About Ethics and Society

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in Fordham University’s Master’s degree program in Ethics and Society--a unique interdisciplinary graduate program in applied ethics. Integrating theory and practice, our innovative curriculum provides a strong foundation in ethical theories and their real-world application. Our courses cover moral philosophy, theology, bioethics, social justice, professional and scientific ethics paired with a wide range of applied courses that use these foundational perspectives to take on some of today’s most pressing challenges in ethics and social justice. You will also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through a practicum experience in which you will apply what you've learned to real-world ethical challenges. 

Our program prides itself on providing a broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge of ethics with opportunities to tailor your program of study to fit a variety of specific interests and future goals. We offer personalized advising, as well as several optional areas of specialization, including: Bioethics & Health Sciences; Environmental Ethics; Globalization & Human Rights; Ethics, Law, & Policy; or Race, Gender, & Class. 

At Fordham, you will find a welcoming and supportive academic community. Your courses across campus will connect you to the rich intellectual life at one of the most prestigious Jesuit universities in the world--providing you access to Fordham’s renowned faculty, as well as other graduate and professional students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Law, Graduate School of Social Service, and Graduate School of Education. Through ethics presentations and other special events organized by the Center for Ethics Education, you will be able to engage with ethics thought leaders, scholars engaged in cutting-edge research on contemporary issues in ethics and social justice, and practitioners who are directly engaged in producing social change. We also hold regular online community-building events for current students, prospective students, and program alumni, to keep members of our community connected to one another.

Graduate study at Fordham can prepare you for a new career or to advance an existing career. A Master’s degree in Ethics and Society provides increased job marketability and a competitive advantage for advanced degree programs in humanities, sciences, and numerous professions. Our alumni have been successful pursuing further graduate and professional studies in philosophy, medicine, law, theology, nursing, veterinary science, and used what they learned through our program to find meaningful and impactful work in university administration, health and research ethics administration, media, the nonprofit sector, and business.

We do hope that you will consider joining our community. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a virtual meeting to talk about your interests, please contact me at [email protected].

Wishing you all the best,

Steven Swartzer, PhD
Director, M.A. Program in Ethics and Society
Associate Director for Academic Programs and Strategic Initiatives
Center for Ethics Education

For a detailed overview of the interdisciplinary Master's Degree Program in Ethics and Society, please view our 2020 Program Introduction.