This program joins two well-known academic programs to offer students an interdisciplinary experience blending the similar values of social work and medicine. This is a "side-by-side" program composed of existing elements of ongoing programs provided by the faculty usually engaged in these efforts. These new elements will be supplemented by an integrative experience designed to make the interdisciplinary character of the program concrete.
Dual-degree students must receive the MSW and MA degrees simultaneously to be granted credit for specific courses taken in the other program. The dual degree program offered by Case Western Reserve's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and the Department of Bioethics is unlike other programs in the United States. As the number and complexity of ethical dilemmas in health care, aging, and mental health and social work continue to increase, there is a growing need for advanced practice social workers who are knowledgeable about the principles and problem resolution techniques that are fundamental to Bioethics.
In health care settings, ethical consultations are often requested on decisions having to do with end-of-life, organ donation, or initiation or withdrawal of medical treatments. In addition, graduates of this program will be able to help counsel health care providers, organizations, and clients, participate in setting policy, and teach others about these issues.
Application Requirements
Students must apply separately to the Mandel School and the Department of Bioethics for admission into each program. Admission to one program is not a guarantee that the student will gain admission to the other, and application to both programs should be made simultaneously. A joint committee of the two programs will meet and review the joint degree applications.
Explore the MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program Application Requirements
Learn more about the MSW Program.
Course Requirements
| MA Degree | Credits | MSW Degree | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Pure” MSW Courses | 47 | ||
| Foundations in Bioethics I and II (BETH 401 and BETH 402) |
12 | ||
| Clinical Ethics Rotation (BETH 405)* | 3 | Clinical Ethics Rotation (BETH 405)* | 3 |
| Clinical Ethics: Theory and Practice (BETH 422)* | 3 | Clinical Ethics: Theory and Practice (BETH 422)* | 3 |
| Capstone in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (BETH 402C) | 1.5 | ||
| Mini elective in Bioethics and Medical Humanities | 1.5 | ||
| MSW Credits in Bioethics and Medical Humanities relevant courses* (MSASS course(s)) | 6 | MSW Credits in Bioethics and Medical Humanities relevant courses* (MSASS course(s)) | 6 |
| Electives in Bioethics and Medical Humanities outside Social Work School* (BETH course(s)) | 3 | Electives in Bioethics and Medical Humanities outside Social Work School* (BETH course(s)) | 3 |
| MA Total Credits | 30 | MSW Total Credits | 62 |
*Double count 15 credits between the programs.
BETH credits total: 24
MSASS credits total: 53
Total credits for dual degree MSW/MA: 77