Is teaching ethics to graduate students necessary?

For the past six years I have teaching strategic communication courses in the online graduate program at Purdue University. The students we have are all seeking to find positions in strategic communication after completing this Masters Degree. And the program has had a great impact and track record. Our graduates are in communication leadership positions in industry, government, medical organizations and myriad other places where effective communication and pubic relationships are critical. Among the courses I lead include healthcare communication, social media and ethics. Our students are brilliant and engaged. And I am impressed that the program at this public University includes the topic of ethics in communications as a fundamental requirement for completion of the program. Students have been curious about this content as a requirement for strategic communication. But the curriculum and content make instantly clear that ethical caution and even humility are significant variables here. How communication professionals choose to represent their organization is a critical and even risky responsibility. And the issue, under the term ethics, describes the matter. As is said in the course: ‘ethics begins where the law ends’. Representing an entity with integrity is an essential requirement and the right thing to do. It is the balance between pure self interest and the humility that ethical norms demand. It is a core requirement for all leaders. I am proud to travel through this course with my amazing graduate students.