (Philosophy of Medicine, Theoretical Foundations of Applied Ethics, and Bioethics or Bioethics and Law), electives, clinical practica and an MA thesis project.

Career pathways

Health professions, health policy, academia, clinical and empirical bioethics, and law.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Online application (no application fee): transcripts, three letters of recommendation (commenting on critical reasoning and writing), personal statement, and a writing sample on bioethics, ethics, philosophy or another humanities topic. Fall applications considered on a rolling basis from September to May 15; current Pitt graduate students may start in spring (September-December 1). Duolingo accepted as alternative to TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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