M.A. Program in Bioethics

How to Apply

The MA program in Bioethics admits students only for matriculation in fall semester. Applications will begin to be reviewed November 1st, with offers of admission being extended on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to early applicants. Applications will close April 30.

Students must apply online using the Apply Yourself tool on the Graduate School’s website.

Please note that the Graduate School requires that you pay a fee before it will process your application. You can find information on the fee here.

As you complete the online application, please note:

TRANSCRIPTS - You must arrange the submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities you have attended by completing the "Educational Background" section of the application. Copies of transcript request forms can be found at the "Downloadable Forms" link near the bottom of the left side of the application. Complete one form for each institution you have attended and request they send an official copy of your transcript to us.

STATEMENTS - REQUIRED: you must upload a personal statement in the "Statements" section of the application.

• Describe your interest in bioethics. In so doing, define your understanding of bioethics.
• State your goals for your graduate education.
• Describe how your background relates to your objectives.
• Explain why you are interested in pursuing these goals at the University of Minnesota

OPTIONAL: You may also submit a statement on "Extenuating Circumstances" and "Diversity". You will find explanations of these statements on the Apply Yourself website.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - Submit the following in the section, "Graduate Program Supplementary Information":

• Writing sample, preferably on a topic in bioethics
• Description of your research or relevant work experience
• Resume or CV

APPLICATION FOR FUNDING: If you wish to apply for a graduate research or teaching assistantship, please fill out this form; then upload it to "Graduate Program Additional Application" - the first upload button in "Graduate Program Supplementary Information".

RECOMMENDATIONS - Provide information for at least three individuals who will supply letters of reference for you using the "Recommendations" link near the bottom of the left side of the application. Letter writers should be individuals who can assess your potential for graduate work in bioethics. The Graduate School will contact these individuals and ask them to submit their letters of reference online. NOTE: Letters of reference must be submitted online using this process. Please notify your references that paper copies of letters to the Graduate School or the Center for Bioethics will not be accepted.

GRE/STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES - Make arrangements to have official GRE scores sent to the Graduate School. Our program will accept LSAT or MCAT scores in lieu of GRE scores. Standardized test scores will not be required from applicants who have completed a doctoral-level degree at a US institution of higher learning. Applicants without such a degree but with significant professional experience (e.g. experienced RNs) may petition to have the standardized test requirement waived.

TOEFL - Applicants for whom English is a second language should supply TOEFL scores. The Center for Bioethics may also require an interview to verify English fluency for applicants for whom English is a second language.

PROCESS FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS - Once your online application is completed, the Graduate School will review it; the Bioethics Admissions Committee will then have access to it. Offers of admission will be extended on a rolling basis.

PLEASE NOTE: Given the fundamentally interdisciplinary nature of bioethics, prospective students are advised against viewing the Bioethics MA as a stand alone degree that prepares them for career placement. Instead, students are encouraged to link their degree in bioethics to a degree in another field. This model prompts students to acquire a firm disciplinary grounding as well as interdisciplinary bioethics expertise -- a practice which best prepares students for bioethics-related career placement. Thus, the admissions process will give preference to students who have already earned or are in the process of earning an advanced degree in a related field, although this will not strictly be required for admission.