Master of Science in Bioethics
Creating the Ethical Health Care Leaders of Tomorrow.
The UTRGV School of Medicine is pleased to be offering a Master of Science in Bioethics. The MS in Bioethics program is 100% online and allows for maximum flexibility in completing coursework combined with an innovative curriculum.
Students who enroll in the Master of Science in Bioethics 100% online program will gain advanced learning and develop skills in bioethics and social justice to:
- Address complex bioethical issues of health disparities in multicultural populations.
- Transform challenges into opportunities of change that promote health equity.
- Shape clinical practice, research and policy to advance equitable delivery of health care.
Explore MS in Bioethics Program
View Program Brochure
Program Faculty
Helene J. Krouse, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor
Dr. Helene Krouse has an extensive academic career in the disciplines of nursing and medicine. She has been a member of numerous multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline panels including rhinosinusitis, hoarseness, and allergic rhinitis. Her research interests encompass the areas of empowering individuals as agents of self-care and environmental factors on health outcomes. Dr. Krouse’s work also includes interprofessional relationships, professionalism, and team-based health care.
Melinda M. Wilding, D.Bioethics
Assistant Professor
Dr. Wilding brings twenty years of experience in bioethics to the UTRGV School of Medicine as she holds a Doctorate in Bioethics from Loyola University of Chicago and an MA in Bioethics from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Wilding instructs INTM 6300: Introduction to Bioethics and Health Care, INTM 6307: Philosophical and Theoretical Thought in Bioethics, and INTM 6352: Narrative Bioethics for the MS in Bioethics. Her areas of research include genomic governance, neuroethics, telemedicine, and citizen-science for health innovation.
Candance A. Robledo, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Dr. Robledo is a doctoral-level epidemiologist with collaborative research and consultation experience in reproductive and perinatal health, environmental epidemiology and health disparities research. She has completed training fellowships within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She is also a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellow, an HRSA Maternal Child Health Bureau leadership-training program aimed at preparing health professionals to help meet the needs of individuals with special health care needs.
Ready to Apply?
To apply to the MS in Bioethics (Online) Program, complete the UTRGV Graduate College Application.
FAQ
What makes this program different than others?
The MS in Bioethics program at UTRGV is designed to prepare leaders that possess the knowledge and skill to pioneer solutions to ethical situations that impact equity in health care and outcomes, particularly in multicultural populations.
A few graduate programs in Bioethics and Medical Ethics around the country offer isolated courses in topics related to social justice, socio-cultural determinants, health equity, and vulnerability. However, there is no other master’s degree program whose primary focus is on bioethics, health equity, and justice for vulnerable, multicultural populations. Graduates of the MS from UTRGV in Bioethics carry a unique and valuable skill set to write and enact policy and pedagogy.
How many number of credits are needed to complete the program?
The MS in Bioethics is 30-semester credits and a fully online program. Some transfer of graduate credits to the program may be possible if appropriate to the course of study.
When do classes start next?
Students may begin classes in the fall, spring, or summer terms.
What kind of background do I need for this program?
Students holding a BA or BS degree in any major from an accredited college/university.
What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in Bioethics?
Bioethics is an interdisciplinary field of study that addresses ethical problems in biological research and medicine. Bioethicists explore complex, controversial issues that are present in the medical and bioresearch field. They also examine new and emerging technologies and procedures to address ethical issues that may result from their use in society.
Potential job opportunities include Clinical Ethicist, which includes Director of Ethics, Ethics Manager, and consultants/advisors within hospitals and health clinics as well as jobs related to research coordination and oversight such as Bioethics Research Program Coordinator. Bioethicists may be employed in health care systems, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations.
How long does it take to earn an online MS in Bioethics?
- Full time: 12 months
- Part time: 24 months
What is the salary of professionals in Bioethics?
According to salary estimators, the salary of professionals in Bioethics ranges from $70,000-$150,000 depending on what sector they chose.
If I already have a job/career, how will this Bioethics program benefit me?
A graduate degree in bioethics in combination with a degree in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, philosophy, theology, or other health profession would enhance one’s value and marketability for hospital organizations, the healthcare industry, government agencies, as well as careers in academia. Health professionals who hold a graduate degree in bioethics would also be highly sought individuals for positions in hospital ethics committees, institutional research review boards, consultants to clinical research and clinical trials, and leadership roles in healthcare administration and law.
However, other professionals such as hospital administrators, lawyers, teachers, and business entrepreneurs can benefit from this program and develop critical thinking and practical skills to create programs within diverse health care systems.
Questions?
For more information, email Bioethics@utrgv.edu, or contact Anna Olivarez, Program Coordinator, at anna.olivarez@utrgv.edu. You can also visit the MS in Bioethics (Graduate College Website).
When you are ready to apply to the program, you can begin your application.
Contact
MS in Bioethics Program
Email: Bioethics@utrgv.edu
Anna Olivarez
Program Coordinator
Master of Science in Bioethics
Email: Anna.Olivarez@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1992
