Why Study Ethics?
In the Ethics minor, you will examine how people should navigate complex questions and make difficult decisions. You will explore ethical issues that arise in medicine, politics, society, the environment, and more.
Applied Questions Across Real Fields
Students explore ethical issues in areas such as biomedical ethics, environmental ethics, and social and political philosophy.
Faculty With Broad Philosophical Range
Philosophy faculty bring expertise in both theoretical and applied ethics, along with related work in public philosophy and the history of philosophy.
Research and Service Beyond the Classroom
Students are encouraged to present work at conferences, submit to undergraduate journals, and explore service-learning through Philosophy for Children.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- want to think seriously about how people ought to make important decisions and live their lives;
- are interested in ethical questions raised by medicine, politics, society, or the environment;
- want to strengthen your skills in critical reading, thinking, and writing alongside another field of study; or
- are looking for a minor that adds depth to public, professional, or community-focused work.
Ethics pairs well with:
- Biology
- Neuroscience
- Political Science
- Communication
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Religion
- Psychology
What You'll Study
The Ethics minor introduces students to a wide range of ethical questions and approaches. Courses may include environmental ethics, social and political philosophy, and biomedical ethics, helping students connect philosophical reasoning to real issues in public life and professional practice.
In Demand-Skills:
- Ethical reasoning and argument
- Critical reading, analysis, and interpretation
- Clear written and oral communication
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 18 credit hours through philosophy coursework focused on moral reasoning and applied ethical questions, with room to pursue personal philosophical interests within the field.
View minor requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Recent Graduate Careers
The Ethics minor strengthens preparation for fields that value judgment, analysis, and clear communication. Students can carry that preparation into a range of professional and academic paths.
Policy and Law
Ethical reasoning and argument support work in policy, law, and other public-facing fields.
Communications and Journalism
The minor builds the analysis and communication skills that matter in journalism, communications, and other writing-intensive professions.
Health Care and Social Impact
Course work in biomedical ethics and moral reasoning can strengthen preparation for healthcare and social-service-oriented paths.
Academia and Information Work
Students can also apply the minor in academic, research, and information-science settings that require careful interpretation and judgment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Ethics minor should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Ethics; review degree requirements in the course catalog; and contact the Department of Philosophy with any advising questions.