Jun 10, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Ethics [Undergraduate Certificate]

Location(s): In-person/hybrid


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The philosophical study of ethics nurtures thinking, writing, and communicating habits that prepare students to respond well to the complex realities of professional, social, civic, and personal life. The Ethics Undergraduate Certificate offers courses that help students understand and navigate the challenges of ethical living. The course offerings will also empower students with various tools for analyzing and constructively addressing ethical issues in different practical contexts.

Learn

Students will develop and hone the skills of careful reading, critical analysis, and clear expression essential to success in a variety of professional contexts. They will also develop the capacity to grasp the intricacies of difficult ethical problems facing the world today. Students who complete the Ethics Undergraduate Certificate will study philosophical perspectives on a range of ethical issues that arise in different practical domains, such as biomedical research, healthcare, law, business and finance, environmental preservation and management, and food production, consumption, and distribution.

Opportunities

Across a wide range of fields, from technology to healthcare, employers are recognizing the importance of ethics in the design of their organizations. This extends beyond mere legal compliance. Ethical behavior fosters strong client relationships, mitigates lawsuits and whistleblower concerns, and ensures organizational health. Our Ethics Undergraduate Certificate equips graduates to become ethical leaders in any industry. Through the program, students gain facility in ethical reasoning skills and how to apply them in both professional and personal settings. The certificate is a valuable credential demonstrating a graduate’s preparedness for navigating ethical challenges and upholding ethical practices. Additionally, the program is a valuable resource for students with a personal or academic interest in ethics and moral philosophy.

Department Information


History & Philosophy 701 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1018 

John Koolage, PhDDepartment Head

Advisor Information


Please see the History Section website for advising information.

Critical Information


The following are the minimum requirements for an Undergraduate Certificate:

An undergraduate certificate may only be offered with or after a baccalaureate degree. It cannot be a ‘stand-alone’ certificate provided to students who are not pursuing or have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree. For students pursuing an undergraduate certificate concurrent with a bachelor’s degree, the certificate will be awarded upon graduation. Students pursuing an undergraduate certificate in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree must declare this using the major/minor declaration form. Students pursuing an undergraduate certificate with a baccalaureate degree must apply to the certificate program through the Office of Admissions.

An undergraduate certificate must require a minimum of 15 credit hours.

Degree Requirements: 15 hours


Required Course: 3 hours


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