Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights (MA)

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An interdisciplinary program administered jointly by the School of International Service and the Department of Philosophy and Religion , College of Arts and Sciences , the Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights (MA) program enhances students’ ethical reasoning skills and prepares them to be practitioners in the analysis, development, and application of policy responses to contemporary global issues. Whether working in the public, non-profit, or private sector, or in academia, the program provides students with the interdisciplinary tools needed to comprehensively grapple with the world’s most pressing problems.

Admission to the Program

Students may apply to either the Department of Philosophy and Religion or the School of International Service . Students applying to SIS must apply by January 15 for fall and October 1 for spring to be considered for merit-based aid.

A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. Applicants who have completed the exam are welcome to submit their scores as part of their application.

Degree Requirements

36 credit hours of approved graduate work
Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
Capstone Experience: Completion of graduate work that clearly relates to the field of Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights via one of the following:
- Approved Internship: 3-6 credit hours with grade of B or better
- Practicum: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
- Substantial Research Paper: 3 credit hours with grade of B or better
- Thesis: 3-6 credit hours with grade of SP and submission of the thesis

Course Requirements

Required (12 credit hours)

Philosophy (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Research Methods (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following, or another approved methodology course, or approved graduate seminar in Philosophy and one qualifying paper:

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 thematically-related credit hours in one of the following concentrations, or in another academically sound concentration approved by the student’s faculty advisor:

Ethics of Development
Global Environmental Justice
Global Governance and International Organizations
Human Rights and Social Justice
International Economic Justice
Peace and Conflict Resolution

Elective (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved courses:

Capstone (3 credit hours)

Complete at least 3 credit hours from one the following:

Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights (MA) and Business Administration (MBA)

For approved dual degree program, see Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights (MA) and Business Administration (MBA) .