23.2 Program of Study

1. The Master of Health Ethics degree is offered by full or part-time study. Students may choose one of three program options: (1) Thesis option, (2) Non-thesis, Capstone Project option, (3) Non-thesis, Research Papers option. It is anticipated that full-time students will complete the program in four semesters in accordance with Table 1 Master of Health Ethics Recommended Course Sequence for Full-Time Students.

2. The program of study is the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee composed of a Supervisor and at least two other faculty members. It is the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee to meet regularly (at least annually) with the student and to provide guidance at all stages of the student’s program. An annual report prepared by the Supervisor and signed by the student and all members of the Committee is required to be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Studies (Medicine).

3. All students must complete the following course requirements:

   1. MED 6800, MED 6801, and MED 6806

   2. 3 elective courses (9 credit hours) chosen in consultation with the Supervisor. Elective courses may be selected from the elective courses listing below (excluding MED 6820, 6821, 6822, and 6825) or from other courses approved by the Supervisor.

4. In addition, all students must complete a Health Ethics Practicum (MED 6815). The practicum involves acquiring hands-on experience in three distinct areas of health ethics: clinical ethics, research ethics, and health ethics policy. Students must complete a minimum of 40 practicum hours divided as evenly as possible across the three areas.

5. Students must also complete one of the following in accordance with the program option to which they have been admitted:

   1. A thesis, submitted in accordance with the General Regulations, Theses and Reports of the School of Graduate Studies.

   2. Three Health Ethics Research Papers (represented as MED 6820). Research topics will be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the Supervisor. Students must register for the course MED 6820 in every semester during which they are completing one or more of the Research Papers necessary to satisfy this requirement. A grade of NC (No Credit) will be awarded in all semesters prior to the final semester. A grade of ‘B’ or better is required in each of the three required Research Papers in order to successfully complete this requirement and receive a grade of ‘Pass’ in the final semester. Each paper will be evaluated by the supervising faculty member and another faculty member qualified to evaluate the work.

   3. A Health Ethics Capstone Project (MED 6825). The Capstone Project is open to students with substantial and relevant experience in health care and/or with the health care system. The student’s supervisor must approve whether the student may undertake a capstone project. The capstone project itself will be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the Supervisor. Students must register for the course MED 6825 in every semester during which they are completing the Capstone Project. A grade of NC (No Credit) will be awarded in all semesters prior to the final semester. The completed Capstone Project will be evaluated by the supervisor in conjunction with two other faculty members who will comprise a supervisory committee for the capstone project.