Duke Master’s in Applied Ethics & Policy Curriculum FAQ
Below is a collection of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the master’s program curriculum.
If you do not find the answers you are looking for here, you can also review our curriculum overview page, core courses pages, join an upcoming online info session, or contact us directly at scienceandsociety@duke.edu
In the spring of 2025, Duke renamed the Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy to the Master of Arts in Applied Ethics & Policy to better reflect the program’s expanding curriculum in areas like AI, digital technologies, and bioetech. Read the official announcement. The program maintains its strong foundation in traditional bioethics and will continue to provide two concentrations: bioethics & science policy and tech ethics & policy.
Our program teaches students how to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to complex problems at the intersection of science, technology, and ethics. We provide students with a foundation in the history and philosophy of science; legal, social, and theoretical approaches in bioethics and tech ethics; and science, health, and tech policy.
Duke’s MA in Applied Ethics & Policy is distinct in its focus on bioethics, tech ethics, and science policy, rather than on bioethics or medical ethics alone. The past century of rapid scientific and technological progress resulted in an increased demand for professionals with expertise in the ethical and policy implications of an increasingly broad range of disciplines. We strive to balance theoretical scholarship with a practical understanding of how to address real-world policy dilemmas. Duke’s expansion of traditional bioethics provides more opportunities for graduating students and prepares them to meet ever-growing societal needs.
The MA in Applied Ethics & Policy requires a minimum of 27 course credits and 1 capstone project (9 credits), for a total of 36 credits. Learn more about the curriculum. The capstone project may be satisfied in several ways, but students are encouraged to take part in the Applied Ethics+ summer research experience to fulfill this requirement.
- Concentrations are possible, but not required. The key is to take the classes you are keenly interested in.
- An additional semester of electives is offered for a greatly reduced fee for students looking to deepen their specific area of study.
View our core courses here.
Each student undertakes a 10-week science policy project to complete the program. It counts as 9 credits (9/36) and is completed during the summer months (May-July). Students are encouraged to participate in the Applied Ethics+ Summer Program to fulfill this requirement, but exceptions can be made
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Sony
- Editas Medicine
- Helix
- Intel
- IQVIA/Quintiles
- Precision Medicine
- United Nations Secretariat
- US Drug Enforcement Administration
- National Cancer Institute
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Institute for Environmental Health Services
- New York Attorney General’s Office
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- UN, Office of Disarmament Affairs
More Info on the Capstone Project | More Info on the Thesis Option
Full-time students may complete the program in one full year (three semesters—including fall, spring, and summer). Students without a background in bioethics are encouraged to take advantage of two additional semesters offered at significantly reduced cost. This allows students to take a broad selection of foundation courses while providing additional time to participate in more advanced study.
Our courses range in size from small seminars of 15 students to slightly larger hybrid formats that may reach 40 or more. Some professors encourage other Duke Grad/Law School students to take their course, enriching the classroom discussion and increasing their size.
We have a 3-tiered advising system that should provide each student with the support he/she needs:
- Dedicated academic advisors: Our Director of Graduate Studies Assistant (Erica McFarland) serves as the academic advisor and is the primary point of contact with the MA students. She counsels students on course selection, capstone projects, program requirements, and extracurricular opportunities.
- Faculty mentors: Our core faculty and faculty affiliates support our students as subject matter areas in a wide array of students’ interests. They support students through supervising independent research, capstone projects, and career advising.
- Continuing MA Students: Returning MA students and alumni are available to provide peer advising to help new students acclimate to the program and life at Duke.