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Dual Degree Program

MD/MS in Bioethics

The MD/MS in Bioethics program is the first dual degree program that is offered completely through UTRGV.

Students who enroll in the MD/MS in Bioethics program will gain advanced knowledge and develop skills in both Bioethics and Social Justice to:

  • Address complex bioethical issues of health disparities in multicultural populations
  • Transform challenges into opportunities of change that promote health equity
  • Shape clinical practice, research, and policy to advance equitable delivery of health care

This program is focused on bioethics, social justice, and health equity allowing graduates to possess specific skills to create opportunities and manage resources effectively, while remaining responsive to the diverse challenges within complex social, political, and economic climates. A graduate degree in bioethics in combination with a degree in medicine enhances one’s value and marketability for hospital organizations, the healthcare industry, governmental agencies, and academic settings.

The MS in Bioethics program is offered as a fully online program, allowing for maximum flexibility in completing coursework.

The program of study has been specifically designed so that UTRGV School of Medicine students will be able to complete both the MD and MS in Bioethics degrees within four years of study.

*Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Requirements

The MS in Bioethics degree requires the completion of 30 credit hours: 27 course credit hours and 3 credit hours towards a Capstone Masters Project. For this dual degree program, 9 hours of your medical school curriculum will dually count towards the 27 course credit hours needed. The remaining 18 course credit hours and 3 credit hours of your Capstone Masters Project will be taken throughout the 4 years of medical school.

Application/Admissions Process

Students applying to the medical degree program will indicate an interest in the MD/MS in Bioethics program on the application. The student must first be accepted into the medical degree program at UTRGV prior to a decision being made on their admission to the dual degree program.