Missouri High School Ethics Bowl

Missouri high school students have the opportunity to explore real-life ethical issues at the annual Missouri High School Ethics Bowl.

This event is ideal for students who have a natural curiosity about the way the world should be. 

An ethics bowl is a competitive yet collaborative event where students analyze and discuss timely issues. Unlike a debate, students are not assigned opposing views. Rather, they defend whatever position they believe is right. Students win by showing they have thought carefully, deeply and perceptively about the cases in question.

Event details

Location & parking

Columbia College
Robert W. Plaster School of Business (New Hall)
700 Cougar Dr.
Columbia, MO 65216

Free parking is available.

GPS Address: 700 Cougar Dr, Columbia, MO 65216 

Why compete?

The event encourages and promotes ethical awareness, critical thinking, civil discourse, civic engagement and an appreciation for diverse viewpoints. It's also a great opportunity to meet new people from high schools around the state.

"I found the Missouri High School Ethics Bowl to be one of the more intellectually stimulating experiences. I watched students work together as they considered, for example, the implications of an individual's actions on the larger populace. It was so inspiring!"

-Dr. Peter Stiepleman, superintendent for Columbia Public Schools

Winning Team can Earn Bid to National Tournament

The winning team of the Missouri High School Ethics Bowl can earn a bid to the national competition. Learn more about the National High School Ethics Bowl External link.

Competition resources

• 2022-2023 Bowl case studies External link
• Ethics Bowl rules, procedures and guidelines External link

Past winners

Missouri High School Ethics Bowl National Qualifiers:

• 2021-2022: Olathe South High School
• 2020-2021: Rock Bridge High School
• 2019-2020: Rock Bridge High School
• 2018-2019: David H. Hickman High School  
• 2017-2018: David H. Hickman High School  
• 2016-2017: David H. Hickman High School
• 2015-2016: David H. Hickman High School
• 2014-2015: Rock Bridge High School
• 2013-2014: David H. Hickman High School (placed 3rd nationally)

Overnight accommodations

Overnight accommodations are plentiful in the Columbia area. For more information on hotels and motels, visit the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau website External link or call (800) 652-0987.