Medical ethics is a growing field at the intersection of ethics, medicine, and society. We now offer courses at every level, from introductory coursework to advanced graduate training. We will be offering an MS degree in Philosophy and Bioethics starting in Fall 2026, and formed a Medical Ethics branch of the Philosophy Club in Fall 2025.
Course offerings
1000-level
Introduction to Medical Ethics: An introductory course on ethical issues in medical practice and research, focusing on case studies that present real and, often, relatable situations, and helping students engage with the complexity of bioethical concerns from multiple perspectives.
3000-level
Medical Ethics: Critically examines ethical issues in clinical care, biomedical research, and health policy. Students engage foundational bioethical concepts and normative theories to analyze questions of autonomy, consent, truthfulness, justice, equity, and the ethical distribution of healthcare resources.
6000-level seminars
Reproductive Health Ethics: Examines the ethical, social, and philosophical dimensions of reproductive health and medical technologies. Through actual case studies, interdisciplinary readings, and case-based discussions, students explore how ethical theory and key philosophical concepts — such as embodiment, autonomy, justice, compassion, and dignity — inform debates about reproduction, gender, and biomedical innovation.
Compassion and Care Ethics in Medicine: Examines compassion and care ethics as central philosophical and practical frameworks for understanding communication and decision-making in medicine, with particular attention to chronic illness and long-term care contexts such as cancer, mental health conditions, and disability.
MS in Philosophy and Bioethics
This is an interdisciplinary joint program in collaboration with the School of Medicine (30 credit hours), and is designed for those preparing for roles in ethics, policy, and healthcare systems. Students may enter via the accelerated Tulane "4+1" pathway or as standalone graduate students from clinical and professional backgrounds.
Program directors
Chara Kokkiou, PhD, Department of Philosophy
Tzofit Ofengenden, PhD, School of Medicine
Featured project
Reproductive Health Ethics Dictionary: An open-access online reference resource developed by Tulane Medical Ethics students under the supervision of Tulane faculty.
Contact
Students should contact Chara Kokkiou, Program Director, at ckokkiou@tulane.edu with questions about any of these great opportunities and offerings.