About the Courses
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy is the only program in the country that combines bioethics, tech ethics, and science policy to teach students how to thoughtfully identify, analyze, and propose solutions to address cutting edge and historical developments in science, medicine, technology and policy. The program will provide a foundation in the history, philosophy, legal, social, and theoretical approaches to bioethical analysis, as well as in science and tech policy.
Students may design a highly customized curriculum. They can focus their studies on biosciences and/or technology. The program provides frameworks for two subplans: (1) Bioethics and Science Policy and (2) Tech Ethics and Policy. Students are also able to create their own concentration.
In addition to coursework, each student will complete
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy is the only program in the country that combines bioethics, tech ethics, and science policy to teach students how to thoughtfully identify, analyze, and propose solutions to address cutting edge and historical developments in science, medicine, technology and policy. The program will provide a foundation in the history, philosophy, legal, social, and theoretical approaches to bioethical analysis, as well as in science and tech policy.
Students may design a highly customized curriculum. They can focus their studies on biosciences and/or technology. The program provides frameworks for two subplans: (1) Bioethics and Science Policy and (2) Tech Ethics and Policy. Students are also able to create their own concentration.
In addition to coursework, each student will complete a capstone project under the guidance of a faculty mentor: either an in-depth research paper, or a field placement to gain practical experience (“practicum”), with a written report analyzing the experience and integrating concepts learned in the program. The capstone project is designed to demonstrate that a student has acquired extensive knowledge of current thinking in bioethics, and has collected, synthesized, and reflected on these issues.
The Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy resides within the Duke Initiative for Science & Society which offers a host of workshops and programs to deepen student understanding of the field, helps students consider career options, and connects students with leaders in bioethics, tech ethics, and science policy and with other departments on campus.
Full time students can complete the program in 3 semesters, including a summer. The option of undertaking an extra semester of study is available for students who wish to expand their research or coursework. Students also may complete the program over two (or more) years on a part time basis. While most of the students begin the program in the Fall semester, matriculation in the Spring is also possible.