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Dual Degree: Master of Science in Bioethics and Master of Public Health

Prepare for a leadership role in bioethics and public health.

Columbia University’s Master of Science in Bioethics and Master of Public Health Dual-Degree Program prepares professionals to take leadership roles:

  • as public health professionals who can develop, deliver, and evaluate public health services grounded in a strong foundational knowledge in bioethics and 
  • as bioethicists who have a thorough understanding of issues that affect health at public and individual levels.

How Does it Work?

  1. Obtain M.P.H. admission and M.S. admission separately.

  2. Complete M.P.H. coursework full-time at Columbia Mailman during your first year. Once coursework at Columbia Mailman is complete, six MPH credits will count toward your M.S. in Bioethics.

  3. Complete all M.S. coursework at SPS—full-time or part-time, online or face-to-face.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the dual-degree program advance their careers at a range of organizations, including:

  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Governmental Agencies
  • Academic Settings
  • Public Health
  • Research Labs 
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies
  • Hospital Administration
  • Healthcare and Healthcare Consulting

Master of Science in Bioethics

Master of Public Health

Program Features include:

  • Full-Spectrum Career Services | Gain access to both the SPS Career Design Lab and the Columbia Mailman School Office of Career Services, which offer lifelong support.
  • In-Person or Online Classes | Complete the Bioethics portion fully online, fully in-person, or through a combination of online and in-person study.
  • Specialized Career Opportunities | Cross-disciplinary training in public health and bioethics can expand your knowledge and skills and broaden your career prospects.
  • Global Alumni Networks | Become part of two global alumni networks.
  • Options to Pace Your Study | Complete the program in as little as two years or up to four years.
  • Columbia University Resources | Develop a network across Columbia institutes and centers affiliated with both schools.
  • An Advanced Cohort | Join an elite network of highly motivated professionals.

Graduates of the dual-degree program will be prepared to address questions including:

  • How do we balance individual rights with the interests of the public at large?
  • What ethical implications must be considered when public health leaders conduct research or enact initiatives?
  • How can and should healthcare systems and policies promote justice and address inequalities?
  • How do we as a society best promote the health of our citizens?

Sample Full-Time Schedule

The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify the courses of instruction or to change the instructors as may become necessary.

Year One (35 points/credits)
- Fall — Columbia Mailman (16.5 points/credits) Spring — Columbia Mailman (15.5 points/credits) Summer — School of Professional Studies (3 points/credits)
‑

Foundations of Public Health
(1.5 points/credits)

Leadership Development
(1.5 points/credits)

Public Health Practicum
(0 points/credits)
‑

Research Methods and Applications
(5 points/credits)

Integration of Science and Practice
(1.5 points/credits)

Bioethics elective(s)
(3 points/credits)
‑

Biological and Environmental Determinants of Health
(2.5 points/credits)

Departmental requirements and electives, including Ethics of Public Health
(12.5 points/credits)
‑

Social, Behavioral, and Systems Approaches to Public Health
(1.5 points/credits)
‑

Global and Developmental Perspectives, Policies, and Programs
(2 points/credits)
‑

Health Systems
(2.5 points/credits)
‑

Integration of Science and Practice
(1.5 points/credits)
Year 2 (28 points/credits)
- Fall — School of Professional Studies (13 points/credits) Spring — School of Professional Studies (15 points/credits)
‑

K5320 Philosophy of Bioethics
(3 points/credits)

Law and Bioethics
(3 points/credits)
‑

K5450 Research Ethics
(3 points/credits)

Introduction to Clinical Ethics
(3 points/credits)
‑

Bioethics elective(s)
(3 points/credits)

Global Bioethics 
(3 points/credits)
‑

Public health electives, Mailman School
(4 points/credits)

Bioethics Master’s Thesis or Master’s Thesis Workshop and Master’s Thesis 
(3 points/credits)
‑

Public Health Departmental Capstone Project 
(3 points/credits)
Logos for the Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia SPS

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Learn more about the Dual-Degree program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies or contact the program admissions counselor.

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