Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good, Certificate

Change is inevitable. As we adapt to meet the needs of this 21^st century moment, dialogue, ethics, and social good are more important than ever. This certificate explores why, through foundational examples from across the arts and sciences; it also offers everyday strategies for addressing important social problems that impact our personal and professional lives. We will ground our work in historical and emergent practices that challenge us to do things differently. This includes engaging with stories, models, and divergent questions that encourage transformative thinking—in service of shaping change for the better.

The Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good will prepare learners to:

• Analyze structural expressions of power, status, and capital in society
• Examine the ways race, class, sexuality, gender, and disability impact individual and group dynamics
• Demonstrate applied strategies for collaboration and community-building in personal and professional contexts
• Use qualitative and/or quantitative methods to investigate the psychological, cultural, political, economic, and environmental elements of organizational life
• Design practices that promote care, well-being, and emergent leadership in physical and digital spaces
• Evaluate examples of dialogue, ethics, and social good across sectors and disciplines
• Build adaptive toolkits that support information literacy, informed decision-making, and deliberate action

Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good​ Requirements

• The Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good is a 4-course, 4 c.u.* credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty.
• To earn a certificate, students complete four of the courses offered. See courses below.
• Students who complete the basic certificate may pursue an Advanced Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good (6-course, 6 c.u.*) by adding two other certificate courses (2000 – 3000 level) from the list.

Flexible Course Schedule and Tuition

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good are offered on an accelerated (8-week) schedule. Courses in the online certificate program are largely asynchronous with some synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors. All Penn LPS Online courses are taught at the undergraduate level by Penn instructors.

You have the option to enroll in individual Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good courses without committing to the entire online certificate, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests. 

Learn more about the Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good.

Curriculum

Certificate students who complete four of the online courses listed below will earn a Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good by taking two additional courses at the 2000 or 3000 level.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Change is inevitable. As we adapt to meet the needs of this 21^st century moment, dialogue, ethics, and social good are more important than ever. This advanced certificate explores why, through foundational examples from across the arts and sciences; it also offers everyday strategies for addressing important social problems that impact our personal and professional lives. We will ground our work in historical and emergent practices that challenge us to do things differently. This includes engaging with stories, models, and divergent questions that encourage transformative thinking—in service of shaping change for the better.

The Advanced Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good will prepare learners to:

• Analyze structural expressions of power, status, and capital in society
• Examine the ways race, class, sexuality, gender, and disability impact individual and group dynamics
• Demonstrate applied strategies for collaboration and community-building in personal and professional contexts
• Use qualitative and/or quantitative methods to investigate the psychological, cultural, political, economic, and environmental elements of organizational life
• Design practices that promote care, well-being, and emergent leadership in physical and digital spaces
• Evaluate examples of dialogue, ethics, and social good across sectors and disciplines
• Build adaptive toolkits that support information literacy, informed decision-making, and deliberate action

Curriculum 

Students who have already completed the Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good must complete any two of the below courses to receive an Advanced Certificate in Dialogue, Ethics, and Social Good

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.