Bioethics at the University of Toronto examines the ethical questions raised by medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences, combining philosophy coursework with biology and interdisciplinary study. At the St. George campus the program is offered within philosophy as a Major, Minor, or Specialist leading to the Honours Bachelor of Science; the Specialist requires 10.0 credits, including at least 4.0 credits at the 300-level or above, drawing on advanced bioethics, value theory, and metaphysics and epistemology courses, and is open enrolment to students who have completed 4.0 credits. At the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, Bioethics is offered as a Minor leading to the Honours Bachelor of Arts. Coursework progresses from foundational philosophy and biology courses through advanced bioethics electives and value-theory requirements. The program suits students interested in the ethical dimensions of health care, research, and biotechnology, and can be combined with programs in the life sciences, philosophy, or health-related fields.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Ontario applicants apply through OUAC 101 for the Honours Bachelor of Science (St. George) or Honours Bachelor of Arts (Scarborough) and need the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six subjects at the 4U/M level, including English; ENG4U / EAE4U; the co-op component of Grade 12 courses will not be used for admission purposes. Biology (SBI4U) is a recommended course for the St. George specialization. International applicants apply through the same OUAC system and are assessed on their own senior secondary credential. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an accepted English proficiency test unless exempt — IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT overall 4.5 with 4.5 in Writing and 4.0 in Speaking for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 — and all applicants complete a senior-level English course equivalent to ENG4U. The program page states no separate minimum average; admission is competitive rather than threshold-based.