Dialogue, essential to any practical application of philosophy, is at the heart of the applied philosophy and ethics (MAAPE) program. Students apply theory by participating in the Department of Philosophy's Dialogue Series. The series includes student and faculty presenters from all eight colleges on campus, as well as speakers from off campus.<br>MAAPE students participate in regional and national Ethics Bowl competitions, the Philosophy Symposium, the Graduate Student Research Conference and the Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society.<br>The mission of the Department of Philosophy is to: preserve, increase and transmit knowledge of the discipline of philosophy and its applications, foster critical and moral thinking skills, support excellence in faculty research and creative activity, promote public dialogue on matters of significance throughout the university and community.<br>All graduates will be highly trained in critical analysis, independent thought and ethical inquiry. MAAPE students will have the ability to apply philosophical frameworks to real-world situations and to engage in productive, theoretically informed dialogue in professional and community settings of their choice. Graduates of the MAAPE program are qualified for teaching positions in community college settings and may choose to pursue advanced studies in philosophy or related fields. In addition, graduates have taken positions in academic advisement, legal services, international educational outreach, child protective services and a variety of community organizations.