Bioethics (Graduate Certificate)
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATE
The Graduate Certificate in Bioethics introduces students to ethical considerations, problems, and important cultural contexts that matter in biological, medical, environmental, environmental, and energy-related work. Students study ethical decision-making, regulation and compliance, and the challenges of new technologies, diseases, and systems. The bioethics certificate offers an education that can be applied across fields like healthcare, scientific research, and public policy.
Coursework examines topics including research ethics, animal ethics, clinical ethics, environmental responsibility, and environmental and structural factors that influence health outcomes. The program also considers ethical questions related to public health policy and emerging scientific developments.
Designed as an interdisciplinary credential, the certificate complements graduate study across the university and provides students with tools for analyzing ethical challenges within their own research, professional fields, and experiences of health and wellness. Students complete 12 credit hours of coursework, including core requirements and electives.
6 hrs
CORE REQUIREMENT
6 hrs
ELECTIVE REQUIREMENT
"Bioethics is the study of ethical, social, and legal issues that arise in biomedicine and biomedical research.”
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
INTERCONNECTED AREAS
MEDICAL ETHICS
Focuses on ethical issues in healthcare and medical practice.
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Examines relationships between human activities and the environment.
RESEARCH ETHICS
Addresses responsible conduct of research and the history of ethical regulation.
PUBLIC HEALTH ETHICS
Explores ethical questions in public health policy and practice.
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Graduate Certificate in Bioethics is open to currently enrolled Virginia Tech graduate students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. Students from a wide range of disciplines across the university are encouraged to enroll. Interested students should contact the certificate director and coordinator to discuss how the program can complement their current course of study.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
The Graduate Certificate in Bioethics requires just 12 credit hours of coursework, including 6 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of electives, some of which can be substituted for relevant classes in other fields.
Core Courses
STS 5444 – Issues in Bioethics (3 credits)
PHS 5724 – Ethical Foundations of Public Health (3 credits)
Electives
Students complete 6 credit hours of approved electives selected from a broad list of courses across the university. Additional courses may be approved by the certificate director when appropriate.