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Must individuals in the Bioethics M.S. program be currently working in the bioethics field or have a knowledge of or experience with bioethics?
No, they do not need to be working in the field, or have prior experience in it. However, they should have a strong interest in the area.
No, they do not need to be working in the field, or have prior experience in it. However, they should have a strong interest in the area.
Are some college majors or backgrounds more appropriate than others for individuals in the Bioethics M.S. program?
Since bioethics is a highly multi-disciplinary field, individuals from a wide variety of college majors and professional backgrounds may find the program useful and important. Students may have majored in the natural and biological sciences, the social sciences (e.g., sociology, anthropology, history, or psychology), or the humanities (e.g., philosophy or literature). The program will also be valuable for students currently working in fields such as health care, public health or biomedical research.
Since bioethics is a highly multi-disciplinary field, individuals from a wide variety of college majors and professional backgrounds may find the program useful and important. Students may have majored in the natural and biological sciences, the social sciences (e.g., sociology, anthropology, history, or psychology), or the humanities (e.g., philosophy or literature). The program will also be valuable for students currently working in fields such as health care, public health or biomedical research.
I am currently enrolled in another degree program at Columbia. Can I take the M.S. in Bioethics simultaneously? Is a formal dual degree program available with other schools at the University?
Although a formal dual degree program does not yet exist, students are able to draw on the extraordinary resources of the University, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the schools of Law, Arts and Sciences, Business, International and Public Affairs, and others. Students have the option to take elective courses at these schools, and are able to take advantage of the research and faculty at Columbia.
We are currently in the process of establishing joint degree programs with several other schools at Columbia.
Although a formal dual degree program does not yet exist, students are able to draw on the extraordinary resources of the University, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the schools of Law, Arts and Sciences, Business, International and Public Affairs, and others. Students have the option to take elective courses at these schools, and are able to take advantage of the research and faculty at Columbia.
We are currently in the process of establishing joint degree programs with several other schools at Columbia.
What sorts of coursework does the program include?
In addition to the five core courses, students take six electives chosen from the University course offerings (two in law or policy, one in ethics, one in social science methods, and two in related areas).
In addition to the five core courses, students take six electives chosen from the University course offerings (two in law or policy, one in ethics, one in social science methods, and two in related areas).
How does this degree differ from bioethics programs at other universities?
Columbia’s program has unique strengths and advantages. Columbia has a singular breadth of outstanding schools, including medicine, law, business, public health, theology, journalism, arts and sciences, international and public affairs, nursing, dentistry and social work. The program takes advantage of its position in New York City, and has a focus on global issues, which helps to differentiate it from the others as well.
Columbia’s program has unique strengths and advantages. Columbia has a singular breadth of outstanding schools, including medicine, law, business, public health, theology, journalism, arts and sciences, international and public affairs, nursing, dentistry and social work. The program takes advantage of its position in New York City, and has a focus on global issues, which helps to differentiate it from the others as well.
What jobs will I be prepared for upon completion of this program?
Many opportunities will be available to students who complete the program. The health sector continues to evolve rapidly and dramatically, with wide and on-going national attention to issues of health care reform. This program will provide students with skills and expertise that will be valuable in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, public health agencies, institutional review boards, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies and academic institutions.
Many opportunities will be available to students who complete the program. The health sector continues to evolve rapidly and dramatically, with wide and on-going national attention to issues of health care reform. This program will provide students with skills and expertise that will be valuable in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, public health agencies, institutional review boards, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies and academic institutions.
If I am admitted to the program, how long will it take me to complete it?
Students are expected to complete this program in a maximum of three years, although it can be completed in as little as one year.
Students are expected to complete this program in a maximum of three years, although it can be completed in as little as one year.
Can I do this program part-time? Is it possible to work while studying in this program?
Yes, it’s possible to do this program on a part-time basis and also hold a job. But students should keep in mind that the program requires a serious time commitment, both in and out of the classroom.
Yes, it’s possible to do this program on a part-time basis and also hold a job. But students should keep in mind that the program requires a serious time commitment, both in and out of the classroom.
Do I have to begin the program in the fall?
Students may begin the program in fall semester only.
Students may begin the program in fall semester only.
What are the prerequisites for acceptance?
A bachelor’s degree and official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required of applicants who do not already have a graduate degree. For additional details, please visit the application page on our website.
A bachelor’s degree and official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required of applicants who do not already have a graduate degree. For additional details, please visit the application page on our website.
Is an interview required also?
The admissions committee reserves the right to interview applicants.
The admissions committee reserves the right to interview applicants.
Does this program provide housing?
Columbia does not provide housing for Bioethics students. However, students may find off-campus housing.
Columbia does not provide housing for Bioethics students. However, students may find off-campus housing.
Is this program available to international students? Can I get a visa?
International students enrolled in the program on a full-time basis are eligible to receive a student visa. Part-time students are not eligible.
International students enrolled in the program on a full-time basis are eligible to receive a student visa. Part-time students are not eligible.
I have questions that have not yet been answered. What should I do?
If you have questions about the M.S. in Bioethics program, please contact Robert Klitzman, the program director, at rlk2@columbia.edu . If you have general questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions at 212-854-9666.
If you have questions about the M.S. in Bioethics program, please contact Robert Klitzman, the program director, at rlk2@columbia.edu . If you have general questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions at 212-854-9666.
What sort of financial aid is available? Are there scholarships?
This program is eligible for Federal Stafford Loans. There are no scholarships.
This program is eligible for Federal Stafford Loans. There are no scholarships.
How does the program assist students with career development?
The Office of Student Life and Alumni Relations at the School of Continuing Education and Columbia’s Center for Career Education (CCE) assist students with their career development through a variety of career programs, services and resources, which are highlighted here. The Masters of Bioethics Program features an on-going "Careers in Bioethics" series in which leaders in the field speak about their work, and offer suggestions and advice for professionals entering the field. Some of these sessions have been videotaped, and are available on the Events page. Students are expected to be proactive and take advantage of these services to ensure a successful job search.
The Office of Student Life and Alumni Relations at the School of Continuing Education and Columbia’s Center for Career Education (CCE) assist students with their career development through a variety of career programs, services and resources, which are highlighted here. The Masters of Bioethics Program features an on-going "Careers in Bioethics" series in which leaders in the field speak about their work, and offer suggestions and advice for professionals entering the field. Some of these sessions have been videotaped, and are available on the Events page. Students are expected to be proactive and take advantage of these services to ensure a successful job search.
Jan
15
May
15
Fall 2013 Application Deadlines
Apply Now
Jan31
Special EventClick for details
Doing Bioethics in the Real World—Opportunities, Pitfalls and Rewards
Thursday, Jan 31, 6:15PM - 7:30PM
Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Division of Medical Ethics in the Department of Population Health at New York University's Langone Medical Center, will discuss his career in bioethics.
Feb27
Special EventClick for details
Getting Into Graduate School: Admissions Officers Tell What You Need to Know
Wednesday, Feb 27, 6:30PM - 8:30PM
A panel of admissions directors from Columbia’s varied schools, including the School of Continuing Education, Columbia Business School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and School of International and Public Affairs, will discuss the attributes they seek in successful applicants to their top-tier programs. Topics include academic requirements, advice on writing stand-out personal essays, and creating a desirable application package.
