Search the Community

Hi all! I wrote this in the Philosophy forum but want to ask here too - I'm hoping you might have some advice/clarity/insight on a decision I'm trying to make. I'll try to make it brief (and hopefully coherent)! I'm applying to Bioethics + MSW programs at the University of Louisville (where those two are already an established dual degree program) and the University of Pittsburgh (which has both degrees but not integrated yet, so I'd do most of it separately). Both programs would take three years. If I were to qualify for in-state tuition (in either state), Louisville would be significantly less expensive. It also has an MSW specialization that's the only one of its kind and very much in line with my interests. The Bioethics program at Pitt is much more comprehensive - there is a two-part practicum (the opportunity to go on Grand Rounds, etc) as well as a thesis component. At UofL, other than the core coursework there is only a group capstone project. I could be mistaken but it seems like a much less rigorous program. I'm torn because I don't know yet exactly what I'll want to do after graduation. I definitely want to be able to do counseling/work one-on-one with patients and families, and I've read that as far as the MSW goes, the rank/prestige of the program isn't as important as the internship and actual work you've done. (Correct me if I'm wrong!) But I love research and writing, love bioethics, and I know I get burnt out on direct patient contact, so I really want to have those research-oriented options after I graduate. I don't think I see myself working in academia, but I would love to be able to serve on a bioethics committee or do consulting. If you have experience around this, essentially my question is how big a factor is the rank/prestige/rigor of the bioethics program? How do you see it weighing in in future social work and/or research-related positions? Also, if anyone has personal experience in either program at Louisville or Pitt, I'd love to hear!! Thank you SO, so much for any and all advice - it is so appreciated!

Hi all! I'm hoping you might have some advice/clarity/insight on a decision I'm trying to make. I'll try to make it brief (and hopefully coherent)! I'm applying to Bioethics + MSW programs at the University of Louisville (where those two are already an established dual degree program) and the University of Pittsburgh (which has both degrees but not integrated yet, so I'd do most of it separately). Both programs would take three years. If I were to qualify for in-state tuition (in either state), Louisville would be significantly less expensive. It also has an MSW specialization that's the only one of its kind and very much in line with my interests. The Bioethics program at Pitt is much more comprehensive - there is a two-part practicum (the opportunity to go on Grand Rounds, etc) as well as a thesis component. At UofL, other than the core coursework there is only a group capstone project. Maybe I'm wrong but it seems much less rigorous. I'm torn because I don't know yet exactly what I'll want to do after graduation. I definitely want to be able to do counseling/work one-on-one with patients and families, and I've read that as far as the MSW goes, the rank/prestige of the program isn't nearly as important as the internship and actual work you've done. But I love research and writing, love bioethics, and I know I get burnt out on direct patient contact, so I really want to have those research-oriented options after I graduate. I don't think I see myself working in academia, but I would love to be able to serve on a bioethics committee or do consulting. So essentially my question is, how big a factor is the rank/prestige of a Bioethics MA program? Say that after I graduated I really wanted to pursue the bioethics research/consulting route, would a less-intense (but also less expensive and already-established dual degree) program like UofL's count me out of those opportunities? Would it weaken my application to potential PhD programs? Thank you SO, so much for any advice. I'm feeling so stuck and just don't know how to weigh these options.

Hi, Has anyone heard from McGill's MA in Bioethics yet?

Hey everyone, I’m new to the forum so apologies if this thread is in the wrong section. I’m currently applying to the following schools and just wondered if any of you have also applied to any of these programs, and if so, have you heard anything back yet? Or if any of you have previously applied, what time-frame did you receive your answers by? As of right now, my primary concern is for Princeton, Yale, and Cornell. I’ve read a lot of theories on whether or not hearing anything by late February is a good sign or a bad sign— but I’m not sure if these theories hold any water. I’ve only heard back from NYU so far. Princeton: PhD Phil - Logic & Phil of Sci track Yale: PhD Phil Cornell: PhD Phil Columbia: MA Phil NYU: MBE (Masters of Bioethics) - Accepted with Scholarship on Feb 15th UPenn: MBE Johns Hopkins: MBE Stony Brook: MA Med Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics Temple: Dual MA Phil/ MA Urban Bioethics

Hi everyone, So I initially applied to the biotech program at Columbia University and ended up receiving a rejection letter. Then fast forward a few weeks later, I received an email from the Director of Admissions saying, "Given your excellent credentials and potential for success at Columbia University, you were nominated by the Biotechnology admissions committee for consideration to Columbia’s Master of Science degree in Bioethics. While you applied initially for the Biotechnology program, your strong background positions you well for the M.S. program in Bioethics at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies". All of that was followed by some information about bioethics and a link that allowed me to transfer my application to that program. So what I'm wondering now, is what my chances are of getting in. I've looked for posts with a similar circumstance but I didn't seem to find any. Is this circumstance common? Also the bioethics program has slightly more requirements (ie. GRE score) then the biotech program, but I was told not to send any additional information. Would not having that information make me less desirable for admission? Please help me!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!! Thanks!!!

Hi guys, So I'm currently finishing up my BA at UCLA with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Cognitive Science. My career goals are to earn a PhD in Philosophy, research, and teach. I was accepted into the MA in Philosophy at SFSU, which is one of the top philosophy MA programs. (Two year program) Pros: Great department, I believe my tuition is covered and I have to just worry about housing, San Francisco, a straight path and preparation toward Philosophy PhD. They will allow me to TA, take classes in their Psychology department, as well as at Berkeley. And I get to pursue my interests in Philosophy of Mind and Cog Sci. Cons: Housing market, school not "prestigious" outside of philosophy. I was super stoked about this and accepted my offer immediately! (I got denied from every PhD program I applied to.) THEN, NYU said they forwarded my application over to the School of Global Public Health... and I was accepted with to their MA in Bioethics with a 10k scholarship. Pros: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY! One year program. NYC. Prestige. Edgy. Practical. I can get this MA, and then hopefully go off into a PhD in Philosophy and earn an MA in Philosophy there, so then I will have an MA in Bioethics AND Philosophy... Will probably look great for PhD apps. Seems like a really great program. Cons: Not sure if it will help me get into Grad School. Less time, but will be more expensive. Never had a huge interest in Bioethics but could make it work... (But maybe its a sign from the universe)... I have no idea what to do! Any advice is appreciated.