Master of Arts in Medical Humanities & Bioethics

Logistics

This program is designed around a typical work schedule. The core courses (MHB 401-406) meet in the evening, typically once weekly from 6 to 9pm. The Special Topics course meets every Thursday from noon to 12:45pm. All classes meet on Northwestern's Chicago campus.

Alumni Outcomes

Students in our single-degree MA program represent a wide range of educational backgrounds and career paths. Most MHB students have completed or have firm plans to complete a degree that will enable them to work in a health care setting (e.g., an MD, an RN, or a MS in Genetic Counseling). Equipped with both degrees, these graduates often apply their MHB education to clinical ethics consultation, institutional ethics leadership, policymaking, research, publishing, and teaching.

However, not all MHB students plan for careers in health care. Some have used the MA to supplement their legal training (a JD) and apply it to their work in health law or medical patent law. Others have chosen an academic path and pursued a PhD in a humanities disciplines, like Literature or Anthropology. Graduates in any field will be better prepared to write and teach on medical humanities and ethics issues, drawing from their multidisciplinary MHB toolkit.

Admissions

This program was designed for students who already have a professional degree, for example an MD, an RN, or a JD. A Master of Arts degree is not considered a terminal degree in this field and will likely not provide many opportunities for those with no further education. However, we do not require that applicants have a degree beyond a bachelor's degree. If you plan to continue your education or otherwise think that the program fits your interests and goals, we would welcome your application.

In addition to the online application and application fee (currently $95), applicants must provide transcripts of past coursework, letters of recommendation from two faculty members or employers who can address their interest in medical humanities and bioethics and ability to do graduate level work, a one-page statement of purpose describing why they're seeking an MA in Medical Humanities and Bioethics, and a writing sample. The GRE is not required but may bolster your application.

If English is not your native language, you must provide official scores from the TOEFL or IELTS standardized test that fulfill the requirements defined by The Graduate School. You are exempt from this requirement if you have previously completed a degree from an accredited institution where the primary language of instruction is English. This will be verified by your transcripts.

We are committed diversity and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from members of under-represented and marginalized groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ applicants. Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates. Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion at Feinberg.

Applications and all supplemental materials must be received by the application deadline—see below.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition is set annually by The Graduate School. The 2024-2025 tuition is $7,935 per course. Annual increases should be expected. Our program provides tuition reduction in the form of need-based financial aid. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive aid through the program. Financial aid in the form of loans is available to part-time students who enroll in at least two courses per quarter (more about loans). Some students receive tuition reimbursement through their employers; employed students should check with their employers about the availability of tuition benefits. Northwestern faculty and staff can use their tuition benefits.

Contact Us

Contact Bryan Morrison for additional information or assistance.