The Pursuit of Bioethics in Higher Education

Ethics Institute Leaders

My name is Allison Stitham, and I’m the Interim Associate Director of the Ethics Institute. I came to Kent Place School from Harvard Medical School’s Center for Bioethics, and have been very impressed with the level of bioethical discussion and analysis Kent Place students employ.

Bioethics is a complex and rapidly growing field that examines the ethical, legal, and social ramifications of scientific research, medical advancements, and decisions regarding health policy. But how do you begin a career in this area? Many students are asking this very question.

As a relatively new field, there’s no clearly established career path for bioethics. In fact, many high-level positions within universities and hospitals are filled by those who never intended to end up in bioethics, but rather fell into it through other avenues. Due to its multidisciplinary nature, bioethics lends itself to this type of circuitous career path.

This does not, however, stop students from looking for an answer on how to focus their studies to pursue a career in this field. In fact, they have several options when it comes to collegiate and graduate-level bioethics programs.

An undergraduate degree in bioethics is great for students interested in acquiring a preliminary understanding of the field’s principles as they explore potential career options.
A master’s in bioethics is helpful for those pursuing a career in bioethics when combined with a degree or professional experience in a related field.
- Dual-degree programs can expedite advancement in multiple fields. Consider combining bioethics with a juris doctor, a doctor of medicine, or a master’s in public health.
A doctoral program in bioethics is ideal for someone seeking a career in academia, whether teaching in higher education or conducting research.
A fellowship program provides those already established in a career the opportunity to add a bioethical lens to their work.

Bioethics is an exciting and ever-evolving field. With the great strides we’re making in the medical technology and artificial intelligence spaces, the need will only grow for a workforce knowledgeable and skilled in bioethical principles and analysis.