Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles, values, and conduct. It falls under the broader fields of humanities and social sciences, often intersecting with disciplines like psychology, sociology, law, and politics. As an interdisciplinary subject, ethics allows you to explore a wide range of issues and ideas from various perspectives.

Studying ethics involves examining moral theories, ethical dilemmas, and the principles that guide human behavior. Core areas of study include normative ethics, metaethics, and applied ethics. Within these areas, you can choose to specialize in topics like environmental ethics, bioethics, business ethics, or social and political ethics. You'll also learn about the works of influential philosophers such as Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, who have shaped our understanding of ethics.

An ethics major can lead to various career options, both within and outside the field. Within the field, you can work as an ethicist, ethics consultant, or researcher in academic, government, or non-profit organizations. Outside the field, your ethical expertise can be applied to careers in law, journalism, healthcare, business, and education. Additionally, the critical thinking and problem-solving skills gained from studying ethics are highly sought after by employers in various industries.

What sets the major of ethics apart from other majors is its focus on moral reasoning and the pursuit of understanding what is right and wrong. Ethics is a versatile subject that can be combined with other disciplines, allowing you to explore and tackle complex moral issues from different angles. While ethics is not a standalone undergraduate major in the US, it can be studied as part of a broader philosophy degree, or as a concentration within other degrees. In the UK, ethics can be studied as a standalone major or as a component of a joint degree in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE).

By majoring in ethics, you'll develop valuable, transferable skills that are in high demand across various industries. These skills include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication, problem-solving, and empathy. You'll also learn to navigate complex moral dilemmas, make ethical decisions, and engage in constructive debates. These abilities will not only help you excel in your future career but also become a more thoughtful and responsible global citizen.