Are dual degree programs available?
Yes. Dual degree programs facilitate an interdisciplinary and comparative study of another disciple and bioethics and prepares students who’s academic or career interests require gaining scholarly expertise in both. Dual degree programs are currently available with the Wake Forest Schools of Divinity, Law, and Medicine. Find more information here.
Can I make a campus visit?
Students are encouraged to observe a class, talk with current students, and meet with Vicky Zickmund, MBA, MHS, Associate Director. For more information or to set up a tour, e-mail zickmuvl@wfu.edu or call 336-716-1499.
Is there university housing available?
The Graduate School does not offer on-campus housing. Wake Forest Properties does offer some off campus housing information. Additional housing information can be found here.
Is there financial support available?
Prospective students are encouraged to apply to the program so that their eligibility for financial support can be determined. For more information, see here.
When are applications due?
The Bioethics Graduate Program starts reviewing applications for the fall enrollment on January 15th and accepts applications after this date on a rolling basis. Applications received after May 31st will be considered for spring enrollment. The application deadline is November 1st for spring enrollment. Applications for Summer admissions to any of the Graduate Certificate options are due by March 15thand continue on a rolling basis until May 1st.
How much does the program cost?
The tuition rates set for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences form the cost basis for the program and can be found here.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Information is available here.
Who are the faculty members?
A list of our faculty members can be found here.
What sets this Bioethics MA program apart from other programs?
In addition to its renowned and accessible faculty and its diversity of engaged students, the program is uniquely customizable, flexible, and personal. The small class sizes and versatile curricular offerings enable students to tailor the program to individual interests and passions. Evening and once-a-week classes ensure that the program can change with a student’s evolving needs. Our intentionally small program emphasizes face-to-face interaction, promotes essential scholarly and interpersonal communicative capabilities, and fosters close relationships among faculty and students.
Where do I find the application?
The online application can be found here. Please click on the Reynolda Campus Program Application Apply Now button.
Why study bioethics at Wake Forest?
Wake Forest has a national focus and a strong sense of ethics and public mission. Bioethics is necessarily collaborative and interdisciplinary, forming natural bridges among the sciences, the humanities, and the professions. Wake Forest University’s unique scale and composition and its highly collegiate atmosphere create an ideal environment for students of bioethics to flourish. Why Wake Forest University
Where do I send supplemental application materials?
Please include supplemental material in the online application. If unable to add, please send to Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, 200 Brookstown Ave., Suite 305, Winston Salem, NC 27101, ATTN: Admissions Office
What courses are available to MA students?
The curriculum for MA in Bioethics students consists of required courses and elective courses. All MA students must take Bioethics Theory, Bioethics Seminar, and Thesis Research. Students are required to take 2 of 3 courses: Clinical Ethics; Biomedical Research Ethics; and Public Policy, Medicine and Justice. All MA students must also complete 12 credit hours of electives. Course descriptions may be found here.
Is an interview required for acceptance?
An interview is not required for admission; however applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their interest in the program with the Associate Director (zickmuvl@wfu.edu) during the application process. The Admissions Committee may request an interview after review of the application material.
What are classes like?
Most courses meet once a week in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate work schedules. Small class sizes and versatile curricular and research options enable students to tailor the program to individual interests and passions. Courses are usually dependent upon facilitated discussion and student engagement.
When will I hear if I’m accepted?
Applicants will be notified as soon as possible once all application materials have been received. Timing of notification is dependent upon time of application.
Can I take courses as an undergraduate?
There is the option of the five year degree program, BA/BS & MA in Bioethics, that allows qualified Wake Forest undergraduates to begin early graduate studies that advance career interests in many disciplines and professions related to bioethics, see five year degree program. Prospective graduate students are welcome to sit in on graduate class meetings. Contact the Associate Director (zickmuvl@wfu.edu) to make arrangements.
Will I be notified when my application and materials are received?
The Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences will notify applicants periodically if application materials have been received or are outstanding.
How are the recommendation letters sent in?
Instructions for letters of recommendation may be found here. Then click on “Letters of Recommendation” tab. As a Reynolda Campus program, three letters of recommendation are required.
Are courses available online?
The Bioethics Graduate Program emphasizes interaction between and among faculty and students. We utilize a combination of in-person and online learning modalities, in order to build community and provide all students with the best possible experiences. Contact Vicky Zickmund to discuss specific available options.
Are there in-state resident rates?
The tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Vicky L. Zickmund, MBA, MHS Associate Director, Bioethics Graduate Program, PHS-Bioethics 525@Vine Bldg., 3rd Floor Medical Center Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27157, Phone: 336-716-1499, Email: zickmuvl@wfu.edu.
When can I start the program?
Masters and Certificate students may start the program in either the fall (August) or the spring (January) semester. Certificate students who intend to take online courses may start in summer (May).
Can I take courses on a non-matriculating basis?
Yes. Students are welcome to take a class without enrolling in a degree or certificate program. Based on program and instructor permission, students may take up to 6 credit hours (~ 2 courses) in the exploratory status. If a student applies and is accepted to a program of study, then the earned course credit counts toward the degree or certificate.
How long does it take to complete the MA?
Full-Time students typically enroll for three semesters (e.g. fall, spring, fall OR spring, fall, spring), though they only enroll with full-time tuition for 2 semesters. It is also possible to complete an accelerated program in approximately 11.5 months. Please contact the Associate Director (zickmuvl@wfu.edu) with questions about this. Part-time students have up to 6 years to complete the degree and can take as little as 1 and as many as 8 credits per semester.
How many credit hours does the program require?
The MA requires a total of 30 credit hours. The Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours of course work (~4 courses), including at least 9 hours of required courses.
Who makes up the student body?
The program enrolls mid-career professionals, post-baccalaureate students, and five year and dual degree students (BA/BS & MA, JD/MA, MD/MA, MDiv/MA). Mid-career professionals come from fields as diverse as biotechnology, business, consulting, clinical research, journalism, law, life sciences, nursing, medicine, ministry, pharmaceuticals, physician’s assistant practice, public health, public service, social work etc. Post-baccalaureate students come from pre-health, pre-law, and various humanities programs, some of who will continue onto professional schools and/or doctoral programs. Student profiles may be seen here.
How will graduate study in bioethics enhance my career?
The Bioethics Graduate Program equips graduates to practice, teach, and conduct research about bioethics, and is an excellent complement to other advanced degrees. People already employed in health-related fields have found that the master’s degree or graduate certificate enhances careers by creating opportunities within their professions or allowing them to branch out into other areas. For graduates entering the workforce, graduate-level educations in bioethics is relevant to a variety of jobs, including health administration, clinical care, and research, law, and public policy.
Who should apply to the Bioethics Graduate Program?
Graduate bioethics education enhances work, service, and scholarship in a number of areas. In order to heighten the value of the learning process, we seek a broad and diverse community of individuals interested in bioethical issues. This may include current and future health care providers, researchers in biomedicine and the life sciences, lawyers, and professionals in religion, health and research administration, and the biotechnology industry.
What prior studies does this program require?
Bioethics is fundamentally multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary. Thus, our students come from many different academic and professional backgrounds.
