Certificate in Ethics

The Certificate in Ethics is a program of study that may be completed full-time in one year or part-time over a number of years. The Certificate, offered through the Department of Philosophy, is designed as a response to a wide and growing interest in the ethical dimensions of professional and public life. The purpose of this program is to enable participants to strengthen and develop their understanding of ethics so as to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to ethical issues in a wide variety of social settings. The Certificate in Ethics will educate students in the essential concepts, central issues, history, and methodologies of ethical reasoning. The program also emphasizes critical thinking skills, writing skills and verbal skills. The program is geared towards students who have degrees in subjects other than Philosophy, and thus presupposes no prior background in ethics or Philosophy.

The Certificate in Ethics is open to anyone who is completing a three or four-year undergraduate degree. The program is geared towards students who are completing coursework in Philosophy. Although all eligible people are invited to apply, the Certificate in Ethics is particularly well-suited to those who are, or who intend to be, working in a profession such as law, medicine, nursing, journalism, education, engineering, government or business.

Admission Requirements

Any student pursuing an undergraduate degree at Western is eligible to apply. No prior background in Philosophy is required. Students are not permitted to be enrolled in a Minor in Ethics and the Certificate program. To be admitted, students may complete an Intent to Register indicating this enrollment change.

Progression Requirement

Students must maintain at least a 70% average and obtain a mark of not less than 60% in each course to remain in the program

Module Information

> Module requirements