The field of bioethics looks at the ethical and moral implications of advances in medicine and other biological sciences, often drawing from the fields of law, philosophy and the social sciences. Many of the best law schools in the country offer degree programs or concentrations that focus on bioethics. Because of the close relationship between bioethics and medicine, bioethics law programs are often associated with the best health care law programs.
Boston University
Boston University's School of Law is ranked No. 2 in the country for health care law by "U.S. News and World Report" and 24th overall by "Business Insider." The school offers a dual degree program in law and public health with a concentration in health law, bioethics and human rights at the university's School of Public Health. The bioethics department claims the largest faculty of any department of its kind in the country. Classes offered by the department include genetics, Law and Public Health and Legal Strategies to Reduce Health Risks.
Indiana University -- Indianapolis
Indiana University -- Indianapolis Robert H. McKinney School of Law has the 10th best health care law program in the country, according to "U.S. News and World Report." The school offers an LL.M degree in health law, policy and bioethics at the university's Center for Bioethics. The program aims to give students practical and theoretical knowledge in the field, while they learn about the important institutions and health care systems that affect ethical issues in law and medicine.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University's law school is ranked fifth nationally for health care law by "U.S. News and World Report." In addition to courses in bioethics and health care law, the Cleveland, Ohio, university offers a dual degree program with its School of Bioethics. The joint M.A.-J.D. program offers those who wish to practice health care law a substantial grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of the field and has a significant clinical component.
University of Minnesota -- Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota Law School offers a concentration in health law and bioethics for both J.D. and LL.M. students. The concentration offers courses that cover the legal and ethical implications health care delivery and reform, genetics and mental health issues, among other topics. The school is ranked 38th overall by "Business Insider" and 11th in the country for health care law by "U.S. News and World Report." Students also have the option of interdisciplinary Master of Arts dual degree in bioethics through the school's Center for Bioethics.
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References
- Boston University School of Public Health: Concentration in Health Law, Bioethics & Human Rights
- Indiana University -- Indianapolis: LLM Health Law Policy & Bioethics
- Case Western Reserve University: Department of Bioethics Dual Degree Programs
- University of Minnesota Law: Health Law & Bioethics Concentration
- Business Insider: The 50 Best Law Schools in America
Writer Bio
Dan Williams is a former teacher who has written about education since 2008. His work has appeared in a number of publications, including the "Los Angeles Times" and "GlobalPost."