Campus Ethics: Opportunities for Students

The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, one of Santa Clara University's three Centers of Distinction, is an outgrowth of the University's commitment to education in ethics, including the study of ethics in everyday life and in professional careers. There are many ways a student encounters discussion of ethical issues at Santa Clara. Students may explore ethical issues:

Through course work
Each undergraduate at SCU is required to take at least one course in ethics, often in ethical issues that arise in their chosen field of study. Many students take two or more ethics courses, as this is one of Santa Clara's significant strengths. Each of the graduate programs requires a course or module on ethics in the profession.

Courses fulfilling the undergraduate ethics requirement
School of Engineering Professional Practice Requirement
Education Degree Programs
Pastoral Ministries Program

Through independent research
Santa Clara University encourages student research in all fields of ethics, providing assistance for travel, purchase of materials, access to databases, or other legitimate expenses that make the research possible. Students share the fruits of their work through an annual conference, and a journal for student work on social justice issues is in the planning stages.

Hackworth Grants for Research on Applied Ethics

Through community placements
With its emphasis on experiential learning, SCU offers several programs that bring students into the larger community to learn how ethical issues play out in the real world.

Pre-Professional Program in Health Care Ethics at O'Connor Hospital
Pedro Arrupe S.J. Center for Community-Based Learning

Through co-curricular activities
The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics sponsors various activities to promote ethical reflection and reflective ethical action.

Hackworth Fellowships for Peer-Led Programs on Ethics
Lectures, Conferences, and Other Events on Ethical Issues

Through other activities
Other activities and programs on ethics and ethical issues in professional and personal lives are offered by Santa Clara's academic departments, interdisciplinary programs, clubs, and residential learning communities. Ethical debate and reflection are fundamental aspects of a Santa Clara education.

Through online resources
This Web site offers a wealth of material that can help students in their research and in confronting ethical issues in their daily lives.

Framework for Ethical Decision Making
Cydent: Cyber-students and the Virtual Good Life