Applied Ethics

Cultivate a principled way of life.

The Master of Arts in Applied Ethics (MAE) is a one-year, low-residency program designed to help students translate their values into meaningful action in a complex, rapidly changing world. Blending interdisciplinary coursework with real-world community engagement, the program invites students from all academic backgrounds to explore diverse philosophical perspectives while developing practical, purpose-driven career pathways. Through a mix of online learning and short on-campus residencies, students gain the tools to align their intellectual interests with a fulfilling, ethically grounded way of life.

What can I expect?

The Applied Ethics Workshop

Immersive and Discussion-Driven

In the MA in Applied Ethics, you can expect an immersive, discussion-driven learning experience that connects big ideas to real-world impact. Through a blend of live and asynchronous online coursework, you’ll engage with historically influential and globally diverse philosophical traditions while exploring how ethical thinking applies to today’s most pressing challenges. Courses emphasize dialogue, reflection, and practical application, encouraging you to examine your own values and consider how they shape your decisions, relationships, and professional goals.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll collaborate with community partners to put theory into action, gaining hands-on experience that deepens and complicates your understanding of ethical practice. The program culminates in developing a personalized, values-driven professional pathway that aligns your academic background with meaningful career opportunities. With two short, on-campus summer residencies, you’ll also build strong connections with faculty and peers, creating a supportive learning community that extends beyond the program.

Merge Ethical Principles with Career Possibilities

The Applied Ethics Workshop is the central structure of our program, designed as an intensive, practice-oriented experience where students actively integrate ethical theory with real-world application. Rather than treating ethics as purely abstract study, the workshop model invites students to engage deeply with diverse philosophical traditions while working through contemporary issues in collaboration with community partners. Through guided discussions, applied projects, and reflective exercises, students are encouraged to test ideas, refine their values, and explore how ethical principles can meaningfully inform both personal and professional life.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admissions

Tuition & Costs

Program Requirements

Master in Applied Ethics Application Requirements

What You Need to Apply:

• Official transcript of BA, BS, or relevant bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution showing a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• One course in ethics or a related subject matter, with a B- grade or higher
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation

Provisional Admission: An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the MA in Applied Ethics program may be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the School of Graduate Studies. Provisionally admitted students who have met the bachelor’s degree requirement but lack specific prerequisite coursework must complete the required courses by the end of their first semester. The program director or the School of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.

Applications for the MA in Applied Ethics will open in Fall 2026.

Program Information

MAE Tuition & Costs

Tuition & Costs

Tuition: $458.27 per credit hour

Standard Graduate Fees: $73.40 per credit hour

One-Time Matriculation Fee: $50.00. Applies once to new students in their first fall semester.

Program Totals at a Glance

A 15-month program totaling 30 credits. The estimated total for tuition and fees is $16,000.10.

All tuition and fees are subject to change, and any updates will be announced before the summer term.

MAE students must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment as a graduate degree-seeking student. Degree requirements are determined by the catalog year of admission unless a student elects to adopt a more recent catalog.

Graduate students must enroll in at least one graduate course each academic year to maintain active status.

Master's Degree

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

Degree Plan Program Requirements

1

Top Skills

Ethical Reasoning
Decision-Making
Philosophical Analysis
Applied Problem-Solving
Intercultural Competence
Values-Based Leadership
 

2

Career Pathways

Public Policy and Government
Social Impact Work
Academic Roles
Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG
Law and Legal Studies
Healthcare Ethics

Financial Aid

School of Graduate Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from a variety of sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

Learn More

How to Apply

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Master of Arts in Applied Ethics! Applications for the Fall 2027 semester will open on August 1. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Let's Connect

Faculty & Staff

John C. Hausdoerffer, PhD

Philosophy Program Coordinator, Professor of Philosophy

MA in Applied Ethics

Program Director

• John C. Hausdoerffer

• Philosophy Program Coordinator, Professor of Philosophy