Most of us would agree that technology is a good thing. It has helped shape our current world and allows us to reach farther across the globe than ever before. Advances in technology have also helped medical researchers find cures for widespread ailments and diseases. However, how far is too far when pushing the technology envelope? That’s where bioethics comes into play. Students wanting to pursue a masters in bioethics understand that some technology may not be right for today’s world.
While technology and science are for the good of humankind, there are limits to what should be done. Earning a Master’s of Science in Bioethics from St. Thomas University in Miami is the first step to finding a long-lasting and exciting career in the technology and science sector. Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in bioethics from STU.
Masters in Bioethics Program Overview
The masters in bioethics program at St. Thomas University offers unique access to some of the brightest minds in the bioethical world. The professors and staff help each student dive deep into their knowledge and understanding of this vital profession.
Key Areas of Study
The contemporary study of bioethics can be divided up into four key areas. These divisions help teach STU students about the necessary understandings of ethics when it comes to science and technology.
The four main areas of study include:
- Bioethical issues at the beginning of human life
- Bioethical issues at the end of human life
- Healthcare Bioethics
- Environmental Bioethics
Bioethics Courses
Students pursuing their master’s degree in bioethics can usually complete the program within 18 months. These courses are in-depth and build upon a bachelor’s degree in the scientific field.
- Fundamentals of Catholic Bioethics
- Responsible Research and Professional Conduct
- Beginning of Human Life Bioethics
- End of Human LIfe Bioethics
- Human Population and Environmental Bioethics
- Data Analysis and Probabilities
- Healthcare Services Bioethics
- Bioethics Internship
Skills Needed for Bioethics Career
As with any degree program, there are certain skills that need to come naturally or learned for students studying bioethics. This highly controversial area of study regularly interprets and questions matters that can change the world. Students who want to pursue a master’s in bioethics must have a strong moral compass and conviction.
As a student at a religious institution, acceptance into this STU program will expose certain religious convictions and beliefs. Students must be responsible for their own faith and have the ability to look at a situation with an overarching view of how one decision could affect humanity.
Careers in Bioethics
Students who graduate with a master’s in bioethics often use their knowledge to teach and empower others. Check out these careers that could be waiting for you once you finish your degree at STU.
Healthcare Bioethicist
As an industry with commonly used ethical limitations, healthcare is the primary spot most graduates venture towards after graduation. There are many ethical dilemmas in the healthcare field when it comes to combining science and technology with human life.
As a bioethicist in healthcare, you’ll teach other coworkers and medical students about where the lines are drawn in response to ethical issues in the medical field. Most healthcare bioethicists require some advanced medical or social work degree in addition to their master’s in bioethics to prolong their career in the field.
Salary and Job Growth
The healthcare industry has a wide range of wages according to the education of the employee. If you combine your master’s in bioethics with a nursing degree, you can expect to earn around $73,000 per year. Social workers are usually paid less, about $50,000 per year. However, many bioethics graduates earn much more based on different medical degrees and years in the field. The job growth for these career fields is between 11%-12%, which is much higher than other career choices.
Bioethics Professor
There are many openings for those graduates who want to help teach others about the importance of bioethics. Colleges and universities offer positions in both a teaching and researching standpoint. You can share your knowledge of bioethics with undergraduates in the science field by becoming a bioethics professor.
Salary and Job Growth
Bioethics professors are often grouped into a philosophy or humanities division. These jobs usually pay an annual salary of about $75,000, and the overall national job growth is about 4% per year.
Government Advisors
Bioethics students who want to focus on policy and protecting the country as a whole can enter the career field as a governmental advisor. These graduates help the government create plans and policies to help keep the population healthy in the event of a pandemic. They also help combine issues of limited resources or healthcare access to those with the greatest needs.
Salary and Job Growth
Graduates with a masters in bioethics who work for the government can compare their annual wages to medical scientists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that these professionals are often paid an average salary of about $88,000 per year. Professional scientists’ salaries would range according to the governmental agency they are working for (local, regional, state, or national), among other factors. The need for medical scientists is expected to grow 8% through 2028, which is about the national average.
The world needs more quality and trustworthy individuals to help direct the clash of technology and ethics. As technology in medicine continues to grow at exponential speed, there is a greater need for bioethicists who can help guide the way. Start your path to one of these fascinating career fields with a bioethics degree from STU this year. To learn more about earning your masters in bioethics, contact us or visit our program page for more information.
