MA in Bioethics

Program of Study: 30 hours

Common Core Courses (6 hours):

Required Courses (13-17 hours):

Bioethics Electives (7-11 hours):

Students choose 7-11 hours from any of the courses listed below, depending on how many hours they earn for their capstone. (However, see note at the end of “Required Courses” section above.) Students should consult with an academic advisor in planning their individual programs of study.

Elective Courses

Required Capstone or Thesis (0-4 hours):

Preparation for work in the field of bioethics should include at least one project that is not merely focused on a particular bioethical issue but is integrative in nature, encompassing multiple issues. The capstone can involve taking a comprehensive exam in which broad essay questions allow the student to demonstrate a grasp of the field as a whole, writing an integrative paper, or developing a special project, such as a bioethics curriculum, sermon/talk series, or a written reflection on a clinical or public policy internship experience. Alternatively, students may write a formal master’s-level thesis. The paper or project can be done to fulfill an assignment in a course.

However the student chooses to meet the requirement, all students must register for course credit under one of the following course numbers: BE 7476 Capstone Comprehensive Examination (0 hours); BE 7478 Capstone Project (0-4 hours); BE 7480 Capstone Integrative Paper (0-4 hours); or BE 7485 Bioethics Thesis (0-4 hours). Students should register for BE 7476, 7478, or 7480 in the semester they complete the project or paper or take the comprehensive exam. Students should register for BE 7485 in the semester after the thesis proposal has been approved. A research methods course (ID 6910) is required of all students completing the MA degree with the thesis option. It does not count toward the 30-hour program requirement.

The capstone or thesis must be completed subsequent to candidacy. This requirement is supervised by a faculty member. (A list of acceptable faculty members is available at the Records Office.) An Independent Study Authorization form (available at the Records Office) must be filled out as part of registering for all capstone and guided research (BE 7000) courses. Students opting to write a formal master’s thesis should be aware of pertinent deadlines well in advance (see Academic Handbook).

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog