DOCTORATE in BIOETHICS (D.Bioethics)

Our professional doctorate in bioethics (D.Bioethics) is a first of its kind and meets the growing need for advanced training in bioethics for those professionals that have increased responsibilities related to bioethics and health policy at their institution.  Such individuals may serve as chair of a hospital’s ethics committee, perform clinical ethics consultations, have administrative oriented ethics work or are a steward for issues central to your institution’s mission and values.  This degree offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to obtain a high quality doctorate through a hybrid delivery system (asynchronous online courses combined with blended courses that require 2-3 days of on-campus activity.)

Now accepting applications for Fall through August 1, Spring through December 1!

"The doctoral degree in bioethics at Loyola has opened up opportunities to broaden my experience and my involvement in national bioethics in developing better programs for ethics education."
Richard Holt, MD, D.Bioethics (2012)

"The clinical courses that I took in the doctoral program have actually made me a better clinician in making bed side decisions. Not just in clinical ethics, but also as a healthcare provider."
Cherie Sammis-Berman, NP, D. Bioethics (2013)


ABOUT THE DOCTORATE DEGREE

The Doctorate in Bioethics (D.Bioethics) consists of 57 hours of course credit.  The D.Bioethics is a professional doctoral degree (not a PhD degree) which typically requires 30 hours course credit (5 required courses and 5 elective courses) beyond the typical M.A. degree in Bioethics or Health Care Ethics.

Please click HERE for online application and deadlines. 
Please see here for Doctoral Application Requirements.

Students will select a concentration requiring 3 specific required courses.  Areas of concentration and course requirements are as follows:

  • Clinical Bioethics - Ethics Across the Care Continuum; Ethics Consultation Simulation Seminar*; Advanced Clinical Ethics Skills Course* or Practicum in Clinical Ethics
  • Catholic Bioethics - Moral Theology for Bioethics; Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Leadership; Catholic Bioethics and Social Justice
  • Research Ethics - Research Ethics; Current Debates in Research Ethics; Empirical Bioethics or Global Bioethics
  • Public Health & Systems Ethics - Public Health Ethics; Social Determinants of Health or Advancing Health Equity Practice*; Organizational Ethics I or Organizational
    Ethics II

    *Indicates Hybrid Course

Additional Doctoral Requirements:

  • Qualifying written and oral examination Doctoral Qualifying Exam FAQs
  • Two doctoral capstone courses (these courses should result in peer reviewed articles)
  • In-person or virtual capstone presentation
  • Effective Spring 2022 matriculants in the Doctoral program are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA

Click for complete Course Descriptions.


Key features of our online graduate degree programs in bioethics...

  • Only top caliber graduate or professional degreed adult learners accepted.
    Doctoral applicants should hold a master's degree in bioethics or healthcare ethics with a GPA of 3.67 or higher.  Exceptional candidates who have an advanced degree in another discipline will be considered for admission. 
  • Taught by Loyola University Chicago faculty who are dedicated to online education with decades of combined experience.
  • Our program is committed to diversity and inclusivity.
  • Very high retention rate.
  • Our program has produced many successful alumni.

Accredited and ranked...

Flexible distance learning program...

  • Convenient, reliable and rigorous distance education for working professionals.
  • Our master's degree and certificate programs can be completed entirely online.
  • Our optional summer blended courses offer face to face interaction with fellow students and faculty.  (Only 2-3 days on campus required.)

Participation in the professional bioethics discourse...

  • Our students, graduates and faculty routinely publish their work and present at national meetings.

For more information on our online bioethics programs, please REQUEST INFORMATION.  We invite you to join our next online open house webinar.