About the Degree

The Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Bioethics dual degree program facilitates an interdisciplinary conversation between theology and bioethics.

Bioethics is both a theoretical enterprise and a practical competence. It is fundamentally multidisciplinary, addressing universal questions within the social and cultural contexts in which they arise. The dual degree addresses ethical, social, and policy issues of importance for biotechnology, health care, biomedical research, and public health.

Learn more about the MA in Bioethics program at Wake Forest University.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the dual degree must apply both to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Divinity, following the admissions requirements of the respective programs, and be accepted to each program in order to pursue a joint degree.


Plan of Study and Requirements

A student typically will first complete two and one-half years of work (five semesters, 59-63credit hours) primarily in the School of Divinity. This dual degree is designed to be completed in seven semesters. The final two semesters will be completed in the bioethics program but with some electives taken in the School of Divinity. Shared courses will be dual degree appropriate, selected from a list of courses agreed upon by the School of Divinity and the bioethics program.

Students will complete a total of 91 credit hours in order to earn the dual degree:

  • 61 credit hours in the MDiv program.
  • 26 credit hours in the Bioethics program.
  • 4 additional elective credit hours to be chosen by the student from either program.

Policies and Procedures

Every student in the dual program will be assigned a faculty advisor from each school with whom they are expected to meet regularly throughout the duration of the program.

To continue in the program, the Graduate School requires that a student maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. This requirement applies to the MA component of the dual degree program. A student who fails to satisfy this requirement will be placed on academic probation and will have one semester to bring his/her GPA to 2.5 or greater; otherwise, the student may be dismissed from the program. The minimum grade point average required for successful completion of the MA portion of the degree is 3.0. Continuing eligibility in the Master of Divinity program is outlined in the School of Divinity’s Continuation Policy.


Accreditation Information

Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Wake Forest University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website https://www.sacscoc.org.

Wake Forest University School of Divinity is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry.