BIOMEDICAL and CLINICAL ETHICS

CURRENT URL: http://www.llu.edu/religion/ethics/index.page#contact

Welcome to the master's program in biomedical and clinical ethics

THE PROGRAM

The School of Religion at Loma Linda University offers an interdisciplinary program leading to a master of arts degree in biomedical and clinical ethics. This program allows students to explore historic traditions of ethical thought, gain clinical experience in the medical setting, and develop critical skills for applying theory and values to contemporary moral and social issues.

The program in biomedical and clinical ethics is especially valuable for those preparing for careers as clinical ethicists, nurses, physicians, and other health-care professions. It is specifically designed for two types of students: (1) those who are pursuing this degree in order to enhance their existing careers in related fields, and (2) those who are pursuing this degree as a stepping stone to a doctorate in philosophy, theology, ethics, medicine, nursing, law, or other related specialties. The MA in biomedical and clinical ethics is an excellent opportunity to balance a theoretical understanding of ethics with practical application in the clinical setting.

The faculty for this program is committed to exploring ethical issues in medicine and cognate disciplines from Christian perspectives. Students come from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. A mutual and shared respect for various cultures and beliefs is emphasized on the campus and in the classroom. The faculty offering courses in biomedical and clinical ethics is composed of scholars in biblical and religious studies, bioethics, sociology of religion, and ethical theory. Additionally, clinical faculty members are physicians with training and professional experience in clinical ethics. This concentration of diverse specialists provides the MA student with a rich opportunity to benefit from a variety of approaches to the fields of biomedical and clinical ethics resulting in a balanced program of study.

The Center for Christian Bioethics at Loma Linda University provides opportunities for students to participate in the workings of an active bioethics institute. The Center for Christian Bioethics also possesses an extensive bioethics library. The Center sponsors monthly Bioethics Grand Rounds featuring guest speakers and current issues in medicine and bioethics. As a premier teaching and research hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center is an excellent setting for the clinical aspects of this program.

COURSE OF STUDY

The program is divided into two major areas of concentration: theoretical ethics and clinical ethics. In order to receive the master of arts degree in biomedical and clinical ethics from Loma Linda University, each student will complete a minimum of 48 units of coursework. In addition, each student must either prepare one publishable research paper targeted to a bioethics or clinical journal or a thesis of significant length and original thought. The student must provide an oral defense of either of these two options. See the University Catalog.

The certificate program in biomedical and clinical ethics is available for those students not interested in completing the full MA degree program. Students must complete 28 units of coursework. There are no additional requirements.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Admission is selective.  Applications are online at www.llu.edu/apply.  In addition to meeting admission requirements for the School of Religion, each applicant to the program in biomedical and clinical ethics must propose clear personal and professional goals and ways in which the program may facilitate their realization. Each applicant must also persuade the admissions committee by previous accomplishments that he or she is able and willing to reach these goals and to make a distinguished contribution to the field. 

To request further information, write to:

Center for Christian Bioethics
Loma Linda University, CP1121S
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4956
(866) 558-6270
For more information contact the program director at:

Email: dpgordon@llu.edu
Phone: (909) 558-4956

Please take a moment to tell us a little about yourself. We will send a package out immediately. Thank you for your interest in our program.

FACULTY

Ivan T. Blazen, PhD
Princeton Theological Seminary, 1979 Professor of Biblical Interpretation and Theology

Mark Carr, PhD
University of Virginia, 1998
Associate Professor of Christian Ethics,
Theological Ethics, Ethics in Pharmacy,
Ethics in Physician Assistant Education,
Ethics in Medicine, Ethics in Public Health
Director, Center for Christian Bioethics

Andy Lampkin, PhD
Vanderbilt University,2000
Associate Professor of Ethical Studies

David R. Larson, DMin, PhD
Claremont School of Theology, 1973
Claremont Graduate University, 1982
Professor of Christian Ethics, Theological and Philosophical Ethics, Biomedical Ethics

James W. Walters, PhD
Claremont Graduate University, 1979
Professor of Christian Ethics, Theological and Philosophical Ethics, Biomedical Ethics

Gerald R. Winslow, PhD
Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, 1979
Vice President for Spiritual Life, Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center
Professor of Christian Ethics

Debra Craig, MD, MA
Clinical Ethicist
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Loma Linda University

ASSOCIATE FACULTY

ROY BRANSON, PhD
Harvard University, 1968
Adjunct Professor of Christian Ethics

CHARLES W. TEEL, Jr., PhD
Boston University, 1972
Adjunct Professor of Christian Ethics

ROBERT KIGER, DDS, MA
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, 1970
Loma Linda University Graduate School, 1985
Adjunct Professor of Christian Ethics

CLINICAL FACULTY

DEBRA CRAIG, MD, MA
Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 1982
Loma Linda University Graduate School, 1995
Assistant Professor of Medicine