Health Care Ethics, Ph.D. and Theology, M.A. Dual Degree

Program Overview

The Health Care Ethics, Ph.D. and Theology, M.A. Dual Degree program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in healthcare ethics. Through a collaboration between Saint Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology, it prepares graduates for careers in ethical decision-making, research, and teaching in the field. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, original research, and proficiency in applying ethical theories to real-world healthcare contexts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Health Care Ethics, Ph.D. and Theology, M.A. Dual Degree program is a joint program offered by Saint Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology (AIT). The program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in health care ethics and who are interested in the intersection of theology and ethics.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with:

• A broad knowledge of foundational disciplines, methods, topics, and issues in health care ethics.
• Proficiency in formulating original, normative arguments on topics related to health care ethics.
• Proficiency in applying interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to answer ethical questions in real-life health care contexts.
• The ability to generate appropriate job search materials (i.e., curriculum vitae, teaching portfolio, writing sample, etc.).

Program Description:

Students typically begin their Master of Arts in Theology studies at AIT, completing 30 credits of the 36 required for the M.A. in their first year. This includes courses in biblical studies, historical studies, systematic theology, and moral theology. In the second year, students enter the health care ethics Ph.D. program at SLU and follow the Ph.D. curriculum for students who already hold master's degrees. During this year, dual-degree students become eligible for assistantship funding. AIT counts six credits from the Ph.D. coursework completed in year two toward completion of the M.A. After completing the major paper and comprehensive exams required for the M.A. degree, students are awarded the M.A. in Theology from AIT. This typically occurs at the end of year two. In year three, students begin the coursework required for the Ph.D. Joint Ph.D. students are also required to demonstrate reading comprehension of French, German, or another language with the consent of joint program faculty. This can be satisfied by previous coursework, an exam, or by taking additional graduate-level language courses.

Assessment:

• Comprehensive Exams: Students must pass written and oral comprehensive exams in year four.
• Dissertation: Students must complete an original, sustained, and coherent independent research project that contributes to the field.

Other:

• Continuation Standards: Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
• Roadmap: A recommended semester-by-semester plan of study is provided, assuming full-time enrollment.