Bioethics and Medical Humanities
How should public health address inequities in society? Is there a right to health care? Does corporate funding of health research imperil scientific integrity and public trust?
These are just some of the essential questions that bioethics seeks to answer. Students in the Bioethics and Medical Humanities (BMH) minor have the opportunity to probe pressing issues, drawing on scholarship from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, medicine, law, psychology, sociology, anthropology, biobehavioral health, public policy, international affairs, economics, art, literature, and environmental studies.
Degree Types: Minor
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are interested in health care ethics, food ethics, and environmental ethics.
- You want fresh perspectives on ethical issues, new and old—from the genetic modification of our food to the genetic modification of ourselves!
- You want to be part of animated discussions about pressing issues that affect humanity.
- You are studying philosophy, gender and sexuality, public or global health, health administration, anthropology, biobehavioral health, nursing, health communication, etc.
- You are premed or prelaw; or, you intend to pursue a career in medicine, law, health care, public health, veterinary science, biological sciences, environmental sciences, bioinformatics, or public policy—among many other areas.
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Bioethics
- Medical and Health Care Ethics
- Health Communication
- Deaf Culture
- Contemporary Issues in Science and Medicine
Career Paths
Continuing Education
The BMH minor is beneficial to all students, but it offers particular value to students planning to attend medical school, physician assistant school, law school, or veterinary school, as well as to students pursuing careers in nursing, dentistry, life sciences, public policy, informatics, or forensics.
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Bioethics program
at Penn State University Park.