Structure of Graduate Program in Philosophy with a Specialization in Bioethics
Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine
Graduate students in philosophy with an interest in bioethics may pursue those interests in accordance with one of two plans.
Plan A: Traditional program in philosophy with an emphasis in bioethics
Following the normal Rice graduate program structure, it consists of (1) taking a number of the graduate courses in bioethics and the comprehensive examination in modern normative ethics (with an additional question in bioethical theory) and of (2) writing a thesis in philosophical bioethics.
In years 1 and 2, students will take graduate courses in philosophy at Rice. Normally, they will take both of Dr. Baruch Brody's graduate seminars (one on clinical ethics and one on research ethics) and the graduate version of both of Dr. Tristram Engelhardt's advanced undergraduate courses (one on justice in health care and one on the concepts of disease and of medical explanation). The rest of their courses should be chosen to fill gaps in their background in value theory and in other areas of philosophy. This distribution of courses may be adjusted in individual cases in light of student preparation and/or interests.
In the fall of year 3, students will prepare for the comprehensive examination in modern normative ethics with an additional question in bioethical theory. A standard reading list for this exam is available. In the spring semester, students will be expected to complete a thesis proposal, working in close collaboration with their thesis advisor. Students should chose their advisor (either Dr. Brody or Dr. Engelhardt) by the beginning of the spring semester.
Theses can involve either an analytical or a continental approach. Students interested in either approach should consult the Department of Philosophy's web site for more information about institutional strengths in either area.
Plan B: Extensive training in clinical bioethics
Students interested in participating in this plan should apply to Dr. Brody no later than the beginning of their third year of studies. Students accepted into this plan will do, in addition to the above listed work, the following additional work. In the second semester of year 3, they will do 3-4 clinical rotations, to familiarize themselves with the contemporary practice of medicine, and a reading seminar with Dr. Laurence McCullough on the historical foundations of bioethics.
Students will be expected to complete a penultimate draft of their thesis by December of their sixth year (2 years). In addition, it is anticipated that they will prepare portions of that work for publication and/or for presentation at professional meetings. Students whose papers are accepted for presentation will have their travel expenses subsidized by the center.
In addition to this thesis work, students in this plan will be offered ample opportunities to experience the realities of clinical ethics work (by attending meetings of ethics committees and institutional review boards, by participating in clinical teaching experiences, and by observing ethics consultations). Students will be offered the opportunity to do a limited amount of teaching in medical school courses at Baylor.
Finally, they will be given the opportunity to participate in Baylor training programs for those wanting to do empirical research.
To obtain application materials, please email philos@rice.edu or call 713-348-4994. An online graduate application is also available.
Students Who Have Completed Our Program
- Kay Toombs is teaching at Baylor University
- Becky White is teaching at California State University at Chico
- Kevin Wildes is President of Loyola University at New Orleans
- Sarah Vaughan Brakman is teaching at Villanova University
- George Khushf is teaching at the University of South Carolina
- Mark Cherry is teaching at St. Edwards University in Austin
- Ruiping Fan is teaching at City University of Hong Kong
- Maureen C. Kelley is teaching at the University of Washington in Seattle
- Janet Malek is teaching at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
- J. Clint Parker is doing his residency at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
- Ana S. Iltis is teaching at St. Louis University
- Lisa Rasmussen is teaching at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte
- Trisha Buchanan Philips is teaching at Mississippi State University
- Garret Merriam is teaching at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville