M.A. in Applied Philosophy: Health Care Ethics Track
The M.A. in Health Care Ethics track of the Applied Philosophy program is designed for students interested in practical as well as theoretical moral issues of health care. The Master's Program is specifically designed with the practicing and teaching professional in mind. The program can be easily completed in two years of full time study, and study during the summers could conceivably shorten that period. Though it takes somewhat longer to complete, the degree can be earned on part time basis. Many of the courses, particularly the required courses, are offered in the evening and, occasionally, on the weekend. Thus, a student could continue a professional practice while pursuing the degree on a part time basis.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites
Students who enter the program should already be sufficiently familiar with the history of philosophy and its general methodology to successfully complete its courses and other requirements. Where necessary they will be asked to fulfill this prerequisite by taking undergraduate courses or otherwise satisfying the Health Care Ethics committee that they are ready to do graduate work in health care ethics.
Required Courses (10)
- Two courses in the general area of moral philosophy
- Three courses in health care ethics (which usually involve basic philosophical principles, social issues, and clinical applications)
- Five elective courses, mainly in philosophy. However students are encouraged to take two of these electives as related courses in other graduate departments or schools within Loyola University, subject to approval by the program director. Under special circumstances students may also petition to take a third elective outside the Philosophy department.
Of the required courses three may, but need not, be taken as upper-division undergraduate (300-level) courses. The remainder must be graduate courses (400 or 500-level).
Research Tool Requirement
There is no research tool (language) requirement since this is not primarily a research degree. Students interested in health care careers are encouraged to take the Clinical Ethics Practicum (Philosophy 510) but this is not a requirement.
Examinations
There is no formal departmental examination. Instead, a final project paper, developed in conjunction with the student's professional field or special interest area, is presented publicly at the end of the course of studies. The paper is to be written under the direction of a single faculty member but when it is finished the student will make a public presentation of the paper, usually with three faculty (at least two from the Department of Philosophy) serving as evaluators of the presentation.
Getting Started
The first step is to make a formal application to the program, using the online application form. All applications should be sent directly to the Graduate School as indicated on the application form. Once accepted, students are expected to seek out a faculty mentor who will counsel them on course selection and other matters. For further information, please contact the Department of Philosophy.
Students wishing to pursue a PhD in the department after completing the MA in Health Care Ethics must re-apply for admission. They will need to satisfy the prerequisites, the course distribution requirements, and the MA examination required for the PhD.
