Ethics

The Ethics major invites students to explore fundamental questions about the meaning of human life, the aims of human activity, and what it means for individuals and communities to flourish. Students examine the relationship among the good, the true, and the beautiful, as well as the moral significance of cultural life. 

Offered jointly by the Honors College and College of Arts & Sciences, the major provides an understanding of ethics in both its historical and contemporary contexts. Through interdisciplinary coursework in philosophy, theology, politics, history, and the humanities, students develop the critical judgment needed to engage moral questions both ancient and new, personal and societal. 

The Ethics major is available exclusively through the Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.) degree. Students pair Ethics with a required secondary major in another discipline, allowing them to connect the study of ethics with interests in fields such as business, healthcare, law, public policy, science, technology, and more. Ethics majors also participate in the Honors Program and complete a senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Admission to the Ethics major is competitive and selective, with each entering cohort limited to approximately 10 students. Competitive applicants typically rank in the top 5% of their class, with target scores of 1450 SAT or 34 ACT. Prospective students can be considered for admission into the Ethics major by submitting the Elite Academic Programs Application.  

For more information: Ethics