Bioethics

Program Overview

Mount Saint Mary's University's Bioethics Certificate Program is a fully online graduate program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ethical complexities of healthcare and related fields. The program features a flexible curriculum with a range of courses and electives, and is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in bioethics. Graduates are prepared for careers in healthcare, public policy, law, research, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, social, and legal issues related to healthcare.
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills to address complex ethical dilemmas.
• Apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios in healthcare and related fields.
• Prepare for careers in healthcare, public policy, law, research, and other related fields.

Program Description:

Mount Saint Mary's University's Bioethics Certificate Program is a fully online graduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ethical complexities of healthcare and related fields. The program features a flexible curriculum with a range of courses and electives that allows students to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals.

Key Features:

• 14 credits of coursework
• Fully online format
• Completion in as little as one year
• Focus on ethical, social, and legal issues in healthcare
• Diverse range of courses and electives
• Taught by experienced faculty with expertise in bioethics

Outline:

Structure:

The program consists of 6 required courses (14 credits) divided into three sections:

• Foundation: 6 units - includes a course on Moral Theory and one additional course chosen from Global Bioethics or Public Health Ethics.
• Applications: 6 units - students choose two courses from options such as Bioethics and the Law, Environmental Ethics, Ethics at the Beginning & End of Life, and Legal & Ethical Aspects of Healthcare Management Policy-Making.
• Intensives: 2 units - students choose two courses from options such as Nursing Bioethics, Pediatric Bioethics, Medical Experimentation, Bioethics and Film, and Ethics and Reproduction.

Course Schedule:

The program offers courses throughout the year, with multiple start dates available. Students can choose to take courses full-time or part-time to fit their individual schedules.

Individual Modules:

Each course in the program focuses on a specific aspect of bioethics, providing students with a deep understanding of the relevant issues and principles. Some examples of modules offered include:

• PHI 200: Foundations of Moral Theory: Explores the fundamental principles of ethical reasoning and decision-making.
• PHI 210: Global Bioethics: Examines ethical issues in a global context, including access to healthcare, resource allocation, and cultural diversity.
• PHI 220: Public Health Ethics: Discusses the ethical challenges faced by public health professionals, such as pandemic preparedness and vaccination policies.
• PHI 230: Bioethics and the Law: Analyzes the legal and ethical frameworks governing healthcare, including informed consent, confidentiality, and end-of-life care.
• PHI 240: Environmental Ethics: Explores the ethical issues surrounding environmental protection and sustainability.
• PHI 250: Ethics at the Beginning & End of Life: Examines ethical issues related to reproductive technologies, abortion, and end-of-life care.
• HCA 213: Legal & Ethical Aspects of Healthcare Management Policy-Making: Discusses the ethical considerations involved in healthcare policy development and implementation.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Essays and papers: Students are required to write essays and research papers on various bioethics topics, demonstrating their understanding of the material and their ability to apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations and discussions: Students engage in active learning through classroom presentations and discussions, allowing them to share their perspectives and learn from their peers.
• Exams: Students take exams at the end of each course to assess their knowledge and understanding of the material covered.

Teaching:

The program features a dedicated faculty with expertise in bioethics, including philosophers, ethicists, and healthcare professionals. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and group projects. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning and to participate in open and respectful dialogue about complex ethical issues.

Careers:

Graduates of the Bioethics Certificate Program are prepared for a variety of careers in healthcare, public policy, law, research, and other related fields. Some potential career paths include:

• Hospital Ethicist
• Instructor in Bioethics, Biotechnology, or Health Policy
• Biotech or Clinical Research
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Research Scholar in Health Equity
• Corporate Bioethics Consulting and Training
• Healthcare/Ethics Consultant
• Public Policy Analyst or Advisor
• Ethics Policy Development
• Disability Advocate
• Lawyer/Legal Research/Paralegal
• Ethics Program Assistant
• Patient Rights Consultant, Educator, or Coordinator
• Community Outreach/Spokesperson
• Textbook Editor or Reviewer for Publisher or Journal
• Hospital Clergy/Chaplain

Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to working professionals.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
• The program offers a strong alumni network and career support services.