Program Overview

Applied Ethics Graduate Major (MA, MS)

The MA, MS in Applied Ethics is designed to provide students with skills of moral reasoning and an understanding of ethical values and dilemmas in today's world. Students will be able to identify, analyze and suggest solutions to ethical problems that arise in their professional and civic lives.

Program Overview

Students are required to take courses in ethical theory, as well as courses in applied ethics and in an appropriate disciplinary or integrated minor. Completion of the degree requires a practicum and thesis. Please note that Oregon State University also requires completion of two years of a foreign language for the master of arts degree.

Major Code

The major code for this program is 9580.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

Course Requirements

The course list for this program includes:

• Philosophy Core:
  • PHL 525: Philosophical Methods (3 credits)
  • PHL 541: Classic Moral Theories (3 credits)
  • PHL 542: Contemporary Moral Theories (3 credits)
• Applied Ethics:
  • Select 15 credits from PHL course offerings, including:
    • PHL 501: Research
    • PHL 502: Independent Study
    • PHL 505: Reading and Conference
    • PHL 507: Seminar
    • PHL 517/WGSS 517: Feminist Philosophies
    • PHL 540: Environmental Ethics
    • PHL 543/REL 543: World Views and Environmental Values
    • PHL 544/REL 544: Biomedical Ethics
    • PHL 547: Research Ethics
    • PHL 555/REL 555: Death and Dying
    • PHL 561/REL 561
    • PHL 570: Philosophy of Science
    • PHL 574: Philosophy of Biology
    • PHL 599: Topics in Philosophy
• Practicum:
  • PHL 510: Internship (3-6 credits)
• Thesis:
  • PHL 503: Thesis (6-9 credits)
• Disciplinary or Integrated Minor:
  • Select 15 credits

Total Credits

The total credits required for this program are 48-54.

Foreign Language Requirement

For the master of arts degree, students must complete two years of a foreign language, which can be fulfilled by passing a 200-level test or coursework.