Information for Applicants
Click HERE for the MBE Application form
Who should apply?
The UPenn MBE is designed for the following types of students:
- Professionals with 3 or more years of experience in bioethics-related fields, including medicine, nursing, law, dentistry, social work, health care administration, industry, public policy, regulatory affairs, and other allied health professions, or,
- Students pursuing another bioethics-related graduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania or other area professional schools.
We do admit a very limited number of post-bacclaureate students (those who have recently completed a BA or a BS), and we require a 3.5 GPA for these applicants. The MBE degree is not considered a "terminal degree;" further academic work is needed for most positions in the field of bioethics.
Admissions Criteria:
Professional applicants will be evaluated on the applicant's professional record and on the extent to which the MBE degree complements the applicant's career and future professional growth.
For those students already matriculated in another graduate program who are applying for a dual degree, applicants are considered based on their academic record and on the extent to which the MBE degree complements the applicant's interests and educational goals.
Post-bacclaureate students must have a 3.5 GPA. We do not require any standardized tests.
Application Instructions:
MBE APPLICATION (downloadable PDF)
1. Applicants should complete the application and send it to: Admissions, Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Market Street, Suite 320, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3319.
Note: There are 2 essays required for the MBE application. Each essay should be 2 pages, for a total of 4 pages submitted.
2. Include a non-refundable $70 application fee made payable to: "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania"
3. Include a current resume/CV.
4. Arrange to have all transcripts of previous post-secondary work sent to the address above.
Note: We do not require the GRE or any other test scores.
5. Arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation from close professional colleagues or academic instructors sent to the address above.
Note: There are no recommendation forms included in the application packet.
6. Please follow this link if your answer to Question 15 is yes.
Special Instructions for Dual Degree Students here.
International Students should apply as described above. For important information for international students, please see Penn's Office of International Programs website.
Application/Admissions Cycle:
All applications are considered on a rolling basis. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot send notices upon receipt of application.
If accepted, the student chooses the semester in which s/he would like to begin taking courses. We offer a full Spring, Summer and Fall semester.
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Nondiscrimination:
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).
Costs:
2012-2013 Perelman School of Medicine tuition rates, per course, are:
- tuition: $4,730
- general fee: $291
- technological fee: $181
9 courses are required for the MBE degree. At fiscal year 2012 rates, this is approximately $47,000.