Rankings

10 Best Online Master’s of Bioethics Graduate Schools

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 11, 2024, Reading time: 22 minutes

Master of Bioethics - featured image

Find your perfect college degree

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The online Master of Bioethics degree is best suited to students who enjoy discovering and exploring the ethical and moral aspects of today’s healthcare systems.

Bioethics is becoming an increasingly important aspect of healthcare, and it requires new students with integrity who are willing to face and resolve health challenges and policies.

Graduate degree studies in the field of bioethics can be very diverse, allowing students to explore their specific interests, which can include the history of bioethics, bioethics research, the philosophy of bioethics, political science, pharmaceutical bioethics, as well as many others.

Quick audio summary:

Master's in Bioethics_fact 1

Students in a Master of Bioethics degree program are usually required to complete a dissertation or thesis related to their research and study. Research requirements may also be part of a bioethics graduate program’s curriculum.

The job growth rate for career fields associated with bioethics is higher than average. When coupled with a nursing degree or as a stepping stone to becoming a professor of bioethics, the field of bioethics, as enhanced by a master’s degree in bioethics, is highly marketable and in demand.

For those with a philosophical bent who are more interested in the ethical questions surrounding healthcare than performing medical procedures, a degree in bioethics is a perfect fit.

Completing an online Master’s in Bioethics degree is ideal for those already working in the professional world but eager to advance their career and marketability as well as their knowledge of bioethics.

These Ten Best Online Master’s of Bioethics graduate schools will give prospective graduate students a place to begin searching for a program that suits them perfectly.

Master's in Bioethics_fact 2

Methodology

What makes an online Master of Bioethics program stand out from the rest? In obtaining this degree, it matters that you pick the best school! Our Best Online Masters of Bioethics Graduate Schools were selected based on their compliance with the highest academic standards in graduate study.

Factored in are the strength of the program curricula, accreditation status, and overall reputation within the academic community.

Each of the programs and online schools featured on this list:

Master's in Bioethics_fact 4
Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Best Online Master’s of Bioethics Graduate Schools

Ohio State University

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH

Online Master of Arts In Bioethics

Ohio State University is a land-grant public university considered one of the country’s Top 20 public universities. For more than 150 years, OSU’s Columbus campus is a premier stage for educational achievement and state-of-the-art laboratory.

The university is also recognized as a leading research center and cancer hospital, and a highly rated academic medical facility.

Standout Features of the Ohio State University’s online Master of Arts In Bioethics Program:

OSU’s online Master of Arts in Bioethics program has an exclusive, small class size with comprehensive access to faculty and other leading experts in the field of bioethics. The online program features an intuitive and progressive method to discover ethical theories and questions in life sciences, biomedical research, healthcare, and medicine.

Ohio State University’s main campus is one of the biggest and most comprehensive campuses in the US. As a land-grant public university, OSU has a physical presence throughout Ohio with several research facilities and campuses. Some of the prominent locations include Columbus, Stone Lab, Agricultural Technical Institute, Marion, and Mansfield.

University of Mary

University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota

Online Master of Science In Bioethics

The University of Mary is part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Since its inception in 1959, the University of Mary has been influential in offering education to non-traditional students or working adults in the state.

The university is committed to providing high-quality online degree and certificate programs grounded in Benedictine, Catholic, and Christian values.

Standout Features of the University of Mary’s online Master of Science In Bioethics Program:

The University of Mary has a partnership with the National Catholic Bioethics Center, allowing students pursuing the online Master of Science in Bioethics program to participate in 2-day NCBC seminars in Bismarck. Applicants with a National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics can transfer a maximum of ten graduate credits through the university.

The University of Mary offers seven evening learning locations for students interested in participating in a classroom setting once in a while. The classes are held in a traditional classroom once per week from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Medical College of Wisconsin

Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI

Online Master of Arts In Bioethics

Since 1893, the Medical College of Wisconsin has been a frontrunner in community engagement, education, research, and patient care. MCW’s main headquarters is located in the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. The school houses the 3rd largest private medical school in the US and is considered Wisconsin’s biggest private research institution.

Standout Features of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s online Master of Arts In Bioethics Program:

MCW’s online Master of Arts in Bioethics program has one of the most generous transfer policies, allowing students to transfer a maximum of ten credits as long as they haven’t previously applied to a program. It is the first Bioethics graduate program of its kind in the country, offering flexible learning formats for working and online students.

Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by several healthcare-related accrediting agencies in the nation, such as the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the Liaison Committee for Medical Education.

Trinity International University

Trinity International University

Deerfield, IL

Online Master of Arts In Bioethics

Headquartered in Illinois, Trinity International University consists of four schools and a Christian camp. The university provides students with the flexibility to pursue a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees through Trinity Online.

Through Trinity Online, students can choose from 16 online programs that integrate academic rigor to deliver a Christian academic experience, including an online Master of Arts in Bioethics program.

Standout Features of the Trinity International University’s online Master of Arts In Bioethics Program:

Trinity International University provides students pursuing an online Master of Arts in Bioethics program with three learning formats: online, modular, and residential, as added flexibility and convenience.

The university offers a double degree option through a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Bioethics degree. Students can also integrate their online Master of Arts in Bioethics with a Master of Divinity program or another graduate program from the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

TIU also specializes in theological studies or divinity programs through its TEDS programs. The programs offer a theological curriculum that will equip students to serve Christ with grace and wisdom in love and truth. The Trinity Law School, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Trinity College offer a diverse range of distance learning programs across different discipline areas.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Online Master of Arts In Bioethics & Health Policy

Loyola University Chicago is one of the most prestigious universities in Illinois. It has an exclusive partnership with Trinity Health in Maywood and the suburbs to offer flexible and top-quality healthcare-related degrees.

Through LUC’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the university offers blended course formats and learning assessments that take a holistic approach and carefully developed programs influenced by three pillars – meaningful life, career success, and leadership.

Standout Features of the Loyola University Chicago’s online Master of Arts In Bioethics & Health Policy Program:

LUC’s online Master of Arts in Bioethics & Health Policy program is offered through the world-class Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics & Healthcare Leadership that offers one of the most innovative distance learning environments in the fields of health policy and bioethics.

Students will have a graduate degree in bioethics with a curriculum that combines healthcare aspects to understand and respect the Roman Catholic heritage involving healthcare decision-making.

In Fall 2010, Loyola University of Chicago became one of the cohort 20 academic institutions invited by the Commission to partake in a demo project for an all-new standard of accreditation called “Pathways.” As one of the pioneering institutions, LUC had the wonderful opportunity to reshape the existing 10-year Open Pathway Process and pilot the new pathway program.

Creighton University

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Online Master of Science In Bioethics

Located in Nebraska, Creighton University offers top-quality academic programs in the Jesuit tradition. The university was established in 1878 and is considered one of the 27 Jesuit universities and colleges in the US Students pursuing an online degree at Creighton, such as an online Master of Science in Bioethics, is one of the wisest investments since the university has consistently received a “Best Value School” recognition from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, The Princeton Review, and the US News & World Report.

Standout Features of Creighton University’s Online Master of Science In Bioethics Program:

Completing an online Master of Science in Bioethics program at Creighton provides students with the opportunity to combine graduate certificates to expand and strengthen their skills and expertise. They can either pursue the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics or the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Ethics Consultation. Both programs require 15 hours to complete.

Creighton University consistently ranks as the #1 University in the Midwest for 16 consecutive years. It has garnered multiple rankings across a variety of prestigious school listings from different organizations around the US. When it comes to athletics, Creighton University’s official mascot is considered a blue jay since 1924, and the university is a proud member of the BIG EAST conference since 2013.

Clarkson University

Clarkson University

Potsdam, New York

Online Master of Science In Bioethics

Headquartered in New York, Clarkson University is a private, national research institution of higher learning and a leading university in sustainable economic development and technological education. The university caters to more than 4,800 students across 90+ rigorous programs linked to health professions, sciences, education, arts, business, and engineering.

Standout Features of Clarkson University’s Online Master of Science In Bioethics Program:

Clarkson’s online Master of Science in Bioethics program offers skills-based and competency-based studies in bioethics policy, research ethics, and clinical ethics. It is offered with Clarkson’s collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Non-degree-seeking students can enroll in one of three graduate certificates in Bioethics, such as Research Ethics, Health Policy & Law, or Clinical Ethics.

Clarkson University has numerous world-class facilities for research and innovation, including the Center for Identification Technology Research, Clarkson Center for Complex Systems Science, The Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, and The Shipley Center for Innovation.

A long list of accreditations has also added the excellence of reputation of Clarkson University. All programs offered at Clarkson are approved by the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs and the NY State Board of Regents.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York, New York

Online Master of Science In Bioethics

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was started in 1968, seeking a diverse range of students who can advocate engineering, technological, scientific, and medical expertise as well as social insights, empathy, and open-mindedness.

As a frontrunner in biomedical research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai educates almost 2,000 post-doctoral fellows and students annually.

Standout Features of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Online Master of Science in Bioethics Program:

The online Master of Science in Bioethics program is developed with the joint venture of Icahn School and Clarkson University. Every year, the school’s Bioethics program features numerous elective courses through its diverse graduate degree programs.

The courses are cross-listed at The Graduate Center from the City University of New York and are taught by a clinician from Mount Sinai and a philosopher from CUNY’s The Graduate Center.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai receives one of the biggest funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institution has established a solid support system, strategic facilities, a comprehensive infrastructure, and inspirational leadership while educating healthcare leaders for the 21st century.

Trinity Law School

Trinity Law School

Santa Ana, CA

Online Master of Legal Studies – Bioethics Track

As a member of the Trinity International University family of schools, the Trinity Law School is a California Bar-accredited law school headquartered in Orange County. The school provides students with exceptional law studies and training in the Judeo-Christian historical tradition.

Formerly known as Simon Greenleaf University, the Trinity Law School was founded by Christian leaders – Dr. Walter Martin, Dr. Harold Lindsell, and Dr. John Warwick Montgomery in 1980.

Standout Features of the Trinity Law School’s Online Master of Legal Studies – Bioethics Track Program:

The Trinity Law School – online Master of Legal Studies with a concentration in Bioethics is a unique program of its kind. The program equips students with the proficiencies in legal, bioethical, and philosophical arguments, helping them address timely and relevant issues in bioethics.

Trinity Law School has earned accreditation from the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and has received regional accreditation status from the Higher Learning Commission. It’s the only school on our list that offers a Bioethics program of study integrated with the aspects of the law.

Columbia University

Columbia University

New York, NY

Online Master of Science In Bioethics

Started in 1754, Columbia University is one of New York’s oldest universities and the country’s fifth. Today, the university houses the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory that was built in 1949 in Palisades. It is a leading research center focusing on environmental hazards, non-renewable resources, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

Standout Features of the Columbia University’s Online Master of Science In Bioethics Program:

Columbia University is one of the rare universities that offer an online Master of Science in Bioethics degree with the opportunity to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits. The university also provides students with the option to pursue a dual degree program by combining a Master of Public Health with an MS in Bioethics degree. Students can also strengthen their credentials and skills through an online Certification of Professional Achievement in Bioethics program.

Columbia University was once named King’s College by the Royal Charter of England’s King George II. The first classes were facilitated by Samuel Johnson in July 1754 in a new school bordering Trinity Church located in Manhattan’s lower Broadway location. There were only about eight students in that first class. One of the school’s ambitious goals was the founding of the 1st American medical school to offer an MD degree.

Master's in Bioethics_fact 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bioethics?

Initially recognized in 1971, Bioethics is studying the philosophical concepts of right and wrong and applying ethics in the healthcare and medicine fields. It is an interdisciplinary field combining medical humanities, health policies, nursing, law, history, theology, and philosophy.

Similar to the old philosophies, bioethics asks philosophical questions that will be integrated into the healthcare systems. Some of the questions include the following:

The questions portray healthcare, bioscience, and biology with human philosophy and knowledge regarding intuition and feelings between morally right and wrong decisions. With a diverse range of fields and important questions, completing an online Master of Bioethics degree program covers several areas of study.

What is an Online Master’s of Bioethics?

An online Master’s in Bioethics is a multidisciplinary degree that combines coursework completion, research, thesis project, and clinical practicum experience to provide students with a holistic understanding of how new techniques, medicines, technologies, and medical procedures will be utilized ethically to administer healthcare to patients and help them heal.

The graduate program in Bioethics will study some of the relevant global issues in healthcare systems, such as the following:

Although the issues only address the current healthcare trend, discoveries and challenges will emerge since the healthcare industry is rapidly evolving. Since innovation continues to rise, these issues will significantly evaluate healthcare systems, patient rights, and what it entails to be human.

What does an Online Masters of Bioethics program consist of?

Most online Master’s of Bioethics programs often take two years to graduate for full-time learners. However, more and more colleges and universities allow students to enroll as part-timers, which will take longer to graduate. A standard graduate program in Bioethics consists of the following:

The majority of programs require students to take part in a supervised practicum that involves working in an organization or healthcare facility, studying, and reporting ethical challenges that are resolved. With an internship or practicum program, they will have experiences dealing with ethical issues that portray how the theories and research they study online are eventually applied in the real-world setting. 

Some of the bioethics courses you’ll study include:

Every college or university has a unique online Master’s in Bioethics program, and its courses will differ from the ones we’ve mentioned. If you’re interested in adding a specific concentration, here are some of the specializations to choose from:

Master's in Bioethics_fact 3

Although many online programs already cover these concentrations, it doesn’t mean every school offers the same type of concentration. Therefore, if you’re planning to pursue a specific area of bioethics, it’s always recommended to check with the college or university before enrolling.

What are the types of Online Master of Bioethics degrees?

Pursuing an online Master of Bioethics degree requires the moral compass of studying current and emerging technologies, medicines, processes, and techniques in the healthcare industry. However, choosing the right type of program for your bioethics graduate degree can be challenging.

An online Master’s degree in Bioethics is offered in three different types:

Although all programs are the same, they have minor differences in the program curriculum, the emphasis on the overall degree, and the professional pathways they prepare students for. For instance, an online Master’s in Science in Bioethics is more on practical applications, while the online Master of Arts in Bioethics is primarily focused on research.

Many online bioethics graduate programs combine the curriculum of MA and MS degrees to offer students a more comprehensive understanding and overview of the current research and key subjects in the industry.

The online Master of Bioethics program combines the study and resources between public health, social work, and medical fields. An MBE program provides students with the opportunity to understand the impact and components of their research while learning the hows and whys of their research at the same time.

What is the difference between an online Master’s of Public Health vs. an online Master’s of Bioethics program? 

An online Master’s in Public Health degree protects and advocates the health of individuals and societies through scientific research. Bioethics is one aspect of public health because it assures individuals that they have abundant options and are treated equally throughout their well-being and healthcare experiences.

Both online Masters of Public Health and Bioethics work hand in hand since the latter can offer expertise and insights to describe and highlight ethical issues in public health. Public health, on the other hand, can broaden the scope of bioethics.

It is one reason why many undergraduate and graduate programs in bioethics are under the department or school of public health in my colleges and universities. However, bioethics continues to rise in popularity and demands; thus, many schools add an independent department of bioethics.

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.