Ethics Minor

Why should I minor in Ethics?

The quality of our lives depends on our ability to engage with complex questions about how we should live and how we should act, both individually and in community:

  • What rights do we have as human beings?
  • What are our obligations to other people?
  • What are our obligations to the environment? To future generations?
  • What do justice and fairness require of us?
  • How can I become a better person?

What does a minor in Ethics involve?

The minor in Ethics is designed to give you maximum flexibility to explore ethical issues in areas of interest or relevance to you. You will learn to think rigorously about ethical issues and develop an understanding of the central arguments, issues, theories, problems, and positions within ethical theory.

  • Learn the history of moral thinking
  • Learn how to analyze ethically difficult situations
  • Learn how to develop and defend reasoning about ethical problems
  • Learn how to think well about situations of ethical disagreement

The minor requires one introductory gateway course, two mid-level courses in ethical theory, and two ethical problems courses drawn from a wide range of disciplines.

How will a minor in Ethics help me achieve my goals?

Every profession requires ethical decision-making and negotiation. Outstanding leaders are distinguished by their ability to think clearly and act ethically. A solid grounding in ethical theory is valuable in many fields of study, helping you explore ethical issues related to your major and interests.

A minor in ethics helps build skills for students earning degrees in the arts and humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, social sciences, and the professional schools. It provides excellent preparation for careers in many fields including media, healthcare, informatics and computing, law, counseling, public policy, business, public service, social work, education, criminal justice, and more.

Learn more about this minor in our Student Portal