Foundations of Bioethics (Short Program)

2026 Programs

The online Foundations of Bioethics program will take place twice in May 2026.

The May 4-15, 2026 program is now full. 

The May 26-29 program still has some space available. We will continue to accept applications until May 10th or until the class is full. 

For the May 4-15 program, the curriculum is spread over two weeks to allow participants’ flexibility and ample time with the curriculum. The May 25th program is at an accelerated pace, but both iterations provide access to the portal for 6 weeks after program completion. Our faculty are well-versed in providing virtual programming and look forward to engaging with you on our discussion boards and in live sessions.

Please see our 2026 Program Guide for program objectives and schedule. Note that all May participants are welcome at the Foundations Zoom events for either program. 

Have you been accepted to the in-person Summer Institute? If so, you are required to take either of these Foundations programs. The cost of Foundations is included in your main program fee; you do not need to pay or register for Foundations separately.

Would you like to Apply? Complete the short application.

Content

This program is intended for those who are interested in bioethics as it relates to the clinical setting, research, policy, and law as well as the history and theories of bioethics. The program includes our signature programming which provides an overview of ethical theory, case-based learning, a history of bioethics, an introduction to bioethical principles, theories, and terms - along with sessions addressing some of our most pressing global challenges.   See the above link to the Program Guide.

Format

The program will include (1) a limited number of live lectures on Zoom (including talks about careers and Masters programs within bioethics) and (2) an asynchronous curriculum on Canvas with short video lectures and small-group discussion forums.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this two-week, part-time program, participants will be able to answer:

  • What is bioethics, and what is ethical theory?
  • What are the main principles, concepts, and common terms in bioethics?
  • What methods, frameworks, and arguments are commonly used in bioethics?
  • What are some of the most pressing issues in bioethics today?

Participants

Participants & faculty often hail from all corners of the globe, from Addis Ababa to Montreal, Lima to Adelaide, and Strasbourg to Tehran - and represent medicine, law, philosophy, chaplaincy, and other related fields.  Participants include graduate students, professionals, and undergraduate students.

Recent attendees include clinicians, legal scholars, students, nurses, social workers, chaplains, public health officials, and professors from all corners of the globe, including Ukraine, Japan, China, Serbia, Canada, the US, Turkey, Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Spain, and Brazil. 

Level of Effort & Timelines

Participants will listen to online mini-lectures (designed to be approachable and just long enough to communicate key points) and engage in related online discussion forums.  Participants can choose to attend some live sessions which are designed to be an open forum to discuss the online material.  Participants can also attend additional live lectures if they wish- these are on pivotal topics of interest within bioethics. We will keep the portal open for 2 weeks after the program in participants would like to revisit any of the materials.  There is much flexibility in this program to enable busy clinicians - and busy students! - to attend without feeling the pressure to quickly absorb all materials in a compressed format.

Continuing Education Credits

Continuing Education credits (ACCMEs) will not be provided,.

Requirements

Participants must be highly comfortable with Zoom and online learning platforms.  The curriculum is as meaningful for undergraduate and graduate students as it is for the many professionals who attend.  No previous knowledge of bioethics is expected or required, and all lectures assume no previous knowledge of philosophy or medicine.  

Fees

  • We are committed to accessible, affordable bioethics education, and as such, our rates are much lower than similar programs.
  • We also have several partial scholarships. To express interest, please complete the prompt about scholarships on the application form.   
  • 2026 rates are $800 (students) and $900 (professionals).
  • The student rate is only for current full-time students, and we may ask for documentation. 
  • Yale affiliates may be eligible for reduced rates; please use your Yale email during registration.  

Withdrawal Policy

Registrants who pay, then withdraw from the program, are subject to the following refund schedule.  We keep costs as low as we can.
  • 75% of the program fee is refunded if withdrawal notification is received within 2 months;
  • 50% of the program fee is refunded if withdrawal notification is received 21 days before the program start date;
  • Otherwise,  no refund can be offered.

Contact Us

To discuss whether the program is a good fit for you, or to ask any other questions, contact Lori Bruce, D.Bioethics HEC-C, Program Director, and her program staff, at bioethics@Yale.edu.