The Department of Civics and Ethical Studies established in July, 2021 under the College of Social Sciences, is a nationally recognized program dedicated to developing informed professionals with profound civic awareness and professional competence. Its creation was a strategic response to the growing national need for producing active, responsible, and critically thinking citizens. Prior to its inauguration, the program had been offered as an undergraduate summer course under the Department of Political Science and International Relations. The transition to an independent department was driven by the critical importance of the field, significant community demand, and the need to enhance educational quality by dedicating a specific unit to this discipline, thereby consolidating efforts that were previously managed alongside other programs.
The department’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to cultivate rational and accountable graduates. It explores fundamental concepts through courses that examine the relationship between society, state, and government; theories and practices of citizenship; and comprehensive studies of human rights. Students engage with political philosophy, democratic processes, and electoral systems while developing practical ethical reasoning skills. The academic framework further investigates constitutional governance, traditional peace building approaches, contemporary development theories, and public policy within the Ethiopian context. Advanced studies extend to regional politics of the Horn of Africa and Middle East, global economic systems, international legal frameworks, and Ethiopia's foreign policy.
With a dedicated faculty of 12 full-time academics, including one pursuing advanced studies, the department maintains strong teaching, research, and community engagement capabilities. It celebrates the successful graduation of two cohorts of regular undergraduate students and currently delivers its program through both regular and summer sessions. Furthermore, the department has long been offering the "Moral and Civic Education" and "Logic and Critical Thinking" courses to all students across Werabe University, underscoring its foundational role in fostering ethical reasoning and engaged citizenship throughout the entire institution.
Vision
To become Ethiopia's premier institute for developing principled, civic-minded professionals and change-makers who will advance good governance, foster sustainable development, and build a peaceful, prosperous society by 2030.
Mission
To develop principled professionals and active citizens through innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement in civics and ethical studies
Objectives
The Department of Civics and Ethical Studies is intended to achieve the following objectives: