Certificate Program in Ethics available at Mason
Cartoon courtesy of the Clay Bennett Archive
Businesses and non-profit organizations must be prepared to engage ethical challenges as they struggle to hold to the highest standards. The recent rash of corporate scandals has brought a renewed interest in ethical training of employees. George Mason University now offers a program in Professional Ethics. The MA Certificate in Professional Ethics offers a one-year program for a cohort of selected students who will proceed through the course of study together. The hope is to create a network of professionals dedicated to ensuring a business culture within their organizations and across the community that meets the highest ethical standards. The track in professional ethics gives students the opportunity to explore the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in such professional fields of study and work as business, health care, scientific research, biomedical technology, and public policy.
In cooperation with an Advisory Board of local business leaders, this program is designed to respond to the needs of working students and their employers. Seminars will bring professionals to the classroom to discuss substantive ethical issues faced in the workplace. Students may participate in an internship created by Board Members Jim Browne and Colleen Parks of Lockheed Martin, which can be adapted to other business and non-profit sites. Businesses which sponsor students will send a clear message to their employees and to the community that ethical practices are central to their organizations.
The cohort begins with a one-day orientation at Hemlock Overlook sponsored by participating businesses, continues with one 4-week course in May 2007, followed by two evening courses in the Fall, and concluding with 2 evening courses in Spring 2008.
For information contact: Ted Kinnaman, Chair, Department of Philosophy, 703.993.1290
Philosophy Department web site: http://www.gmu.edu/departments/philosophy/
This Feature Article was submitted by Shannon Skousgaard, Associate Professor - Law and Morality, Philosophy Department