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This list of Frequently Asked Questions was assembled from a log of the questions inquirers commonly ask about the program. Current students also made suggestions about the information they thought would be helpful to someone inquiring about The Bioethics Program.
Q: How old is The Bioethics Program? A: The Bioethics Program evolved out of several components, the oldest of which is The Health and Human Values Lecture Series, which at almost three decades old and may be the oldest continuing lecture course in bioethics. Its name, “‘Health and Human Values” reflects the terminology used at the time to characterize what we describe what we today call “bioethics.” The medical ethics program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is about two decades old, its Morchand Center for Clinical Competence opened in 1991. http://www.mssm.edu/medschool/morchand/history.shtml Union College/Union Graduate College began offering an on-line Masters degree in bioethics in 2001. Until 2006, Union offered the program in partnership with the Albany Medical College and its Alden March Bioethics Institute (AMBI). Starting in 2007 Union’s medical school partner became the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, forming the Union Graduate College-Mount Sinai School of Medicine Bioethics Program, which, for convenience, we refer to as “The Bioethics Program.” Q: How many students have graduated from the Union Bioethics Programs? A: As of June 2007 the Union Graduate College (the degree granting institution) has conferred 31MS Degrees in Bioethics, 3 Certificates in bioethics (clinical ethics), and one honorary doctorate of letters, to the distinguished bioethicist, Robert M. Veatch, one of the founders of the field. Q: What do graduates do with their Masters after graduation? A: The Masters degree provides students with knowledge and skills that help them to better address the ethical issues that arise in biomedical research, clinical medicine and health policy. The degree enhances the student's own background and skill set, opening doors to health related employment in areas such as administration, public policy, teaching, research, hospital ethics committee and IRB service, and legal work. Some students who were previously employed in a health related field have found that by certifying their expertise the degree allowed them to change activities, and sometimes titles and positions, and to make bioethics related activities part of their official job description. Students who were previously employed in other fields have found that the degree enhances their expertise and gives them the confidence to create opportunities within their own profession, or to branch out into other areas. Some striking examples of what students who received our Masters degree can do with it: a research scientist became managing editor of a bioethics journal; a certified public accountant became a hospital clinical ethicist immediately after earning her Masters. Some graduates have found that the Masters enhanced their prospects of admission to medical school, or to graduate school. One of our graduates was recently accepted into several doctoral programs and is now enrolled in the Harvard School of Public Health Doctoral Program in Public Health Ethics. For more information on job opportunities in bioethics, consult http://www.asbh.org/jobs/ Q: What are the student demographics? A: On average, 40% of our students work in clinician fields as nurses, physicians, social workers in other allied health professions. About 40% of our students are involved in health administration, research, health policy and law. The remaining 20%fifth are students who have recently graduated with their bachelor’s degrees, and who are enrolled in, or intend to enroll in graduate or professional school (in medicine, law, philosophy, public health, or social work). A number of students have had no direct experience in any healthcare field, but had a personal interest in bioethics. Geographically our students come from around the world. They range in age from twenty to sixty but whatever their differences in age, background, training or nationality they are united by a deep interest in bioethics in the abstract, and in discovering practical ways to make medicine and research more humane. Q: Do alumni have reunions? A: Alumni and present students are invited to attend a breakfast reunion at the annual conference of the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities (http://asbh.org). Q: How competitive is the selection process? A: The Bioethics Program seeks a diverse class of highly qualified individuals with a passion for the field and compassion for patients and research subjects. The Admissions Committee reviews applications and considers an applicant’s work and life experience, commitment (evinced in the essay, the application, the résumé and letters of recommendation), as well as their academic qualifications. At present, admission is limited to 15-18 students per year. When a class is filled, qualified students who cannot be admitted may be offered a guaranteed place in the next year’s class. Q: Do I need special computer equipment or software? A: A computer with a newer operating system is all that is required to participate in on-line courses, although high-speed Internet account is recommended. While you are on-site at Union Graduate College attending the introductory Proseminar you will receive instruction on how to access your courses and how to navigate using the Blackboard software. Q: What sort of library access will I have from my home or office? A: As a student you will be given software permitting you to access the Union College/Union Graduate College Library’s data bases and journals (see Center for Bioethics) http://www.union.edu/Library/databases.htm Journals and citations are also publicly accessible through ETHX http://www.georgetown.edu/research/nrcbl/databases/basice.htm and the National Library of Medicine http://locatorplus.gov/ You will also be provided access to the medical library of Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Q: Will I get the opportunity to meet my professors in person? A: Yes. The faculty members are present at the Proseminar and they are usually participate in all the onsite courses. Q: Do students and professors communicate during the on-line courses? Do they have discussions? A: Bioethics education requires lots of human interaction. The Bioethics Program’s courses, both on-site and on-line, are designed to facilitate discussion between faculty and students and among students. The Blackboard platform that The Bioethics Program uses for its on-line courses is a remarkable tool. It permits threaded conversations allowing continual on-going interaction and discussion. These discussions are a constant and invaluable part of the education process provided by The Bioethics Program. Q: What do students do for a Masters project and how much guidance do they get? A: Masters projects typically involve two terms of working one-on-one with your project advisor and a second reader, who comment on your project at various stages. In addition, you are continually in contact with the other students working on Masters projects, since you are enrolled in a special two-term course in which everyone discusses their projects and their progress with each other. Projects are designed to fit the experience and ambitions of each individual student and the variety of projects has been breathtaking. They range from traditional theses to institutional initiatives (e.g., to set up an ethics consultation service) to empirical research, to drafts of proposed legislation. Q: How much time would I need to spend on site per year? A: Early in August in your first year you will take a two-week onsite Proseminar to introduce you to the field of bioethics, to your fellow students, and to the faculty and staff. Then there is a one-week on-site spring term practicum on the campus of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City (typically taken in the second year of a three year part-time program), and a one-week spring term Capstone mostly at Union Graduate College in Schenectady, New York (typically taken in the third year of a three year program). Q: Can the Masters program be completed in less than 3 years? A: Yes. Taken, part-time, one course per term, a student completeds the 12 courses in three years. By taking more courses per term students may complete The Bioethics Program in either two years, fifteen months or even one year. Q: What would the curriculum be like if I completed the program in one or two years? A: A two-year schedule typically involves taking two courses per term during the first year and one course per term in the second year. To complete The Bioethics Program’s Masters degree in one year a student one would need to take three courses per term. This is a full- time load since a student would be taking three courses, each requiring a minimum time commitment of 10-12 hours per week. The one-year option also requires taking the Practicum and the Capstone in successively over a two-week period in the spring. Q: How many hours of work is generally required for each course? A: The course work varies by course and in each week of a course. Professors typically assign a minimum of 10 to 12 hours per week of course work. Some students report that they need more time for each course. Q: What is the application process? A: The application process consists of:
After a complete application has been received by the registrar’s office, the application is reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the Admissions Committee. Applicants are notified of the Admission Committee’s decision within two weeks of the meeting. Q: When does the next course start if I apply now? A: We recommend that students start The Bioethics Program with the summer Proseminar in Health and Human Values—an intense two-week seminar in which the students meet the faculty and their fellow students. Each cohort forms a community in which students sustain and support each other as they progress towards their degrees. Q: On the website it says that enrollment is on a rolling basis, what does that mean? A: The Bioethics Program was originally designed to suit the needs of mid-career professionals, who have limited opportunity to enroll in courses. Thus, students may commence their course of studies in the fall or winter terms. However, we now strongly recommend that students start with the summer Health and Human Values Proseminar. Q: Does The Bioethics Program accept transfer credit? Will it recognize Certificates granted by other programs? A: Up to three graduate courses from accredited graduate-level programs and certificates that carry graduate credit may be transferred. Waivers may also be granted for non-accredited certificates and for work experience. Both transfer credits and waivers require approval of the Academic Committee. Q: What is the total cost for the degree? A: Tuition for the 08-09 school year is $2485 per course. Twelve courses are required for the MS degree and 4 courses for each of the Certificates. At the current tuition rate the MS would cost $29,820; certificates cost $9,940. Q: Why does The Bioethics Program grant an MS degree rather than an MA degree? A: In many states and in many fields the MS degree is a recognized in the health professions. Aligning itself with other fields in the health professions, The Bioethics Program Masters is registered with the New York State Department of Education as an MS degree. Q: Would it be possible to contact alumni or current students to ask them about the program? A: Our students and alumni are usually happy to discuss The Bioethics Program with prospective students. To arrange for an on-line or a phone meeting contact Mrs. Ann Nolte, Director of Admissions 518-388-8045, or bioethics@union.edu |
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