Program Overview

Introduction to the Ethics, Law and Politics Graduate Certificate

The Ethics, Law and Politics Graduate Certificate is a program designed for graduate students seeking to complement their primary field of study with expertise in ethical theory, philosophy of law, and political philosophy. This certificate empowers scholars to engage in interdisciplinary exploration and bolsters their qualifications.

Program Overview

The Ethics, Law and Politics Graduate Certificate is valuable for those pursuing law or medicine, students in fields like political science, social work, and history, as well as individuals interested in comprehending the interplay of politics, ethics, and legal systems. Offering improved employability both within and beyond academia, this certificate provides a focused study and continuous learning opportunity for personal enrichment in philosophy.

Certificate Coursework

• Students must take at least one three-unit course in each of the following two groups:
  • Topical group (at least one course)
    • PHIL 650 - Ethical Theory (3 units)
    • PHIL 653 - Topics in Philosophy of Law (3 units)
    • PHIL 654 - Global Ethics and Justice (3 units)
    • PHIL 657 - Political Philosophy (3 units)
  • Historical group (at least one course)
    • Any 600- or 700-level course that focuses on value theory in the thought of one or more historical philosophers
• Students may, with approval from the Graduate Coordinator, substitute a 600 or 700-level independent study course or a selected topics course in value theory in either Group A or B.

Admission Criteria

• Applicants should submit a letter of intent and a recent writing sample to the department's Director of Graduate Studies detailing their interests, goals, and motivation for pursuing the certificate.
• The writing sample should showcase their aptitude for philosophical work.
• Applications for the certificate program are accepted on a rolling basis, and acceptance notifications will be provided by the Graduate Coordinator.

Important Notes

• Students solely enrolled in this program are ineligible for Federal Financial Aid.