University of Toronto

Overview

The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Bioethics at the University of Toronto is designed for health professionals and administrators aiming to enhance ethical decision-making across clinical, research, and organizational environments. The program is delivered through the Department of Public Health Sciences in collaboration with the Joint Centre for Bioethics, offering a blend of structured coursework, a practicum, and a major paper suitable for publication.

What You'll Study

• Course Structure: The MHSc is delivered in a modular format over 24 two-day blocks, typically conducted on Thursdays and Fridays from September to April. The program is usually completed within two years, with no distance-learning options available.

• Credit Requirements: Students must complete 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), which includes a 1.0 FCE practicum.

• Practicum: The practicum component provides structured, hands-on experience in a professional ethics context, supporting applied learning.

• Major Paper: Each student is required to produce a major paper of publishable quality on a topic of their choice, allowing for in-depth exploration of specific bioethical issues.

• Core Coursework Areas: Students may engage with subjects such as Bioethics, Public Health Sciences, Clinical Ethics, Organizational Ethics, Research Ethics, among other ethics-focused modules.

Note that specific module offerings and sequencing may vary; prospective students should verify the current curriculum with the program office.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are generally expected to have a strong academic background, evidenced by a minimum GPA of B or equivalent. Additional requirements may include relevant work experience in health-related fields and other criteria as defined by the university.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MHSc in Bioethics can pursue a variety of career paths in healthcare, research, policy-making, and administration. The program equips students with the skills needed to navigate complex ethical challenges in diverse professional settings, making them valuable assets in the evolving landscape of health and ethics.