Best institutions to study Ethics
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the theory of moral good and its application to various theoretical and practical problems.
24 U.S. institutions graduated 131 Ethics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 38.0103, a specialization of Philosophy (CIP 38.01), and leads most directly to the Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 25-1126).
About Ethics programs
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the theory of moral good and its application to various theoretical and practical problems. Includes instruction in ethical theory, history of ethics, belief and value systems, ethical constructs, and applications to specific topics, issues and problems.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Ethics program, a specialization within Philosophy, delves into the systematic study of moral good and its application to various theoretical and practical issues. This program is designed for students interested in exploring ethical theories, belief systems, and their implications in real-world contexts. It is ideal for those who wish to engage in deep philosophical inquiry and contribute to discussions on moral dilemmas.
Students in the Ethics program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers ethical theory, the history of ethics, and applications to contemporary issues, equipping students with a robust understanding of philosophical and ethical constructs.
Credentials awarded
What Ethics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree53 graduates / yr · 6 institutions41%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year44 graduates / yr · 11 institutions34%
- Bachelor's degree22 graduates / yr · 5 institutions17%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years6 graduates / yr · 1 institution4.6%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate6 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.6%
Graduates over time
Ethics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 167 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 173 |
| 2015 | 170 |
| 2016 | 148 |
| 2017 | 132 |
| 2018 | 134 |
| 2019 | 149 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 124 |
| 2022 | 159 |
| 2023 | 146 |
| 2024 | 137 |
| 2025 | 131 |
Top 24 institutions for Ethics, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 22 | 75% | $30,225 | — |
| 2 | Fordham University Bronx, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 82% | $38,931 | — |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin - Superior Superior, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 42% | — | — |
| 4 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 68% | — | $40,286 |
| 5 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 75% | — | $28,648 |
| 6 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor's | 7 | 85% | — | $42,072 |
| 7 | University of Washington - Bothell Campus Bothell, WAPublicBachelor's | 7 | 65% | — | $42,072 |
| 8 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NCPublicMaster's | 6 | 69% | — | $29,251 |
| 9 | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 6 | 58% | $6,608 | — |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Green Bay, WIPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 11 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 5 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 12 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 13 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 43% | — | — |
| 14 | University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 70% | — | — |
| 15 | Whitman College Walla Walla, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 81% | $28,508 | — |
| 16 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 60% | — | — |
| 17 | Millikin University Decatur, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 55% | $8,373 | — |
| 18 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 64% | — | — |
| 19 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicMaster's | 1 | 70% | — | — |
| 20 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 69% | — | — |
| 21 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 46% | — | — |
| 22 | University of Wisconsin - Parkside Kenosha, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | — |
| 23 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 49% | — | $34,666 |
| 24 | University of Guam Mangilao, GUPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Philosophy field (CIP 38.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 17 states & territories
Where Ethics graduates come from. Each state links to all Philosophy programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 5 | 22 | University of Wisconsin - Superior13 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 22 | American University22 / yr |
| Washington | 3 | 18 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus7 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 17 | Fordham University17 / yr |
| North Carolina | 2 | 12 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte6 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 9 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion9 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 7 | Temple University7 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 5 | Harvard University5 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 4 | Yale University4 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 4 | University of West Georgia4 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 4 | University of Maryland - Baltimore County4 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 2 | University of South Dakota2 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | Millikin University1 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 1 | Missouri University of Science and Technology1 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 1 | Oregon State University1 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | Texas Tech University1 / yr |
| Guam | 1 | 1 | University of Guam1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1126, Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Ethics program often pursue careers as Philosophy and Religion Teachers at the postsecondary level. With an annual job outlook of 2,000 openings and a median wage of $78,050, this field offers steady opportunities, although growth is projected to be minimal at 0.7%. Advanced education, typically a doctoral or professional degree, is common in this profession.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 38.0103
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 25-1126 | $80,260 | +0.7% Little or no change | ~2,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Ethics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Tools and technology used
Other Philosophy specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Philosophy (CIP 38.01).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in the Ethics program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, a Bachelor's degree, or shorter awards ranging from 12 weeks to less than 4 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and active listening.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as postsecondary teachers in Philosophy and Religion, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with 2,000 annual openings and a median wage of $78,050.
What is the CIP code for Ethics?+
Ethics is CIP 38.0103 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Philosophy (CIP 38.01). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the systematic study of the theory of moral good and its application to various theoretical and practical problems. Includes instruction in ethical theory, history of ethics, belief and value systems, ethical constructs, and applications to specific topics, issues and problems.
How many institutions offer Ethics programs?+
24 U.S. institutions reported Ethics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 17 states & territories, awarding 131 credentials in the year. That is 1.7% of all Philosophy graduates.
How much do Ethics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary occupation, which Ethics most directly leads to, pays a median of $80,260 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Philosophy field report median earnings of $40,286 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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