The goal of the Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Bioethics (MDiv/MA Bioethics) dual degree program is to facilitate an interdisciplinary conversation between theology and bioethics and to provide resources for students whose vocational aims require knowledge and/or competence in both disciplines.
Plan of Study and Requirements
This dual degree is designed to be completed in seven semesters. A student typically will first complete two and one-half years of work primarily in the School of Divinity. The final two semesters will be completed in the bioethics program but with some electives taken in the School of Divinity as needed.
Typical Dual Degree Program Outline
| Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Year One | Mainly Divinity (12) | Mainly Divinity (12) |
| Year Two | Mainly Divinity (12) | Mainly Divinity (12) |
| Year Three | Mainly Divinity (11) | Mainly Bioethics (12) |
| Year Four | Mainly Bioethics (12) |
Students are required to complete 53 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree, 26 hours toward the MA Bioethics, and 4 shared elective hours, for a total of 83 credit hours. The dual degree program will utilize the current courses offered through both the bioethics program and the School of Divinity. Shared courses will be dual degree appropriate, selected from courses agreed upon by dual degree students’ advisors in the School of Divinity and the bioethics program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Divinity Courses | ||
| BIB 521 | Old Testament Interpretation | 3 |
| BIB 541 | New Testament Interpretation | 3 |
| HIS 501 | History of Christianity | 3 |
| THS 501 | Christian Theologies in Context | 3 |
| THS 521 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 |
| or THS 522 | Introduction to Theological Ethics | |
| CDS 501 | Social and Cultural Analysis | 3 |
| MIN 501 | Art of Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 511 | Practical Theologies for Social Change | 3 |
| MIN 602A & MIN 602B | Internship Reflection Seminar and Internship Reflection Seminar | 3 |
| or MIN 602C | Summer Internship Reflection Seminar | |
| One 300-hour ministry internship | ||
| MIN 705 | Integrative Capstone | 3 |
| CPE or Relational Care Elective Hours | 5 | |
| Divinity Electives | ||
| Biblical Studies Electives | 6 | |
| Bioethics-Related THS Elective | 3 | |
| Interfaith Dialogue Elective | 3 | |
| Spirituality Elective | 3 | |
| General Divinity Elective | 3 | |
| Shared Electives | ||
| Elective credit hours chosen from either program | 4 | |
| Required MA Bioethics credit hours | 26 | |
| Total Hours | 83 | |
Advising
Every student in the dual degree program will be assigned a faculty advisor from each school with whom they are expected to meet regularly throughout the duration of the program. Students are required to follow the student handbook of the school through which they are enrolled.
Continuing Eligibility
To continue in the program, a student must remain in good academic standing with both the School of Divinity and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The minimum grade point average for successful completion of the MA portion of the degree is 3.0, as outlined in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ academic bulletin.