Bioethics — M.A.

The Bioethics Program—an interdisciplinary graduate course of study leading to the Master of Arts degree—prepares qualified individuals to engage in education, research, and service related to ethical issues in healthcare, biotechnology, and the broader field of bioethics.

This degree is designed for two primary groups of students:

1. Those who intend to pursue doctoral-level graduate work, and

2. Those who wish to strengthen or complement their careers in healthcare or related fields through advanced training in bioethics.

The program is enriched by its close association with the Center for Christian Bioethics, including access to its 4,000‑volume library, and by its proximity to Loma Linda University Medical Center and numerous clinicians involved in research and clinical ethics.

Course requirements

To earn the Master of Arts in Bioethics, students must complete a minimum of 48 units of specified coursework with:

• an overall GPA of B+ (3.30) or higher,

• no grade lower than a C, and

• no grade lower than a B‑ in any required course.

Program learning outcomes

Graduates of the Bioethics Program will be able to demonstrate:

1. By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

   1. A broad knowledge of the field of bioethics.
   2. Mastery of at least one area of bioethical inquiry.
   3. Research and writing skills of a caliber to contribute to bioethical literature.
   4. An understanding of the relationship among personal, professional, and social ethics.

Transfer credits

Students are permitted to transfer up to 8 units of approved graduate-level courses from other accredited institutions into the Bioethics Program. Approval must be requested from the program director. 

Special features

RELE 598 Master's Seminar I: This capstone seminar reflects on previous class work and involves integration of conceptual presuppositions, ethical theories, and ethical principles. Mastery of a broad knowledge of the field through an examination will be assessed by the bioethics faculty. A two-part comprehensive exam will be administered at the end of Master Seminar I. All program faculty members and students are invited to attend sessions they choose from these two seminars.

RELE 599 Master's Seminar II: Each student enters class with a research paper, likely prepared in an earlier course. With collegial critique, these papers are prepared for publication. Papers demonstrate the ability to identify an issue, analyze it, use relevant literature, and creatively conceptualize or advance the discussion. Students who are professionals are encouraged to write for their professional publications, adopting relevant size and editorial considerations. Paper(s) will total 20–25 pages.

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Religion admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

Typically, applicants will meet the following criteria for admission:

1. A four-year baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university;
2. An undergraduate grade point average of B+ (3.30) or better in the overall program;
3. A personal statement (~750 words) that specifies why the applicant is interested in this program, relevant background experiences, and how the program fits into personal and professional plans;
4. An interview;
5. Three letters of recommendation from current or former professors.

More important than any single admissions factor is the cumulative sense that the applicant is capable of and committed to serious academic work. Hence, the applicant might also submit a writing sample—published or from previous classwork—that demonstrates creative analytical thinking to religion@llu.edu.

Information on admission, tuition, and student life, and an online application can be found on the web at llu.edu/central/apply.

M.A.

¹

Up to 8 units of approved graduate-level courses from other LLU schools or other accredited institutions may be chosen.

²

Fulfills service learning requirement

Normal time to complete the program

1.33 years (five [5] academic quarters) — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted