Bioethics and Medical Humanities/Nursing | Programs

Master of Arts/Master of Science in Nursing

About the Program

As healthcare becomes more complex, so too do the ethical issues that arise in decision-making at the bedside. Through Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Arts in Bioethics and Medical Humanities dual-degree program, we train advanced practice nurses who are well-versed in the problem-solving and principles that are core to the field of bioethics.

In approximately three years, you can gain the clinical nursing training necessary to help you advance in your career and the ethical expertise that will help you make better-informed decisions on behalf of your patients and your peers. And you’ll do it all in the healthcare hub of Cleveland—within walking distance of top hospital partners such as Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals and taught by the renowned faculty at Case Western Reserve’s highly ranked Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and School of Medicine.

What to Expect

Once you’re accepted to both programs, how you choose to structure your course load is up to you: You may choose to take your required courses for each program concurrently or complete one program before starting another.

No matter what you choose, you’ll build your core understanding of each area with foundational classes in each area: 34 to 38 credit hours in nursing, allowing you to find a major and a specialization, and 30 in bioethics. Plus, nine credit hours of crossover coursework, including the Clinical Ethics Rotation class, “double counts,” meaning you’ll need to take—and pay for—even fewer hours when you pursue this dual degree.

You’ll have the opportunity to customize your electives to what interests you most, making this a flexible program that can have an immediate impact on your career and your organization.

In the Clinical Ethics Rotation, you’ll use real-life clinical cases to gain a deeper understanding of hospital ethics committees, institutional review boards, and hospital policies on topics such as “do not resuscitate” orders, advance directives, organ procurement and transplantation, and so much more.

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A Place for Success

At Case Western Reserve University, you’re in an ideal location to study both nursing and bioethics. Our campus is within walking distance of three of our teaching affiliate hospitals: Cleveland Clinic, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center and University Hospitals. And just a short drive away, you’ll have even more opportunities at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Plus, you’ll take some of your classes in our state-of-the-future Health Education Campus with Cleveland Clinic, where nursing, medical, dental, physician assistant and social work students study and learn alongside each other. Here, you’ll have access to top technology, including nursing simulation labs and even a flight-simulation helicopter.

By the Numbers

#11

Master of Science in Nursing program, U.S. News & World Report

#25

medical school for research, U.S. News & World Report

teaching hospitals for clinical experiences

credits that “double count” for both programs to save you time and money

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Explore the Bioethics Website

Learn More About the Program

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Find Out About Our Hospital Partners

Admission Details

You must apply and be accepted to each program to qualify.

Though each program may have its own application requirements, typically the process includes:

Online application, including a statement of purpose and personal statement
Application fee
Bachelor’s (BSN) from an accredited institution (either already complete, or will be complete before you enroll)
Transcripts
Current resume/CV
Three letters of recommendation
Test scores for GRE (required) and MAT, MCAT, LSAT, DAT or GMAT (optional). No test required for MSN.
International applicants: Results of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE