St. Thomas University (FL)

What you'll study

The programme blends philosophical and theological ethics with practical leadership training. Core study areas include moral philosophy, Catholic social teaching and ethics, leadership theory, organisational ethics, public policy and social justice. Students develop skills in critical reasoning, ethical decision-making, conflict resolution and community engagement.

• Core modules: Introduction to Ethics, Leadership Theory and Practice, Catholic Social Teaching, Applied Ethics, Research Methods in the Social Sciences.
• Applied and professional modules: Organisational Ethics and Governance, Ethics in Public Policy, Human Rights and Social Justice, Conflict Management and Mediation, Community Organising and Advocacy.
• Skills and experience: Coursework emphasises case studies, ethical audits, group leadership projects and training in facilitation and negotiation.
• Capstone and placement: A final-year capstone project or practicum places students in a workplace or community setting where they apply ethical frameworks to real organisational challenges. Internship opportunities are commonly arranged with local non-profits, government offices and businesses in the Miami metropolitan area.
• Electives: Students may choose electives from related areas such as criminology, business ethics, public administration, human services or theology to tailor the degree to career aims.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in ethical leadership, and one or more academic or professional references. St. Thomas University assesses applicants holistically and may consider relevant community or work experience.

• Academic standards: Competitive secondary school grades in a broad range of subjects are expected. Specific course prerequisites are rare, though coursework in humanities, social sciences or English is beneficial.
• Testing and language: Standardised tests (such as SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on the applicant’s background; international applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English.
• Other materials: Some applicants submit a resume/CV detailing leadership or volunteer experience; selected applicants may be invited to an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Ethical Leadership are prepared for roles that require values-driven decision-making, ethical analysis and people-centred leadership. The degree supports entry-level and early-career positions across sectors, with clear pathways to specialised roles or further study.

• Non-profit management, programme coordination and community outreach
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and compliance roles in private sector firms
• Human resources, training and organisational development
• Public service, policy analysis and local government roles
• Alternative dispute resolution, mediation and restorative justice programmes
• Further study: graduates commonly pursue postgraduate degrees such as MA in Ethics, MPA, law (JD) or graduate degrees in theology, public policy or business

Why study at St. Thomas University (FL)

St. Thomas University offers a values-centred education grounded in Catholic intellectual tradition and a commitment to social justice. Small class sizes foster close interaction with faculty who work at the intersection of ethics, law and leadership, while the university’s location in the Miami area provides access to diverse communities, non-profit organisations and public institutions for internships and experiential learning.

• Experiential focus: The programme emphasises applied learning through practicum placements, service-learning and community-engaged projects.
• Supportive environment: Dedicated academic advising, career services and mentoring help students translate ethical training into career pathways.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Students can combine ethical leadership studies with courses from business, criminal justice, public administration or theology to create a tailored academic profile.