This program familiarizes students with the major ethical theories and their current applications in a number of fields and work-situations. Beginning courses provide a framework for ethical thinking and decision-making in general, from a variety of theoretical orientations, with introductory applications to current social problems. Advanced courses apply this thinking to complex issues generated within specific fields such as medicine, technology, and the environment. Students choose upper-divison electives from other disciplines to shape the major to their specific interests and post-baccalaureate plans.

Principles that emerge from the study of applied ethics can be complementary to a variety of other majors and minors on our campus, as well as enhancing the students' moral education and theoretical literacy for handling ethical problems which may emerge in a wide variety of careers.

Degree Requirements

Requirements for the B.A. in Philosophy - Applied Ethics (120 credits) include:

+UMD liberal education program (35 credits) - courses listed within the major or minor indicated by * may be used to fulfill this requirement.

+Advanced writing requirments: Comp 3xxx (3 credits)

+Major requirements (43-45 credits)

+Minor requirements

The following are required courses that must be taken in the major field, distributed under topical areas, if appropriate:

Lower Division (9)
Phil 1001* - Problems of Philosophy (3)
Phil 1003* - Ethics and Society (3)
Phil 1008 - Critical Thinking (3) OR Phil 1018 Logic (4)

Upper Division Core (17)
Phil 3281 - Ethical Theory (4)
Phil 3231 - Theories of Law and Punishment (4)
Phil 3291 - Current Soical and Political Philosophy
Phil 3900 - Colloquium for Majors (ethics topics) (1)
Phil 4900 - Seminar in Philosophy (ethics topic alternate years) (4)

Upper Division Application Areas (11)
Phil 3222 - Medical Ethics (4)
Phil 3242 - Values and Technology (3)
Phil 3225 - Environmental Ethics (4)

Electives (6-8)
Two electives from other programs in application areas subject to advisor approval.