Education: Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Bioethics

Program Co-Directors:
Domestic Stream: Barbara Secker, PhD
International Stream: Ross Upshur, MD

Thank You for your interest in our Post Graduate degree programs in Bioethics.

Inquires about the MHSc in Bioethics at the University of Toronto, Joint Centre for Bioethics should be directed to:

Carmen Alfred, Academic Secretary

University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics,
155 College Street, Suite 754
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M5T 1P8
Email: carmen.alfred@utoronto.ca

Telephone: (416) 978-0871
Fax (416) 978-1911

Introduction:

The MHSc in Bioethics, offered through the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) , is designed for clinical practitioners and health care administrators who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in bioethics. This is a full-time program, offered in modular format in 20 two-day Thursday/Friday blocks from September to April over two years. The program provides practical experience strongly informed by theory that includes education, research, and clinical components. It is a professional master's degree program that does not require a thesis. Students who are interested in a research-stream program should inquire into the Collaborative Program in Bioethics (CPB).

Goals of the Program:

To provide interprofessional education in the theory and practice of bioethics.
To provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge in health care settings.
To foster the development of character and attitudes suitable for individuals practice in bioethics.

MHSc Goals and Objectives

Admission Requirements:

Normally, entry into the MHSc in Bioethics program will require four years of undergraduate study and a recognized degree in one of the health care sciences (for example, MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, BSW) or equivalent. Applicants from other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the availability of space and the ability to meet School of Graduate Studies and IMS standards . Suitable preparation for entry into the MHSc in Bioethics (including equivalency of undergraduate education) is the decision of the Director(s) of the program.

School of Graduate Studies and Joint Centre for Bioethics Application Procedure:

Your application can now be completed on-line with the exception of your transcripts which must be sent to the Institute of Medical Science as per directions provided on the on-line application process. Please note your application will not be processed unless the fee has been submitted. Unfortunately, the application fee is non-refundable.

If you do not have access to a computer, please call Carmen Alfred, Academic Secretary, Joint Centre for Bioethics 416) 978-0871, Fax: (416) 978-1911.

Summary of what you will need to apply to the School of Graduate Studies:

Complete the on-line applications from the School of Graduate Studies and the Joint Centre for Bioethics
Current Curriculum Vitae (1 copy)
One set of complete current and original university academic transcripts in sealed and signed envelope sent to the Institute of Medical Science
A letter of intent or professional goals, no longer than 1000 words, in which you:

Outline your reasons for pursuing admission into the Master's of Health Science in Bioethics
Briefly explain how your background has prepared you for work in bioethics
Provide an estimate of any remaining background preparation that you may need to undertake this course of study (eg., what courses, program, etc. you will complete - and where - before the September session meets)
Identify your main area(s)of bioethical interest
Explain how you will put your graduate education in bioethics to use in your home institution

Three letters of recommendation are required. Please have your referees use the Confidential Applicant Assessment Report included in the on-line application protocol and submit on-line. You will need one academic reference, attesting to your academic preparation and capacity for collegial study and research. The other referees together must attest to your skills, knowledge and character as well as capacities for interpersonal and collegial research and/or practice). One letter need not cover all aspects of these requirements, but all three together must do so. In the case of international applicants, one of these three letters must be from a mentor who will supervise the applicant in the home country.
If you are currently employed by an institution (health care or otherwise), a letter from a senior administrator in your institution (for example, Department Chair, Dean, Hospital CEO or VP) agreeing to provide the necessary professional release time to complete the program and clarifying the institution's view of how your graduate education will assist the development of bioethics in your home institution. In the case of international applicants, this letter must also state agreement to provide a leadership position in bioethics for the applicant to assume in the institution upon return to the home country.
A writing sample, in English, that demonstrates your analytical and argumentative skills, preferably in bioethics.

Application Deadline:

Applications must be completed by February 1st for both domestic and international students.

All documents must be received on-line by the deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Meeting the minimal requirements is mandatory but does not guarantee acceptance. Enrollment is limited. Normal class of 12 students will be accepted.

Interviews of applicants whose pre-applications have been accepted are normally held in late March, early April. The University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies (SGS) will then notify successful applicants upon acceptance by the Joint Centre for Bioethics, SGS and IMS.

Program of Study:

The MHSc in Bioethics is a full-time program, offered in modular format in 20 two-day Thursday/Friday blocks from September to April over two years. International students complete the program in 1 year. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of those who wish to continue clinical practice and/or work yet engage in full-time graduate study. This program is designed to attract practitioners not only locally but also throughout the province and across Canada.

First-year courses concentrate on theoretical foundations of health care sciences, philosophical medical ethics, and resource allocation and law and their application in the clinical setting.

Second-year courses focus on applied skills and knowledge concentrating on teaching, managing differences in culture, gender, and religion; the mediation skills with which to work, further instruction in the two primary areas of clinical bioethics and research ethics; the preparation of a major paper in publishable form covering an area or issue of the student's choice; and an applied learning experience or practicum that will assist in the application of the knowledge and skills gained elsewhere in the two-year program of study.

Required Courses:

MHSc Required Courses: First and Second Year

Course Descriptions:

Course Descriptions: First and Second Year

MHSc Students - Current and Graduates:

Current Domestic Students
Current International Students
Graduated Domestic Students
Graduated International Students