Certificate in Clinical Bioethics Program
Program Objectives
Program Description
Requirements for the Certificate Program
Technical Requirements for the Certificate Program
Applying to the Certificate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Objectives
The Certificate in Clinical Bioethics program is designed to provide a basic introduction to the philosophical, legal, and clinical foundations of health care ethics. This program is designed to enhance the clinical practice of health care professionals or to provide a foundation for further study of bioethics for professionals and students in any discipline. The Certificate program is Internet-based in order to be available to participants from across the nation and throughout the world.
Program Description
The bioethics Certificate program has two components:
1. Core Curriculum
A core curriculum made up of three required courses in philosophical bioethics, clinical topics in bioethics, and issues in law and bioethics.
2. Elective Course
An elective course chosen by the student to meet his or her individual needs and/or interests.
All courses of the Certificate program are delivered in an online format. Class discussions and case analyses are conducted in non-real time, so students can participate at their convenience during each week of the course. Students are, however, paced on a week-to-week basis just as in a traditional course on campus. Moreover, the pedagogical capabilities of the online environment enhance the course discussions and allow for more individualized instructor feedback. This program empowers the learners to find resources and make the courses truly student-centered.
Requirements for the Certificate Program
Students in the Certificate program are required to complete a total of four three-credit online courses (total of twelve credits). Three of these courses are required and one course is of the student's choosing.
The required courses are:
Philosophical Bioethics (3 credits)
Clinical Topics in Bioethics (3 credits)
Law and Bioethics (3 credits)
A sample of elective courses offered includes:
Ethics and Human Reproduction (3 credits)
History and Meaning of Ethics and Professionalism in Medicine (3 credits)
Introduction to Research Ethics (3 credits)
Issues in Pediatric Ethics (3 credits)
Justice and Healthcare (3 credits)
Physician Conduct: Ethics and the Law (3 credits)
Special Topics in Bioethics (3 credits)
Students may take one or two courses per semester as fits their scheduling needs. For more information on these courses, please see the course descriptions under the traditional MA program section.
Students receive a Certificate in Clinical Bioethics upon completion of all four courses. Graduate credits accumulated in this program may be applicable toward the Master of Arts degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin, which can be pursued either through the executive-style or the traditional format. Students wishing to apply credits earned in the Certificate program must matriculate into the MA program immediately upon completion of the Certificate program in order for all credits earned to apply. Students that do not matriculate into the MA program immediately will be limited as to the number of credits that may apply toward the degree.
Technical Requirements for the Certificate Program
The minimal technical requirements for the program include:
1. Personal computer;
2. Latest version of web browser, version 5 or higher;
3. Microsoft Office 2000 or newer;
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader;
5. CD-ROM drive;
6. Sound card with speakers or head-set;
7. Email accessibility;
8. Minimum 56 K modem connection to the Internet (broadband connection recommended);
9. Printer.
In additional to the technical requirements above, students must know how to:
1. Access and use the Internet, email, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and instant messenger;
2. Work with email attachments;
3. Contact their Internet Service Provider (ISP) for technical assistance on Internet connection and tools.
Applying to the Certificate Program
Individuals interested in pursuing the bioethics Certificate program must apply for admission as a Non-Degree Student through the Medical College of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The application process for Non-Degree Student admission consists of: (1) completing the non-degree online application and submitting a $15 application fee; and (2) providing an official transcript of an earned undergraduate or graduate degree. Official transcripts are sent directly from the student's degree-granting institution to the MCW Graduate School. For more information and application deadlines, please see the Graduate School's website.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Certificate Program
1. Who can enroll in the program?
The program is open to anyone interested in bioethics that holds at least a bachelor's degree. The program is designed to enhance the clinical practice of health care professionals or to provide a foundation for further study of bioethics for professionals and students in any discipline
2. Is the program accredited?
The bioethics graduate program is a program in the Medical College of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The Medical College of Wisconsin's Graduate School is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 800-621-7440.
3. Do I have to take the GRE?
No. The application process for admission as a Non-Degree Student does not require GRE or any other graduate admission test scores. The application process for Non-Degree Student status only requires completion of the Non-Degree application online, a $15 application fee, and an official copy of an undergraduate or graduate degree transcript.
4. How long will it take for me to complete the program?
Students can complete the program in just two semesters by taking two courses per semester. Taking just one course per semester is also an option which would result in completing the program in four semesters.
5. Do I have to be in front of my computer on a particular day and time in order to participate in the online courses?
No. Online class discussions are conducted in non-real time through threaded discussion forums so students can participate at their convenience each week. Students are paced, however, on a week to week schedule, just as in a traditional on-campus course.
6. What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $650 per credit for Non-Degree Students.
7. When is the application deadline?
The application deadlines are as follows: July 1st for Fall admission and November 1st for Spring admission.
8. Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact Kristen Tym, Bioethics Graduate Program Coordinator by email or phone at 414-456-4299.