The ethics and public policy major emphasizes the study of reasoning and prepares students to bring a sophisticated, cross-disciplinary perspective to diverse fields such as business, government, urban and regional planning, social work, and law.
Ethics and public policy looks at the complex connections between economics, law, philosophy, political science, and sociology--disciplines that deal with questions about how people should behave and how we should regulate the behavior of others. The consequences of these behaviors are complex. They affect our economic lives, social and legal issues and policies, and even our ideals and values.
The Departments of Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology and Criminology collaborate to present the major in ethics and public policy. The major is administered by the Department of Philosophy.
By drawing on the faculty expertise in other areas (philosophy, economics, law, political science, and sociology), this program provides the kind of interdisciplinary educational experience you'll find only at a major university like Iowa.
Given the structure of this major, it is easy to combine it with a second major in one of the fields of specialization--economics, philosophy, political science, or sociology--or a related discipline to enhance your graduate study or career options.
In addition, if you are considering a graduate degree, the study of reasoning, an important component of this major, will help prepare you to take the exams required for admission to graduate or professional programs.
Admission RequirementsStudents interested in this major must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
