Communication Ethics in the Communication Curriculum: United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico

Abstract

This study investigated the status of communication ethics pedagogy at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Data were collected from 193 institutions that responded to an online survey. Results showed an increase in communication ethics courses compared with 19 years ago, with 51% now offering a required or optional course in communication ethics. The most common reason for not offering a stand-alone course was that ethical concerns were included in other classes. Respondents noted a decrease in focus on classical ethical theory and an increase in attention to applied ethics and moral reasoning skills. These findings merit a disciplinary discussion of the perceived tension between the classical philosophical foundations of communication ethics and ethics in practice.