Program Advisors:
Program Description
The new joint degree MSSA/MA program joins two well-known academic programs to offer students an
interdisciplinary experience blending the similar values of social work and medicine. This is
a "side-by-side" program composed of existing elements of ongoing programs provided by the faculty
usually engaged in these efforts. These new elements will be supplemented by an integrative
experience designed to make the interdisciplinary character of the program concrete.
The joint degree program offered by MSASS and the Department of Bioethics is unlike other
programs in the United States. As the number and complexity of ethical dilemmas in health
care, aging, and mental health and social work continue to increase, there is a growing need for
advanced practice social workers who are knowledgeable about the principles and problem resolution
techniques that are fundamental to Bioethics. In health care settings, ethical consultations are
often requested on decisions having to do with end-of-life, organ donation, or initiation or
withdrawal of medical treatments. In addition, graduates of this program will be able to help
counsel health care providers, organizations, and clients, participate in setting policy, and teach
others about these issues.
Why would a student choose this program?
For the student with interest in ethical issues related to health or aging, it is expected that
this joint degree will give graduates a competitive advantage in obtaining employment in health
care institutions. Graduates will be better able to sit on ethics committees, participate in
ethics consultation, and contribute to all ethics services and requests more effectively than
persons with only the MSSA (MSW) or equivalent. The joint degree will enrich the preparation
for students pursuing careers in medical settings, hospices, child or adult protection services,
and a variety of settings involving older adults.
How to apply
Students must apply separately to the Mandel School and the Department of Bioethics for
admission into each program. Admission to one program is not a guarantee that the student will
gain admission to the other, and application to both programs should be made simultaneously. A
joint committee of the two programs will meet and review the joint degree applications.
Program Description
Students will participate in both programs simultaneously and will be able to complete the joint
degree program in 24 months (this includes two full time fall and spring semesters, and one
part-time summer semester of study). Most of the work in the first year will be social work
and much of the work in the second year will be in bioethics. Students will pursue a directed
course of study with few electives. Additional tuition cost will be incurred as the program
includes 10 hours beyond the traditional master's degree in social work. Each student will have a
faculty and a field advisor in the MSSA program as well as a contact faculty person in the
Department of Bioethics. A one-credit capstone course is required at the end of the program to
ensure the integration of the content of both social work and bioethics.
For more information, contact Sarah Andrews,
ssb4@case.edu, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at MSASS and
Mark Aulisio,
mark.aulisio@case.edu, in the Department
of Bioethics at Case.
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