The MA in Bioethics (MA/BE) gives students the ethical tools they need to address pressing contemporary issues of medicine, health care, technology, and theology. This program equips students to analyze these issues from a biblical-theological perspective, to understand other influential contemporary outlooks on these issues, and to develop effective strategies for engaging the bioethical issues of our day. Students gain a broad understanding of changes occurring in health care practice and ideology and a deep appreciation for the wisdom of God in the face of contemporary bioethical challenges. Coursework addresses end-of-life issues, reproductive technologies, genetics, aging, stem-cell research, and more. These topics are taught by internationally recognized ethicists, scholars, and medical practitioners within a Christian context that exposes students to various perspectives within the discipline.

Several Formats Now Available

Students may choose to:

• Complete the program online (with just two trips to Deerfield for the annual CBHD summer conference/courses), OR
• Take all of their classes on campus, OR
• Combine these two approaches, taking some courses online and some in Deerfield.

The MA in Bioethics is designed for students and working professionals who desire a foundation in bioethics for their studies, jobs, and public engagement. Health care workers, scientists, lawyers, clergy, and many others including those working in non-profit organizations will benefit from this flexible 30-semester-hour program, well suited to those with heavy professional responsibilities. And individuals preparing for an academic career will develop a strong background in bioethics for active, relevant participation in related college or university fields. The program can be completed without relocating to the Deerfield, Illinois, area, making it an excellent choice for students who are committed to ministry and professional life in a different location. 

Interested in learning more about bioethics, including up-to-date news, announcements, events, and resources available at TIU? Visit the TIU Bioethics blog!

Course Delivery Formats

Many of our students live around the world and are committed to jobs or family situations there that make relocating impossible. With them in mind, the program is delivered by three possible approaches: residential, modular, and online.

The residential option includes opportunities for interacting, relationship-building, and networking with students and faculty members, as well as access to various bioethics-related opportunities on campus outside the classroom. Examples include a wide range of course offerings, participation in special bioethics events, and involvement in the work of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD), a world-class bioethics center constantly engaged in research and cultural-engagement initiatives.

The modular option allows students take all of their short-term modular courses in-person by traveling to campus just for the days when their classes meet. Modular classes typically meet for 2-3 days once or twice during each session (Fall, Spring, or Summer). Two required courses are taken on campus in conjunction with the mid-summer CBHD conference during two summers. Students may replace as many non-summer modular courses as they wish with online versions of those courses.

The online option involves taking up to five of the seven required courses in online format. Furthermore, no additional trips to campus are necessary for the elective courses. Elective  courses can be taken online, or by mentored independent study, or in conjunction with the mid-summer CBHD conference—though residential and modular elective courses are also available. Online students may miss opportunities to interact with classmates and professors outside the classroom and other bioethics-related opportunities on campus, but they are able to pursue the program without hardly ever traveling to the campus.

What courses will I take?

Course work in the Bioethics program addresses medicine, nursing, law, public policy, international human rights, theology, philosophy, economics, education, and media. Classes will focus on integrative thought, combining cutting edge research with deep spiritual insight.

Program of Study: 30 hours

Required Capstone or Thesis (0-4 hours):

Students studying Bioethics should be well prepared for integrative work in their field. To this end, the capstone event can take different forms, depending on a student's interests. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students may write a formal master's-level thesis, take a comprehensive essay exam, write an integrative paper, or develop a special project such as a bioethics curriculum, sermon/talk series or written reflection on an internship experience.

If you are interested in obtaining a dual degree (Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts) in Bioethics at TIU, see the program requirements here. Students may also combine the Master of Arts in Bioethics with a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts Christian Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Contact Graduate Admissions for more information about this combination of programs.