College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
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Learn Ethics

Explore the questions that matter

In a complex world of competing values and difficult choices, ethical reasoning has never been more essential. We offer comprehensive ethics courses and two dedicated minors to equip you with the moral frameworks and critical thinking and communication skills needed for thoughtful decision-making in any field.

Boost your career

Employers across sectors value graduates with training in ethics. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in business, law, healthcare, medical research, academia, non-profits, public policy, and AI implementation.

Being logical in order to form and argue an opinion is a skill that I use on a regular basis and is the reason I finally realized that becoming an attorney was what I wanted to do. Especially in the state of the world right now when things are politically divided, this ability to decipher what is true/best and to back up your statements with reasoning is essential.

Kay McClelland

Ethics courses: More than just theory

Our ethics curriculum goes beyond abstract principles to address real-world challenges:

  • Moral Theory and Practice: Tackle contemporary issues in business, technology, environmental ethics, and more.
  • Ethical Issues in a Diverse Society: Learn to navigate complex moral landscapes and broaden your worldview.
  • Existentialism: Confront life’s deepest questions and learn why freedom brings responsibility.
  • Ethical Theory: Explore major ethical frameworks from utilitarianism to virtue ethics.
  • Moral Problems in Medicine: Navigate the ethical frontlines of modern healthcare by tackling today’s most pressing medical dilemmas.
  • Philosophy of Law: Discover the principles that give our legal system meaning and legitimacy in a democratic society.
  • Environmental Ethics: Tackle today’s urgent questions about environmental responsibilities and learn how to translate ethics into meaningful action.
  • Social and Political Philosophy: Examine the philosophical ideas that shape our political landscape, from classical theories of democracy and citizenship to contemporary debates on equality, freedom, and rights.
  • Bioethics and Biotechnology: Position yourself at the forefront of responsible innovation by exploring the implications of today’s most pressing bioethical challenges.
  • Philosophy of Technology: Confront the moral frontiers of the digital age and discover how innovation and ethical values can advance together.
  • Value Theory: Join a community of thoughtful inquiry about the nature of values and how they intersect with psychology, society, technology.
  • Agency and Free Will: Delve into the ongoing debate over whether our choices are truly our own or predetermined by forces beyond our control.

What minor will you pair with your major?

Our flexible minors pair well with any major by providing:

  • Critical analysis skills addressing for complex moral problems
  • Enhanced communication skills about ethical issues
  • Frameworks for responsible decision-making
  • A competitive edge in professional and graduate school applications