COURSE CURRICULUM

The Ethics and Social Responsibility option within the UNH Philosophy Program combines the traditional philosophy major with specialized study in ethics, justice, social responsibility, and public issues. Students complete the standard philosophy major requirements while also selecting additional courses focused on moral reasoning and the ethical challenges facing modern society. The major requires a minimum of ten philosophy courses totaling 40 credits, with students maintaining at least a 2.00 GPA in philosophy coursework and earning a minimum grade of C- in all major courses. Core coursework includes logic, ethics, ancient philosophy, modern philosophy, and workshop-based courses that strengthen analytical thinking, writing, and discussion skills. Students also complete philosophy electives and advanced 700-level seminars that function as the capstone experience, emphasizing independent thought, critical analysis, and advanced philosophical inquiry. The Ethics and Social Responsibility option specifically requires four additional philosophy courses chosen from topics such as critical thinking, happiness and well-being, race and social justice, philosophy of law, ethics and society, business ethics, social and political philosophy, environmental ethics, feminism, existentialism, law and medicine, Eastern philosophy, and the ethical implications of technology and the future of humanity. Through these courses, students explore major questions involving justice, human rights, social systems, public policy, healthcare ethics, economic inequality, environmental responsibility, and the moral consequences of technological development. The curriculum encourages students to evaluate ethical problems from multiple perspectives while developing strong reasoning and communication abilities that are valuable across many professions. The program also provides flexibility because philosophy courses may simultaneously satisfy university Discovery requirements in areas such as humanities, quantitative reasoning, world cultures, and environment and society, especially benefiting students pursuing double majors. Overall, this interdisciplinary option prepares students for careers or graduate study in law, medicine, business, education, government, nonprofit leadership, technology, and public service while helping them build the intellectual and ethical skills needed to address complex social and moral challenges.