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The University of Pennsylvania's Master of Bioethics (MBE) is an interdisciplinary graduate program administered by the prestigious Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy. This comprehensive MBE curriculum provides students with extensive knowledge across all major areas of modern bioethics, leveraging the insights of our esteemed faculty and visiting scholars. Recognized as one of America's leading bioethics education programs, Penn's MBE attracts top-tier students from across the United States and internationally. The program enrolls distinguished professionals from diverse bioethics-related disciplines including healthcare, law, social services, genetic sciences, policy development, and corporate sectors, along with exceptional students from other Penn professional programs. The Penn MBE distinguishes itself through a tripartite educational model that integrates rigorous academic coursework, a global alumni community, and practical research/consulting experiences that complement classroom learning.
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-baccalaureate students must have a 3.5 GPA.
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.