Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate in Ethics, Justice and Law is a qualification that recognizes a focus of philosophical study of values in moral, social and legal contexts. This program allows students to earn a certificate of proficiency, gaining knowledge of ethical theories that have been influential in shaping our thinking about rights, citizenship, democracy, virtue, and our obligations to others.

About the Program

This program enables students to develop rigorous, critical thinking about practical issues in ethics, justice, and the law. Students will explore the fundamentals of ethical theory and its application to contemporary issues and debates, such as ethics in technology, scientific research, and business, as well as ethical questions pertaining to sexuality, our relations with animals, and medical practice.

Featured Classes

• PHIL 236.3: Ethics and Technology - An overview of ethical issues related to the impact of modern technology on society, on scientific research, on the activities of corporations and professionals, and how technology affects our understanding of ethical responsibility.
• PHIL 234: Biomedical Ethics - An examination of contemporary biomedical ethical issues such as the definition of a person, determination of life and death, euthanasia, abortion, prenatal diagnosis and intervention, problems in the physician-patient relationship, reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, and accessibility to health care.
• PHIL 262: Social and Political Philosophy - An examination of philosophical theories of political organization, discussing issues such as justice and power, rights, freedom, and the public good.

Why Choose Ethics, Justice, and Law?

The certificate provides students with an opportunity to make a substantive commitment to the study of value theory. It is suitable for students already enrolled in a philosophy program and those who do not wish to complete a full major but want to explore the area more deeply. It also enables students with a strong interest in philosophy but who want to pursue degrees in fields such as law, medicine, business, education, or journalism to receive a formal acknowledgement of their success in this widely acknowledged and accepted area of study.

Careers

Some career opportunities for graduates of this program include:

• Law
• Public policy
• Business administration
• Ethics consultant
• Education
• Journalism and media
• Non-governmental organisations
• Other fields involving social policy issues

Tuition Estimates

Program Options

The two-year Certificate in Ethics, Justice, and Law is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science, through the Department of Philosophy. Students may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from the University of Saskatchewan or another institution.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on the student's situation. High school students or graduates, university or college students or graduates, and international students have different requirements. The specific requirements can be viewed based on the student's educational background and where they attended high school.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines vary by start term:

• Winter term: December 1 for Canadian students, September 1 for international students
• Spring term: April 1 for Canadian students, February 1 for international students
• Summer term: May 1 for Canadian students, March 1 for international students
• Fall term: July 15 for Canadian students, May 1 for international students

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