Ethics & Public Policy
Iowa’s major in ethics and public policy looks at the complex connections between economics, law, philosophy, and sociology, disciplines that are concerned with questions about how people should behave and how we should regulate the behavior of others. For example, most people agree that what a society should do depends in part on the actual or potential consequences of its actions. These consequences are complex. They affect our economic lives, social and legal issues and policies, and even our ideals and values.
This major emphasizes the study of reasoning and prepares students to bring a sophisticated, cross-disciplinary perspective to diverse fields such as government, urban and regional planning, social work, and business. It is an ideal major to pair with a second major in economics, philosophy, sociology, or another related discipline. It’s also a good choice if you are planning to go on to law school.
Why Study at Iowa?
By drawing on the faculty expertise in other University of Iowa programs (in philosophy, economics, law, and sociology), this program provides the kind of educational experience you'll find only at a major university like Iowa.
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 school.
The ethics and public policy major at Iowa also offers the flexibility to allow you to combine this degree with a second major to enhance your post-graduation career options.
Course Work
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in ethics and public policy requires six foundation courses in the areas of philosophical reasoning, philosophical theory, economics, sociology, and law.
Students also are required to take three courses in two of these areas of specialization:
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Sociology
- A student-designed field*
* Students may work with an academic adviser to design one of their two specialization fields. The field must include courses from within the ethics and public policy curriculum.
See Ethics and Public Policy in the General Catalog to learn more about the required course work, degree requirements, and graduating with honors.
Admission Requirements
Students in this major must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Admission Requirements Tabs
Student Opportunities
In addition to having nearly 500 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from multiple Living-Learning Communities, Study Abroad Programs, and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
Students in this major may wish to apply to live in the Law Study and Legal Careers Living-Learning Community.
Careers
Iowa graduates have job placement rates ranging from 86-100 percent, depending on their area of study, and our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Scholarships
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Application Process
Apply to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
