Master of Health Science

Effective September 1, 2024.

Program Description

The MHSc in Bioethics is a two-year, course-based, professional master's degree program. It is designed with a hybrid delivery model (i.e., both in-person and online learning components) and a modular format (i.e., courses offered every two to three weeks on specified days) to allow high-achieving professionals to earn a master's degree without interrupting their careers.

Students are expected to participate in in-person residencies on campus (normally a duration of five days) in each academic session. The in-person residencies are designed for immersive and social learning activities (e.g., developing and practising skills in applied bioethics) and for the in-person component of hybrid MHSc courses. Required core MHSc courses are designed as hybrid (i.e., roughly one-third of the course conducted in person and two-thirds online) or online courses with both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Most electives are also delivered using a hybrid or online modality.

The program's interactive, problem-based learning approach provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of health, health care, and health research contexts. Interaction with expert faculty and guest speakers, a practicum experience, and an independent capstone project in applied bioethics will help students bring theory and practice together to address real-world bioethics challenges. (Note: students interested in a research-stream program should consider the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics.)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School’s additional admission requirements stated below.

• Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree, with a minimum B+ average in the final year, and a recognized professional degree in one of the health disciplines (e.g., MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, BSW) or equivalent. Applicants from other disciplines are considered on an individual basis.

• At least three years of relevant full-time professional work experience. Applicants with less experience may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

• The program favours individuals with outstanding academic credentials, demonstrated evidence of scholarly ability and personal maturity, and potential for significant bioethics leadership in the applicant's home institution, discipline, or local community upon completion of the MHSc in Bioethics.

Program Requirements

• On-campus attendance at a weeklong, in-person residency each academic session (Fall, Winter, and Summer in Year 1; Fall and Winter in Year 2).

• Students must successfully complete a total of 7.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • CHL3011H Theoretical Foundations of Bioethics I* (0.5 FCE)

  • CHL3012H Theoretical Foundations of Bioethics II* (0.5 FCE)

  • CHL3001H Contemporary Issues in Bioethics* (0.5 FCE)

  • CHL3003H Empirical Approaches in Bioethics* (0.5 FCE)

  • CHL3005H Legal Approaches to Bioethics* (0.5 FCE)

  • CHL3050H⁰ Professional Skills in Applied Bioethics Practice** (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • CHL3008Y⁰ Practicum in Bioethics (1.0 FCE)

  • CHL3052Y⁰ Capstone Project in Applied Bioethics (1.0 FCE)

  • Elective courses (2.0 FCEs).

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

* Hybrid course: 8 hours during residency week plus 16 hours online.

** In-person course: all contact hours during residency weeks.

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.