Master of Applied Ethics

Cultivate a principled way of life.

The Master of Applied Ethics 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 Master of 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

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MAE Tuition & Costs

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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.

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 Applied Ethics! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

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Faculty & Staff

John C. Hausdoerffer, PhD

Philosophy Program Coordinator, Professor of Philosophy

Master of Applied Ethics

Program Director

• John C. Hausdoerffer

• Philosophy Program Coordinator, Professor of Philosophy