Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Complete the online application through Graduate Studies and submit all required material.

Priority #1 (Early notification promise before the new year) deadline is December 1.

Integrated Graduate Studies deadline is March 1

Priority #2 (Last chance for student assistantships applications) deadline is May 15.

Student Assistantship application deadline is June 1.

Final deadline for applications for the Fall semester is August 1. 

Please contact bioethics@case.edu if there is concern with any of these deadlines or if you are interested in applying for Spring or Summer start dates.

Yes, there is a $50 application fee. If you are interested in receiving an application fee waiver, please reach out to us at bioethics@case.edu we will consider this on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, our students have a variety of educational backgrounds including anthropology, business, chaplaincy, dentistry, genetics, humanities, law (pre-law), literature, medicine (pre-health), music, nursing, philosophy, religion, research, social work, and many other areas as well.

Yes, we are enthusiastic about accepting international students. International studies bring a unique perspective to bioethics and medical humanities. We encourage international students to read about the additional requirements for admission.

Students are able to fund their education through a myriad of ways. Our department offers competitive student assistantships that allow students to receive a tuition waiver in exchange for helping the department on various research, educational, and administrative projects. Students can also work with the financial aid department.

The School of Graduate Studies publishes the tuition rates. The MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program is a 30 credit hour program.

The Admissions Committee is looking for the applicant to demonstrate an interest in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. It is important for the Admissions Committee to see how the student believes that this program will benefit their career path. Additionally, if a student believes there are any weaknesses in their application (low GPA or test scores), the statement of purpose provides an opportunity to address those concerns.

Yes, you can still submit your application. You can submit unofficial transcripts for application review purposes, but the School of Graduate Studies will require official transcripts to be submitted in order to enroll in the program upon acceptance.

Yes, you can still submit your application. However, your application is not complete until both letters of recommendation have been submitted. Applications cannot be reviewed without the letters of recommendation.

Academics

CWRU and the surrounding healthcare institutions offer many research opportunities. Students who receive a student assistantship may have the opportunity to work with our department faculty on research projects and papers.

Our program is 30-credit hours, that when taken full time can be completed in one academic year (Fall and Spring semester). This program is designed to be in person, on CWRU’s campus for the duration of the program. We do have students who may complete the program on a part-time basis and that time frame would be specific to the individual student’s needs.

Yes and no. It is up to each individual student to decide on their specific situation. Some students choose to work part-time while completing the program full time. This can require being very organized with their schedule and the demands on their time. Some students choose to work full time while completing the program part-time. This means that it may take longer than one year to complete the program.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to help consider program studies as well as discuss career goals and research opportunities. Our faculty is also open to meeting with students who are not their advisors, but may share similar areas of interest. 

Our students go on to make an impact in a variety of professions and fields. Students go on to medical school, law school, or other graduate/professional schools. Other students have returned to their field with a greater understanding of bioethics and medical humanities.

Our students have a vibrant life both in and out of the program. This program allows students to engage with the community, cultural enrichment, and many other opportunities. On the professional side, our students are given the opportunities to attend conferences and seminars both on campus and around the country. On the personal side, students can enjoy the many fun activities that Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer.