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Business Ethics Minor

A business ethics minor from Creighton University prepares you to make principled decisions in today's complex business environment. Open to students from all majors, this interdisciplinary program complements degrees in business, healthcare, law, the sciences and the humanities by developing critical thinking, ethical reasoning and values-based leadership. Grounded in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, you'll learn to evaluate challenges through the lens of the common good, equipping you to lead with integrity and earn the trust of employers in any industry. Through the minor, youwill:

  • Develop critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills valued by employers
  • Learn to balance organizational success with responsibility to society and the common good
  • Explore business ethics through Creighton's Jesuit, Catholic values-based approach to leadership
  • Prepare to lead with integrity in business, government, nonprofit and professional settings

Business Ethics Minor Program Overview

Strengthen Your Degree with Ethical Leadership and Critical Thinking 

Creighton's business ethics minor equips students to navigate complex business challenges with integrity, sound judgment and a commitment to the common good. Open to students from all academic disciplines, the minor complements nearly any major by developing the ethical reasoning, critical thinking and decision-making skills employers value in today's global workplace. 

Grounded in Creighton's Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the curriculum encourages students to consider not only what is legally or financially sound, but also what is just, responsible and in the best interest of society. 

A Flexible Minor That Complements Your Major 

Whether you're studying business, healthcare, science, law, education or the liberal arts, the business ethics minor provides practical tools for addressing ethical issues that arise in every profession. 

Students pursuing majors in accounting, finance, marketing and other business disciplines can complete the minor efficiently, as two required business core courses already fulfill minor requirements. Students complete the minor by taking four additional designated ethics courses, allowing them to deepen their understanding of ethical leadership without significantly increasing their course load. 

What You'll Learn 

Through the business ethics minor, you'll learn to: 

  • Evaluate ethical challenges from multiple perspectives
  • Apply ethical reasoning to business and organizational decision-making
  • Balance organizational success with responsibility to stakeholders and society
  • Lead with integrity, accountability and respect for others
  • Communicate thoughtful, values-based solutions to complex issues

Why Study Business Ethics? 

Organizations increasingly seek professionals who can build trust, foster ethical workplace cultures and make decisions that create long-term value. No matter where your career leads you, a strong foundation in business ethics will prepare you to lead responsibly and make a meaningful impact in your profession and community. 

Business Ethics and the Common Good

Employers demand more than just technical proficiency; they seek agile, ethical leaders. Our unique Mindset Curriculum is integrated into your accounting coursework, ensuring you develop the six core competencies – Action, Cross-cultural, Analytical, Collaborative, Reflective and Service Mindsets – that top-tier firms value most. We don’t just teach you how to "do well" in business—we empower you to "do good" for society.

  • Analytical and action-oriented: Move beyond data entry to provide high-level strategic insights and decisive financial leadership.
  • Collaborative and cross-cultural: Master the ability to work across diverse teams and navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.
  • Reflective and service-driven: Ground your financial expertise in Jesuit values, practicing ethical decision-making that serves the greater professional community. 

Business Ethics Minor Program Admission Requirements

What You Need to Know

Admissions to the program are based upon:

  • High school GPA
  • ACT or SAT scores*
  • Extracurricular activities
  • A personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in transcripts
  • A recommendation from your high school counselor

Additionally, honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application.

*If you are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.

When to Apply

Business Ethics Career Paths

A minor in business ethics will help prepare you for a wide variety of careers. The knowledge and skills you gain can be applied to jobs such as: 

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial analyst
  • Marketing manager
  • Human resources specialist
  • Business consultant
  • Compliance analyst
  • Risk management specialist
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist
  • Operations manager
  • Healthcare administrator
  • Nonprofit leader
  • Government or public policy analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Attorney

Experience Business Ethics Firsthand 

At the Heider College of Business, we bridge the gap between classroom and boardroom. Our business ethics faculty integrate immersive travel, research opportunities and hands-on service into your curriculum. Additionally, more than 90% of business students complete at least one internship during their college career to gain real-world skills that strengthen their qualifications and give them a competitive edge. You’ll graduate with a global perspective and practical skills top firms demand.  

  • Creighton Business Symposium: Engage with global business leaders and executives while exploring today's most pressing business and ethical leadership challenges at the nation's largest student-led business symposium.
  • Dean's Honor Roll for Social Responsibility: Be recognized for your commitment to service, leadership and creating positive social impact through meaningful engagement in your community.
  • Business Ethics Alliance: Learn from industry leaders through events, workshops and networking opportunities dedicated to advancing ethical leadership and responsible business practices.
  • Business, Faith and the Common Good Institute: Explore how faith, ethics and business intersect through programs that promote leadership, human dignity and the common good in today's workplace and society. 

Get Involved in Student Clubs and Organizations

Alpha Kappa Psi: Business

Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest and largest business fraternity. Become a part of a group that develops well-trained, ethical, skilled, resourceful and experienced business leaders. 

Heider Business Senate

The Creighton University Heider Business Senate is a liaison between the student body and the administration. The Senate promotes the mission and values of the Heider College of Business through various projects.

Beta Gamma Sigma: Business

Beta Gamma Sigma promotes the advancement of education in the art and science of business and fosters integrity in the conduct of business activities.

Tuition, Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition is reviewed annually. Visit our Cost and Aid page for the current full cost of attendance, net-price calculator and financial-aid information. At Creighton, nearly all undergraduates receive financial aid. To be considered, submit your FAFSA and browse our institutional-aid programs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business ethics minor, and why should I choose it?

This minor explores corporate social responsibility, legal frameworks and moral decision-making in the global marketplace. It pairs a foundation in business with ethical theory to help you navigate complex modern challenges like corporate data privacy, AI governance and workplace equity. 

Can students outside of the Heider College of Business declare this minor?

Yes. The business ethics minor is open to all undergraduate students across Creighton University, including those in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing. It provides an excellent, practical framework for pre-law students, philosophy majors or future healthcare administrators who want a strong foundation in institutional compliance. 

Can I complete the Business Ethics minor without extending my time to graduation?

Many students can complete the minor within their existing degree plan. For business majors, two required business core courses already satisfy part of the minor requirements, making it an efficient way to add a valuable credential to your degree. 

What career benefits does a Creighton credential in business ethics provide?

Employers heavily recruit Creighton graduates for their ethical grounding and leadership readiness. This minor positions you for competitive roles in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, human resources and sustainable business management. It also serves as a strong differentiator on applications for law school or graduate business programs. 

How does the business ethics minor align with Creighton’s Jesuit values?

The minor directly reflects Creighton’s commitment to cura personalis (forming the whole person) and the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of pursuing the common good. Housed within the Heider College of Business, the curriculum teaches you to look beyond profit margins, focusing heavily on corporate social responsibility, fairness and moral integrity in everyday business decisions. 

Accreditation

The Heider College of Business at Creighton holds dual accreditation from AACSB International, the global hallmark of excellence. Since 1949, we have remained in an elite tier of business education—one of only 2% of institutions worldwide to earn AACSB accreditation for both business and accounting.

  • Elite distinction: As an original charter institution for accounting accreditation, we represent the highest standard of academic achievement.
  • National rankings: Our undergraduate and graduate programs consistently rank in the top third of all AACSB-accredited schools by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Leadership excellence: AACSB has specifically recognized the college for its innovative initiatives in leadership development.
  • Quality assured: Our commitment to continuous improvement is validated through a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring your degree carries global prestige. 
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