BXA Intercollege Degree Programs
M. Stephanie Murray, Senior Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Initiatives
Location: Hall of the Arts 211
www.cmu.edu/interdisciplinary
Mission Statement
The BXA Intercollege Degree Programs are designed for students who want to turn talent and passion into viable professions for the future through a challenging academic curriculum. BXA students pursue their goals with the help of multifaceted advising, innovative pedagogical strategies and a focus on the impact arts have on technology and vice versa.
The goal of the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA), the Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA), the Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA) and the additional major in Engineering and Arts (EA), housed under the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs, is to allow a select group of students who demonstrate interest and accomplishment in the fine arts and computer science, engineering, humanities, social sciences or natural sciences to explore beyond the traditional academic major, or integrate more than one field of study across disciplines. These programs foster the creativity of students who explore innovative approaches to the academic environments of two colleges. By merging the components in the arts and computer science, engineering, natural sciences or humanities into an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary study, a unique, complex product is born. BXA students produce new information, challenging questions and innovative theory. BXA students are models of independence, motivation and well-rounded scholarship as humanists, scientists and artists at the same time.
In the context of the Carnegie Mellon University environment, the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs hold a special role. BXA provides access to five strong colleges that offer specialized training with expert faculty and researchers. The BXA Programs challenge students to utilize those resources as they explore and develop their own approach to interdisciplinary studies in the fine arts and computer science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, or the natural and mathematical sciences.
BXA students balance courses in their CFA concentration with courses in their academic concentration, as well as BXA-specific courses. These BXA-specific courses give students the opportunity to integrate their areas of concentration by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and arts-based research techniques. The curricula in the concentration areas provide students with a solid disciplinary foundation upon which they can draw for interdisciplinary projects.
A BXA intercollege degree prepares students for graduate study and careers in an enormous variety of fields, including traditional graduate training in the arts as well as academic areas, positions in arts and education non-profits such as museums and foundations, and technical positions with media and technology companies.
Program Objectives
The skills developed by BXA students span the creative, the technical, the academic and the practical. The objective of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs is to prepare graduates for careers in which they will draw on their creative and academic skills to create, educate, communicate and innovate across disciplines.
Students who complete the BXA curriculum will graduate with the following skills:
- Foundational knowledge and technical expertise in the CFA concentration area and the DC/E/MCS/SCS concentration area
- Ability to describe the connections between these concentrations and how the student integrates them
- Ability to communicate ideas textually, visually and orally
- Knowledge of how the concentration disciplines intersect with history, society and culture from local and global perspectives
- Ability to use cognitive, behavioral and ethical dimensions within the concentration disciplines to make decisions on individual and social levels
- Experience in engaging in art research to produce new knowledge both within the CFA concentration and the DC/E/MCS/SCS concentration
- Experience in designing, researching and completing a large-scale, object-based project that integrates both areas of concentration
Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts Degree Program
Carnegie Mellon University recognizes that there are students who are naturally gifted in both the fine arts and computer science. In order to accommodate students who want to pursue an education simultaneously in these areas, we offer a degree that combines the strengths of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the School of Computer Science (SCS). The intercollege degree, called the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA), is a rigorous program that offers a unique group of qualified students the opportunity to develop their talents and interests in an area of the fine arts and computer science.
The BCSA curriculum is divided into three parts: 1) BCSA General Education coursework, 2) CFA concentration coursework, and 3) SCS concentration coursework.
The BCSA Degree Program is governed by faculty and administrators from both colleges and led by the director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs. The director and associate director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs are the primary advisors and liaisons between CFA and SCS. Students receive extensive advising support. Each student has two additional academic advisors: an advisor in the admitting school of CFA for their fine arts concentration and an advisor in SCS for their computer science concentration. This network of advisors guides each student through their curriculum.
BCSA Curriculum
Units | |
I. BCSA General Education | 121 |
II. SCS Concentration | 111 |
III. CFA Concentration | 108 |
IV. Free Electives | 40 |
Total BCSA Degree Requirements | 380 |
BCSA General Education
(15 courses, 122 units minimum)
- Writing (1 course, 9 units, 76-101 required)
- Mathematics (2 courses, 19 units minimum, 21-122 and either 21-259 or 21-241 required), Probability (1 course, 9 units minimum)
- Science & Engineering (2 courses, 18 units minimum)
- Economic, Political, & Social Institutions OR Cognition, Choice & Behavior (1 course, 9 units minimum)
- Two additional courses from Dietrich or CFA (2 course, 18 units minimum)
- University Requirement (1 course, 3 units, 99-101 required)
- BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units, 52-190 or 52-291, 52-391, 52-392, 52-401, 52-402)
Writing (1 course, 9 units)
Broadly considered, language is a tool used to communicate, as well as a way to organize non-visual and non-mathematical thinking. This requirement focuses on the social nature of language and the ways in which writing constitutes thinking.
76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
or 76-102 | Advanced First Year Writing: Special Topics | |
or 76-106 & 76-107 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Data and Writing about Public Problems | |
All undergraduate students must complete the First-Year Writing requirement—the Department of English does not accept any Advanced Placement exemptions. This requirement can be completed in two different ways. Enroll in one of two full-semester courses 101 or 102 (by invitation only), 9 units, or enroll in two of three half-semester mini courses (back-to-back within a single semester) 106/107/108, 4.5 + 4.5 units. Course options and topics: www.cmu.edu/hss/english/first_year/index.html |
Mathematics & Probability (3 courses, 28 units minimum)
Choose two mathematics courses (19 units minimum):
21-122 | Integration and Approximation | 10 |
21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | 9 |
or 21-241 | Matrices and Linear Transformations |
Choose one probability course(s) (9 units minimum):
15-259 | Probability and Computing | 12 |
21-325 | Probability | 9 |
36-218 | Probability Theory for Computer Scientists | 9 |
36-225-36-226 | Introduction to Probability Theory - Introduction to Statistical Inference | 18 |
Science & Engineering (2 courses, 18 units minimum)
Choose two science courses from differing departments or one science and one engineering course from the following list:
02-223 | Personalized Medicine: Understanding Your Own Genome | 9 |
03-121 | Modern Biology | 9 |
03-125 | Evolution | 9 |
03-132 | Basic Science to Modern Medicine | 9 |
03-133 | Neurobiology of Disease | 9 |
06-100 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering | 12 |
09-105 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry I | 10 |
09-217 | Organic Chemistry I | 9 |
09-225 | Climate Change: Chemistry, Physics and Planetary Science | 9 |
12-100 | Exploring CEE: Infrastructure and Environment in a Changing World | 12 |
12-201 | Geology | 9 |
18-100 | Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | 12 |
24-101 | Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering | 12 |
24-358 | Culinary Mechanics | 9 |
27-215 | Thermodynamics of Materials | 12 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
33-120 | Science and Science Fiction | 9 |
33-121 | Physics I for Science Students | 12 |
42-101 | Introduction to Biomedical Engineering | 12 |
85-219 | Biological Foundations of Behavior | 9 |
Economic, Political & Social Institutions OR Cognition, Choice & Behavior (1 course from either category, complete 9 units minimum)
Economic, Political & Social Institutions
This requirement explores the processes by which institutions organize individual preferences and actions into collective outcomes.
19-101 | Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy | 12 |
70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
70-364 | Business Law * | 9 |
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics * | 9 |
79-189 | History of Democracy: Thinking Beyond the Self | 9 |
79-244 | Women in American History | 9 |
79-245 | Capitalism and Individualism in American Culture | 9 |
79-300 | History of American Public Policy | 9 |
79-310 | U. S. Business History: 1870 to the Present | 9 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
79-321 | Documenting Human Rights | 9 |
79-331 | Body Politics: Women and Health in America | 9 |
79-341 | The Cold War in Documents and Film | 9 |
79-383 | The History of Capitalism | 9 |
80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
84-322 | Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-352 | Representation and Voting Rights | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-386 | The Privatization of Force | 9 |
84-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
84-390 | Social Media, Technology, and Conflict | 9 |
84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
88-284 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | 9 |
Cognition, Choice, and Behavior
This requirement explores the process of thinking, decision making, and behavior in the context of the individual.
70-311 | Organizational Behavior * | 9 |
80-101 | Dangerous Ideas in Science and Society | 9 |
80-130 | Introduction to Ethics | 9 |
80-150 | Nature of Reason | 9 |
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
80-242 | Conflict and Dispute Resolution | 9 |
80-270 | Problems of Mind and Body: Meaning and Doing | 9 |
80-271 | Mind and Body: The Objective and the Subjective | 9 |
80-330 | Ethical Theory | 9 |
85-102 | Introduction to Psychology | 9 |
85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
85-213 | Human Information Processing and Artifical Intelligence * | 9 |
85-221 | Principles of Child Development | 9 |
85-241 | Social Psychology | 9 |
85-251 | Personality | 9 |
85-261 | Psychopathology | 9 |
85-370 | Perception | 9 |
88-120 | Reason, Passion and Cognition | 9 |
88-230 | Human Intelligence and Human Stupidity | 9 |
* Indicates co-requisites and/or prerequisites required.
Complete Two additional courses from Dietrich or CFA (2 courses, complete 18 units minimum)
These courses must be non-technical/non-studio. Each CFA concentration has recommended courses for this category; consult with your BXA advisor to determine the best courses to fulfill this requirement.
University Requirement (1 course, 3 units)
This is a mini-course, pass/no pass, to be completed in the first semester or online in the summer prior to the first semester.
99-101 | Computing @ Carnegie Mellon | 3 |
BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units)
BXA-specific courses give students the opportunity to integrate their areas of concentration by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and arts-based research techniques.
52-190 | BXA Seminar I: Building the Wunderkammer | 9 |
or 52-291 | BXA Seminar II: Transferring Knowledge | |
52-391 | BXA Junior Portfolio | 0 |
52-392 | BXA Seminar III: Deconstructing Disciplines | 9 |
52-401 | BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Project Research | 9 |
52-402 | BXA Seminar V: Capstone Project Production | 9 |
School of Computer Science Concentration
Computer Science Concentration (111 units minimum)
Prerequisite
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
Computer Science Core Requirements (5 courses, 56 units)
15-122 | Principles of Imperative Computation | 10 |
15-150 | Principles of Functional Programming | 10 |
15-210 | Parallel and Sequential Data Structures and Algorithms | 12 |
15-213 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 12 |
15-251 | Great Ideas in Theoretical Computer Science | 12 |
Concepts of Mathematics (1 course, 10 units)
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics (co-requisite for 15-122; prerequisite for 15-150) | 10 |
Applications Courses or CS Electives (5 courses, 45 units minimum)
Choose a minimum of five courses from SCS beyond the core requirements, 200-level or higher, not including 02-201, 02-223, 02-250, 02-261, 15-351, 16-223, 17-200, 17-333, 17-562. Listed below are suggested choices for these electives. Consult with the CS advisor if interested in courses not listed.
05-391 | Designing Human Centered Software | 12 |
05-418 | Design Educational Games | 12 |
10-335 | Art and Machine Learning | 12 |
11-291 | Applied Computational Intelligence Lab | 9 |
11-344 | Machine Learning in Practice | 12 |
11-411 | Natural Language Processing | 12 |
15-281 | Artificial Intelligence: Representation and Problem Solving | 12 |
15-322 | Introduction to Computer Music | 9 |
15-323 | Computer Music Systems and Information Processing | 9 |
15-365 | Experimental Animation | 12 |
15-388 | Practical Data Science | 9 |
15-415 | Database Applications | 12 |
15-451 | Algorithm Design and Analysis | 12 |
15-458 | Discrete Differential Geometry | 12 |
15-462 | Computer Graphics | 12 |
15-463 | Computational Photography | 12 |
15-464 | Technical Animation | 12 |
15-465 | Animation Art and Technology | 12 |
15-466 | Computer Game Programming | 12 |
15-494 | Cognitive Robotics: The Future of Robot Toys | 12 |
16-264 | Humanoids | 12 |
16-362 | Mobile Robot Algorithms Laboratory | 12 |
16-374 | IDeATe: Art of Robotic Special Effects | 12 |
16-384 | Robot Kinematics and Dynamics | 12 |
16-385 | Computer Vision | 12 |
16-423 | Designing Computer Vision Apps | 12 |
16-455 | IDeATe: Human-Machine Virtuosity | 12 |
16-465 | Game Engine Programming | 10 |
16-467 | Human Robot Interaction | 12 |
17-214 | Principles of Software Construction: Objects, Design, and Concurrency | 12 |
17-313 | Foundations of Software Engineering | 12 |
17-356 | Software Engineering for Startups | 12 |
17-437 | Web Application Development | 12 |
College of Fine Arts Concentration
(number of courses vary, 108 units minimum)
BCSA students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Architecture (108 units)
- Art (108 units)
- Design (108 units)
- Drama (108 units)
- Music (108 units)
Architecture Concentration (108 units minimum)
Architecture Required Courses (7 courses, 52 units minimum)
48-100 | Architecture Design Studio: Poeisis Studio 1 -Fall, Freshman year | 10-15 |
or 48-095 | Spatial Concepts for Non-Architecture Majors | |
62-122 | Digital Media I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-125 | Drawing I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-123 | Digital Media II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
62-126 | Drawing II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
48-240 | Historical Survey of World Architecture and Urbanism I -Spring, Freshman year | 9 |
48-241 | Modern Architecture -Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
Architecture Electives (56 units minimum)
A minimum of 56 additional Architecture units must be approved by the Architecture advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Art Concentration (108 units minimum)
Transdisciplinary Research Studios (2 courses, 20 units)
Complete two courses:
60-101 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio I: Risk, Agency, Failure | 10 |
60-201 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio II: Publics | 10 |
60-202 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio III: Futures | 10 |
Media Studios (3 courses, 30 units minimum)
Complete three courses:
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-133 | 3D Media Studio II | 10 |
60-150 | 2D Media Studio: Drawing | 10 |
60-170 | 2D Media Studio: Painting | 10 |
60-251 | 2D Media Studio: Print Media | 10 |
60-260 | 2D Media Studio: Imaging | 10 |
60-110 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to the Moving Image | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10-12 |
or 60-212 | Electronic Media Studio: Interactivity and Computation for Creative Practice |
Advanced Studios (4 courses, 40 units)
Complete four courses. Courses may be offered in the fall and/or spring. Students may take courses in any media area (ETB, SIS, CP or DP3). They may take all courses in one media area if a focus is desired.
60-401/402 | Senior Studio | 10 |
60-403 | Senior Critique Seminar | 10 |
Advanced Electronic and Time-Based Work (ETB) (course numbers 60-410 through 60-429) * | 10 | |
Advanced Sculpture, Installation and Site-Work (SIS) (course numbers 60-430 through 60-447) * | 10 | |
Advanced Contextual Practice (CP) (course numbers 60-448 through 60-449) * | 10 | |
Advanced Drawing, Painting, Print Media and Photography (DP3) (course numbers 60-450 through 60-498) * | 10 | |
60-499 | Studio Independent Study (one only) | 10 |
* | Courses offered intermittently; speak with a BXA advisor to determine course availability. |
Critical Studies (2 courses, 18 units)
60-205 | Critical Theory in Art III -Fall | 9 |
60-206 | Critical Theory in Art IV -Spring | 9 |
Note: Critical Theory I & II are strongly recommended.
Review Requirement (complete 2 required reviews, 0 units)
A review is required at the end of the sophomore and senior years. Pass/no pass only.
60-200 | Sophomore Review -Spring | 0 |
60-400 | Senior Review -Spring | 0 |
Design CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Design Required Courses (16 courses, 98 units)
51-101 | Studio: Survey of Design -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-121 | Visualizing -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-175 | Design Studies: Place -Fall, First-year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-177 | Design Studies: Histories -Fall, First-year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-102 | Design Lab -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-122 | Collaborative Visualizing -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-176 | Design Studies: Futures -Spring, First-year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-178 | Design Studies: Experience -Spring, First-year (mini-4) | 5 |
51-277 | Design Studies: Systems -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-279 | Design Studies: Cultures -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-282 | Design Studies: Persuasion -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-284 | Design Studies: Power -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-4) | 5 |
Choose Two Studios -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-225 | Communications Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | 4.5 |
or 51-245 | Products Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
or 51-265 | Environments Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
Choose Two Corresponding Labs -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-227 | Prototyping Lab I: Communications | 4.5 |
or 51-247 | Prototyping Lab I: Products | |
or 51-267 | Prototyping Lab I: Environments |
Design Electives (10 units)
A minimum of 10 additional Design units must be approved by the Design advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Drama Concentration (108 units minimum)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Design, 2) Directing, 3) Dramaturgy, 4) Production Technology and Management
Note: There is no BHA Acting or Musical Theatre option.
Required Courses for All Concentration Options (5 courses, 20 units)
54-175-54-176 | Conservatory Hour-Conservatory Hour (1 unit each) | 2 |
54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (prerequisite: 54-177) | 6 |
54-381 | Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism | 6 |
54-362 | Anti-Racist & Equitable Practices in Theater (optional) | 6 |
Work with Drama Faculty Option Coordinator to Approve Concentration Option (88 units minimum):
Design Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional Design units must be approved by the Design faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Directing Required Courses (10 courses, 64 units)
54-121-54-122 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset - Directing I: Sources | 18 |
54-221-54-222 | Directing II: In the Studio - Directing II: Fundamentals | 18 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-517 | Director's Colloquium (four times) | 16 |
A minimum of 24 additional Directing units must be approved by the Directing faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Dramaturgy Required Courses (9 courses, 53 units minimum)
54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
54-121 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset | 9 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-200-54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum-Dramaturgy Forum -Fall (minimum of two; every semester it is offered while enrolled) | 2 |
54-xxx | Dramaturgy 3, 4, 5 or 6 (minimum of two; all four if enrolled as BXA for six semesters or more) | 18 |
A minimum of 29 additional Dramaturgy units must be approved by the Dramaturgy faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Production Technology and Management Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional PTM units must be approved by the PTM faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Audio Recording & Production, 2) Composition, 2) Music Performance (instrumental, organ, piano, voice), 4) Sound Theory & Practice
Required Course for All Concentration Options (1 course, 9 units)
57-152 | Harmony I | 9 |
or 57-149 | Basic Harmony I |
Work with Music Advisor to Approve Concentration Option (99 units minimum):
Audio Recording & Production Required Courses (7 courses, 40 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-338 | Sound Editing and Mastering | 6 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
Choose 59 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
54-166 | Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | 6 |
54-275 | History of Sound Design | 3 |
54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-427 | Advanced Seminar in Film Musicology | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-622 | Independent Study in Sound Recording Production | 3 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Audio Recording & Production concentration.
Composition Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Music Performance Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Sound Theory & Practice Required Courses (7 courses, 47 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
57-911 | Music Since 1945 | 9 |
57-616 | Independent Study in Sound Studies | 9 |
Choose 52 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
15-322 | Introduction to Computer Music (pre-requisite: 15-112) | 9 |
15-323 | Computer Music Systems and Information Processing (pre-requisite: 15-122) | 9 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-343 | Music, Technology, and Culture | 9 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-347 | Electronic and Computer Music (pre-requisite: 57-101 or 57-171) | 6 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-829 | Contemporary Soundscapes | 9 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Sound Theory & Practice concentration.
Free Electives
(approximately 4 courses, 39 units minimum)
Take any Carnegie Mellon course. A maximum of 9 units of physical education and/or military science may be counted toward this requirement. Physical education and military science courses will not be calculated in a student's QPA.
Bachelor of Humanities and Arts Degree Program
Carnegie Mellon University offers an intercollege degree that combines the strengths of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the College of Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences (DC). The intercollege degree, called the Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA), offers depth of study in both the fine arts and the humanities, social and behavioral sciences. The BHA Degree Program enables a student to receive broader exposure to the humanities and liberal arts than is generally possible through a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in CFA, while obtaining deeper and more substantial training in the fine arts than is generally possible through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in DC. Students receive extensive training in one or more of the fine arts disciplines as well as related advanced training in areas such as writing, social sciences, behavioral sciences or cultural studies. The program also provides enough flexibility to allow students to explore other areas of interest. The most important aspect of the BHA Program is for students to blend their interests and to explore the connections between their chosen disciplines.
The BHA curriculum is divided into three parts: 1) BHA General Education coursework, 2) CFA concentration coursework, and 3) DC concentration coursework.
The BHA Degree Program is governed by faculty and administrators from both colleges and led by the director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs. The director and associate director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs are the primary advisors and liaisons between CFA and DC. Students receive extensive advising support. Each student has two additional academic advisors: an advisor in the admitting school of CFA for their fine arts concentration and an advisor in DC for their humanities/social sciences concentration. This network of advisors guides each student through their curriculum.
BHA Curriculum
Units | |
I. BHA General Education | 111 |
II. DC Concentration | 81 |
III. CFA Concentration | 108 |
IV. Free Electives | 78 |
Total BHA Degree Requirements | 378 |
BHA General Education
(14 courses, 111 units minimum)
- Communicating: Language and Interpretations (3 courses, 27 units minimum, 76-101 required, two approved modern language courses required)
- Reflecting: Societies and Cultures (1 course, 9 units, 79-145 or 79-189 required)
- Modeling: Mathematics and Experiments (1 course, 9 units minimum)
- Deciding: Social Sciences and Values (3 courses, 27 units minimum, 36-200 required)
- University Requirement (1 course, 3 units, 99-101 required)
- BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units, 52-190 or 52-291, 52-391, 52-392, 52-401, 52-402)
Communicating: Language and Interpretations (3 courses, 27 units minimum)
Courses in this category give special attention to the study of language as interpretation, expression and argument within and across multiple discourses. Students examine language for its internal logics and structures.
76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
or 76-102 | Advanced First Year Writing: Special Topics | |
or 76-106 & 76-107 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Data and Writing about Public Problems | |
All undergraduate students must complete the First-Year Writing requirement—the Department of English does not accept any Advanced Placement exemptions. This requirement can be completed in two different ways. Enroll in one of two full-semester courses 101 or 102 (by invitation only), 9 units, or enroll in two of three half-semester mini courses (back-to-back within a single semester) 106/107/108, 4.5 + 4.5 units. Course options and topics: www.cmu.edu/hss/english/first_year/index.html | ||
82-xxx | Modern Languages | 18 |
Complete two courses taught in a language offered by the Department of Modern Languages. A wide selection of courses are offered in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, Japanese Studies and Russian Studies. Students must complete two courses in the same language. Languages taught at other institutions are also acceptable (with advisor approval). |
Reflecting: Societies and Cultures (1 course, 9 units)
This category emphasizes the study of history, society and culture from local and global perspectives.
79-145 | Genocide and Weapons of Mass Destruction | 9 |
or 79-189 | History of Democracy: Thinking Beyond the Self |
Modeling: Mathematics and Experiments (1 course, 9 units minimum)
Courses in this category stress the interplay of mathematical (formal) theories and experimental work. Some courses investigate the internal structure of theories, whereas others use them as models for producing real-world knowledge. Such models may be drawn from a variety of disciplines including the natural sciences, but also, for example, psychology and computer science. The interactions between theorizing and experimenting (observing) can be understood within an intellectual framework that invites comparative assessment. Select one course from the following course options:
Mathematics
21-111 | Differential Calculus | 10 |
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
80-110 | Nature of Mathematical Reasoning | 9 |
80-210 | Logic and Proofs | 9 |
80-211 | Logic and Mathematical Inquiry | 9 |
Natural Science
03-121 | Modern Biology | 9 |
03-125 | Evolution | 9 |
03-132 | Basic Science to Modern Medicine | 9 |
03-133 | Neurobiology of Disease | 9 |
03-161 | Molecules to Mind | 9 |
09-103 | Atoms, Molecules and Chemical Change | 9 |
09-105 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry I | 10 |
12-201 | Geology | 9 |
33-104 | Experimental Physics | 9 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
33-115 | Physics for Future Presidents | 9 |
33-124 | Introduction to Astronomy | 9 |
Other Courses
05-413 | Human Factors | 9 |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
15-110 | Principles of Computing | 10 |
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
33-120 | Science and Science Fiction | 9 |
80-220 | Philosophy of Science | 9 |
80-226 | Revolutions in Science | 9 |
80-312 | Mathematical Revolutions | 9 |
80-327 | Philosophy of Neuroscience | 9 |
84-265 | Political Science Research Methods | 9 |
85-370 | Perception | 9 |
88-275 | Bubbles: Data Science for Human Minds | 9 |
Deciding: Social Sciences and Values (3 courses, 27 units minimum)
The theme of this category is the exploration of cognitive, behavioral and ethical dimensions of decision-making on both the individual and social level. Making decisions requires a broad understanding of human rationality and social interaction. Some courses examine the critical collection and analysis of data for achieving such an understanding, whereas others emphasize the historical development of policies and values, which form the matrix for decision-making.
36-200 | Reasoning with Data -REQUIRED | 9 |
05-292 | IDeATe: Learning in Museums | 12 |
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
80-130 | Introduction to Ethics | 9 |
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-208 | Critical Thinking | 9 |
80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
80-242 | Conflict and Dispute Resolution | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
80-270 | Problems of Mind and Body: Meaning and Doing | 9 |
80-271 | Mind and Body: The Objective and the Subjective | 9 |
80-305 | Decision Theory | 9 |
80-330 | Ethical Theory | 9 |
80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
80-405 | Game Theory | 9 |
80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
85-102 | Introduction to Psychology | 9 |
85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
85-219 | Biological Foundations of Behavior | 9 |
85-221 | Principles of Child Development | 9 |
85-241 | Social Psychology | 9 |
85-251 | Personality | 9 |
85-261 | Psychopathology | 9 |
88-120 | Reason, Passion and Cognition | 9 |
University Requirement (1 course, 3 units)
This is a mini-course, pass/no pass, to be completed in the first semester or online prior to the first semester.
99-101 | Computing @ Carnegie Mellon | 3 |
BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units)
BXA-specific courses give students the opportunity to integrate their areas of concentration by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and arts-based research techniques.
52-190 | BXA Seminar I: Building the Wunderkammer | 9 |
or 52-291 | BXA Seminar II: Transferring Knowledge | |
52-391 | BXA Junior Portfolio | 0 |
52-392 | BXA Seminar III: Deconstructing Disciplines | 9 |
52-401 | BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Project Research | 9 |
52-402 | BXA Seminar V: Capstone Project Production | 9 |
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences Concentration
(9 courses, 81 units minimum)
BHA students declare an 81-unit DC concentration based on existing DC programs, through consultation with their BXA advisor and the DC concentration advisors. A completed DC Concentration Declaration form must be approved by the concentration advisor and submitted to the BXA office, by spring mid-semester break of the student's sophomore year.
Curriculum for several BHA DC concentration options are outlined below, though this list is not exhaustive of all concentrations possible in DC.
BHA students who are admitted as freshmen are undeclared until they have met with a concentration advisor and have submitted their signed Declaration form. BHA students who are admitted through internal transfer must have chosen a DC concentration at the time of their application (which serves as declaration). All BHA students wishing to change their DC concentration at any time following the initial declaration must meet with the advisor of their intended concentration area to complete a new Declaration form, which will be reviewed during the internal transfer application period.
Behavioral Economics, Policy & Organizations Concentration (81 units minimum)
Students in BEPO—the first and only major of its kind—will be uniquely trained in the integration of Economics and Psychology and will have a solid grounding in quantitative methods. The core includes courses in economics, psychology, behavioral economics, and quantitative methods. SDS offers the largest selection of behavioral economics courses anywhere in the world. Applied projects in courses will teach students how to collect original data, design field and laboratory experiments, analyze data, and develop interventions to improve economic outcomes and decisions. Students will be well equipped to enter a wide range of professions and graduate degree programs.
Quantitative Methods (3 courses, 27 units)
36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
88-252 | Causal Inference in the Field | 9 |
Economics Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
73-158 | Markets, Models, and Math | 9 |
or 73-230 | Intermediate Microeconomics | |
or 73-328 | Health Economics | |
or 73-347 | Game Theory Applications for Economics and Business | |
or 73-348 | Behavioral Economics | |
or 73-359 | Benefit-Cost Analysis | |
or 73-408 | Law and Economics | |
or 73-421 | Emerging Markets | |
or 73-427 | Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental Economics | |
or 88-221 | Analytical Foundations of Public Policy |
Psychology Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
88-120 | Reason, Passion and Cognition (freshman or sophomore year) | 9 |
88-302 | Behavioral Decision Making | 9 |
Behavioral Economics Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
88-367 | Behavioral Economics in the Wild | 9 |
Chinese Studies CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
A BHA concentration in Chinese Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of Chinese culture. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Intermediate level proficiency in Chinese. This is equivalent to the completion of three courses (two at the 100-level and one at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in Chinese Studies (4 courses, 39 units minimum)
82-232 | Intermediate Chinese II * | 12 |
or 82-235 | Fables, Legends and Stories from Ancient Chinese Civilization | |
82-331 | Reading Into a New China I: Population, Youth, Marriage, & Housing | 9 |
82-332 | Reading Into a New China II: Transportation, Education, Pop Culture, & Health | 9 |
82-333 | Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture | 12 |
* Students who place out of 82-232/82-235 must take a minimum of 9 additional units chosen from Chinese Studies Electives at the 400-level.
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning, or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in Chinese Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
Core Courses in Chinese History & Society (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course in consultation with the concentration advisor.
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-309 | The Chinese Revolution Through Film (1949-2000) | 9 |
82-230 | Topics in Cultural Comparison | 9 |
82-234 | Topics in Chinese History | 9 |
82-238 | Topics in Chinese Culture | 9 |
Chinese Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (3 courses, 24 units minimum)
Complete two courses from Chinese Studies Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor.
Chinese Studies Electives:
82-334 | Structure of Chinese | 9 |
82-335 | Chinese Culture Through Legends and Folktales | 9 |
82-337 | Mandarin Chinese for Oral Communication I | 9 |
82-338 | Mandarin Chinese for Oral Communication II | 9 |
82-339 | Business Language & Culture in China I | 9 |
82-340 | Business Language & Culture in China II | 9 |
82-431 | China and the West | 9 |
82-432 | Chinese Popular Culture: A Game of Learning * | 9 |
82-433 | Topics in Contemporary Culture of China * | 9 |
82-434 | Studies in Chinese Traditions * | 9 |
82-436 | Introduction to Classical Chinese | 9 |
82-439 | Modern China Through Literature | Var. |
82-440 | Studies in Chinese Literature & Culture | 9 |
82-505 | Undergraduate Internship | Var. |
82-531/532 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies (independent studies) * | Var. |
82-533 | Cultural Topics in Chinese Studies * | 9 |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and the concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the Chinese Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
Business | ||
70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
70-430 | International Management | 9 |
English | ||
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-339 | Topics in Film and Media | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-387 | Writing in the Disciplines | 6 |
History | ||
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-309 | The Chinese Revolution Through Film (1949-2000) | 9 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
84-370 | Global Nuclear Politics | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-388 | Concepts of War and Cyber War | 6 |
84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-137 | Chinese Calligraphy: Culture and Skills | 9 |
82-138 | Comparative China: Perceptions Through Youtube & TikTok * | 9 |
82-230 | Topics in Cultural Comparison * | 9 |
82-234 | Topics in Chinese History * | 9 |
82-238 | Topics in Chinese Culture | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-263 | Approaching Chinese Philosophy: Basic Texts and Implications | 9 |
80-276 | Philosophy of Religion | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Cognitive Science Concentration (81 units minimum)
The field of cognitive science has grown out of increasingly active interaction among psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and neuroscience. All of these fields share the goal of understanding intelligence. By combining these diverse perspectives, students of cognitive science are able to understand cognition at a deep level. Because this concentration is administered by the Psychology Department, it focuses on human cognition and the experimental study of the human mind as illuminated by the techniques of the above disciplines.
Prerequisite Courses
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10-20 |
or 21-111 & 21-112 | Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus | |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
Statistics Course (1 course, 9 units)
36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | 9 |
or 85-309 | Statistical Concepts and Methods for Behavioral and Social Science |
Computational/Cognitive Modeling Core (3 courses, 29 units minimum)
Complete two of the following courses:
15-122 | Principles of Imperative Computation | 10 |
15-150 | Principles of Functional Programming | 10 |
15-251 | Great Ideas in Theoretical Computer Science | 12 |
Plus one of the following courses:
85-412 | Cognitive Modeling | 9 |
85-419 | Introduction to Parallel Distributed Processing | 9 |
85-426 | Learning in Humans and Machines | 9 |
85-435 | Biologically Intelligent Exploration | 9 |
Cognitive Psychology Core (4 courses, 36 units)
85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
or 85-213 | Human Information Processing and Artifical Intelligence | |
85-310 | Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
or 85-311 | Modern Research Methods: Cumulative Science, Big Data, and Meta-Analysis | |
or 85-314 | Cognitive Neuroscience Research Methods |
Plus two of the following (one of which must be 85-3xx or 85-4xx):
85-219 | Biological Foundations of Behavior | 9 |
or 85-107 | The Psychology of Video Games | |
85-359 | Introduction to Music Cognition Research | 9 |
85-360 | Origins of Intelligence | 9 |
85-370 | Perception | 9 |
85-395 | Applications of Cognitive Science | 9 |
85-407 | Neuroscience of Concepts | 9 |
85-408 | Visual Cognition | 9 |
85-414 | Cognitive Neuropsychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
80-310 | Formal Logic | 9 |
80-314 | Causal Discovery, Statistics, and Machine Learning | 9 |
80-315 | Modal Logic | 9 |
80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
80-383 | Language in Use | 9 |
05-413 | Human Factors | 9 |
11-344 | Machine Learning in Practice | 12 |
Cognitive Science Elective (1 course, 9 units)
Choose one elective in consultation with your concentration advisor.
Creative Writing Concentration (81 units minimum)
In the Creative Writing concentration, BHA students develop their talents in writing fiction, poetry and other imaginative forms. While studying with faculty members who are practicing poets and prose writers, students read widely in literature, explore the resources of their imaginations, sharpen their critical and verbal skills and develop a professional attitude toward their writing. The Creative Writing program is based on a conservatory model, made up of faculty and students who have an intense commitment to their work.
Students in the Creative Writing concentration are required to take two of the introductory Survey of Forms courses, ideally in their sophomore year. Choices include Poetry (76-265), Fiction (76-260), Screenwriting (76-269) and Nonfiction (76-261). In order to proceed into the upper level courses in the concentration (and in each of the genres), students must do well in these introductory courses (receive a grade of A or B). After completing the Survey of Forms courses, students take four workshops in fiction, poetry, screenwriting or nonfiction. At least two of the workshops must be taken in a single genre. In the writing workshops, students develop their critical and verbal abilities through close writing and analysis of poems, stories and other literary forms. Their work is critiqued and evaluated by peers and the faculty.
Survey of Forms Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
76-260 | Survey of Forms: Fiction | 9 |
76-261 | Survey of Forms: Creative Nonfiction | 9 |
76-265 | Survey of Forms: Poetry | 9 |
76-269 | Survey of Forms: Screenwriting | 9 |
Note: A student must receive a grade of A or B in the Survey of Forms class in a specific genre in order to be eligible to enroll in a workshop of that genre. A student who receives a grade of C in a Survey of Forms course may enroll in a related workshop only with the permission of the workshop professor. A student who receives a D or R in Survey of Forms may not take a workshop in that genre.
Creative Writing Workshops (4 courses, 36 units)
Complete four Creative Writing workshops, at least two in a single genre. Workshops in all genres may be taken more than once for credit.
76-365 | Poetry Workshop | 9 |
76-366 | Essay Writing Workshop | 9 |
76-460 | Beginning Fiction Workshop | 9 |
76-462 | Advanced Fiction Workshop | 9 |
76-464 | Creative Nonfiction Workshop | 9 |
76-465 | Advanced Poetry Workshop | 9 |
76-469 | Screenwriting Workshop | 9 |
English Electives (3 courses, 27 units)
Complete three courses from the English Department’s offerings. Reading in Forms classes are recommended, as is 76-306 Editing and Publishing. Please consult the list of courses published each semester by the Department for current offerings. Students should discuss curriculum choices with the concentration advisor to determine the best electives for their focus in Creative Writing.
Decision Science Concentration (81 units minimum)
Decision Science is grounded in theories and methods drawn from psychology, economics, philosophy, statistics, and management science. Courses in the BHA concentration in Decision Science cover the three aspects of decision science: (a) normative analysis, creating formal models of rational choice; (b) descriptive research, studying how cognitive, emotional, social, and institutional factors affect judgment and choice, and (c) prescriptive interventions, seeking to improve judgment and decision making. In addition to gaining a broad education in the principles of judgment and decision making, students with a concentration in Decision Science gain broadly applicable skills in research design and analysis. They also have the chance to think about and discuss decision making in many different areas.
Disciplinary Perspectives (5 courses, 48 units)
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
85-102 | Introduction to Psychology | 9 |
88-120 | Reason, Passion and Cognition (freshman or sophomore year) | 9 |
88-223 | Decision Analysis | 12 |
88-302 | Behavioral Decision Making | 9 |
Research Methods (2 courses, 18 units)
36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
or 36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | |
or 85-309 | Statistical Concepts and Methods for Behavioral and Social Science | |
88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
Electives (2 courses, 18 units minimum)
Complete at least 18 units from the following categories of courses. The selected courses may be from one category or from any combination of categories. Note that not all elective courses are offered every year. At least one of these courses (9 units) must be a Department of Social and Decision Sciences course (88-xxx).
Biological and Behavioral Aspects of Decision Making:
85-350 | Psychology of Prejudice | 9 |
85-352 | Evolutionary Psychology | 9 |
85-363 | Attention, Its Development and Disorders | 9 |
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-377 | Attitudes and Persuasion | 9 |
85-442 | Health Psychology | 9 |
85-443 | Social Factors and Well-Being | 9 |
85-444 | Relationships | 9 |
85-446 | Psychology of Gender | 9 |
88-230 | Human Intelligence and Human Stupidity | 9 |
88-231 | Thinking in Person vs. Thinking Online | 9 |
88-342 | The Neuroscience of Decision Making | 9 |
88-355 | Social Brains: Neural Bases of Social Perception and Cognition | 9 |
88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
88-372 | Social and Emotional Brain | 9 |
88-380 | Dynamic Decisions | 9 |
Managerial and Organizational Aspects of Decision Making:
70-311 | Organizational Behavior | 9 |
70-381 | Marketing I | 9 |
70-443 | Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy | 9 |
70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
88-150 | Managing Decisions | 9 |
88-221 | Analytical Foundations of Public Policy | 9 |
88-406 | Behavioral Economics @ Work | 9 |
88-418 | Negotiation: Strategies and Behavioral Insights | 9 |
88-419 | International Negotiation | 9 |
88-444 | Public Policy and Regulations | 9 |
88-451/452 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | 12 |
Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives on Decision Making:
70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
80-208 | Critical Thinking | 9 |
80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
80-246 | Moral Psychology | 9 |
80-249 | AI, Society, and Humanity | 9 |
80-271 | Mind and Body: The Objective and the Subjective | 9 |
80-305 | Decision Theory | 9 |
80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
80-324 | Philosophy of Economics | 9 |
88-275 | Bubbles: Data Science for Human Minds | 9 |
Economic and Statistical Methods for Decision Science:
70-374 | Data Mining & Business Analytics | 9 |
70-455 | Data Management Fundamentals | 9 |
70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
73-265 | Economics and Data Science | 9 |
73-347 | Game Theory Applications for Economics and Business | 9 |
80-405 | Game Theory | 9 |
88-255 | Strategic Decision Making | 9 |
88-300 | Programming and Data Analysis for Social Scientists | 9 |
88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
88-367 | Behavioral Economics in the Wild | 9 |
Decision Science and Public Policy:
84-364 | Comparative Presidential Behavior: Leadership, Personality, and Decision Making | 9 |
84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
88-221 | Analytical Foundations of Public Policy | 9 |
88-344 | Environmental Policy and Planning | 9 |
88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
88-366 | Behavioral Economics of Poverty and Development | 9 |
88-405 | Risk Perception and Communication | 9 |
88-435 | Decision Science and Policy | 9 |
88-444 | Public Policy and Regulations | 9 |
88-451/452 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | 12 |
Research Methods for Decision Science:
36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
85-310 | Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
85-314 | Cognitive Neuroscience Research Methods | 9 |
88-252 | Causal Inference in the Field | 9 |
88-388 | Psychological Models of Decision Making | 9 |
Economics Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Economics provides a solid understanding of economic theory and quantitative economic analysis. The core disciplinary sequences in economic theory and quantitative analysis are combined with calculus and data analysis to provide students with knowledge and skills that allow for creative problem-solving.
Mathematics Prerequisites
These courses are not counted as part of your DC Concentration. It may be used to satisfy general education or free elective requirements.
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
Economic Theory Requirements (4 courses, 36 units)
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 9 |
73-230 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 9 |
73-240 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 9 |
Quantitative Analysis Requirements (2 courses, 18 units)
These courses require 36-200 Reasoning with Data as a pre-requisite; 36-200 fulfills a general education Deciding requirement, as well.
73-265 | Economics and Data Science | 9 |
73-274 | Econometrics I | 9 |
Advanced Economics Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
Students must take two advanced elective courses. Advanced elective courses are those numbered 73-300 through 73-495, as well as courses designated by the program offered by other departments/programs. Additionally, students may work with their economics advisor to structure alternative sets of courses to meet these requirements based on their particular interests, subject to course availability.
Senior Work (1 course, 9 units)
73-497 | Senior Project | 9 |
Ethics, History, & Public Policy Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Ethics, History, & Public Policy (EHPP) provides students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary humanistic and social-scientific education. The concentration in EHPP encourages the development of a broad technical skill set that will benefit students in whatever career they ultimately choose to pursue. Students with a concentration in EHPP learn how to analyze and construct arguments; to evaluate evidentiary statements; to persuade people to agree with their particular claims; to conduct research under time and resource constraints; and to craft policies that address real world problems in a way that is sensitive both to history and competing sets of values. Comprised of courses in the departments of History, Philosophy, Economics and Decision Science, the BHA concentration in EHPP encourages specialization, internship experiences and research in a wide range of policy areas.
Foundations of Public Policy Requirement (1 course, 9 units)
Choose one 9-unit course from the list below.
73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
84-110 | Foundations of Political Economy | 9 |
History Core (3 courses, 27 units)
Choose one 9-unit course from each category below. (Students must earn a final grade of "C" or better for these courses to count toward the concentration).
Policy History:
79-300 | History of American Public Policy | 9 |
U.S. History:
79-204 | American Environmental History | 9 |
79-231 | American Civil Rights Movement: From Garveyism to Black Power | 9 |
79-240 | Development of American Culture | 9 |
79-242 | African American History: Reconstruction to the Present | 9 |
79-244 | Women in American History | 9 |
79-245 | Capitalism and Individualism in American Culture | 9 |
79-248 | U.S. Constitution & the Presidency | 9 |
79-249 | Politics and Social Change in 20th Century America | 9 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
Non-U.S. History:
Non-US Survey | ||
79-202 | Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750 | 9 |
79-203 | The Other Europes: The Habsburgs, Communism, & Central/Eastern Europe, 1740-1990 | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-211 | Modern Southeast Asia: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Cultural Exchange | 9 |
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
79-226 | African History: Earliest Times to 1780 | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-229 | The Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict Since 1948 | 9 |
79-237 | Comparative Slavery | 9 |
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-264 | Tibet and China: History and Propaganda | 6 |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism | 9 |
79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
Philosophy Core (3 courses, 27 units)
Choose one course from three of the four categories below. No more than 9 units at the 100-level may be counted toward this requirement.
Ethics:
80-130 | Introduction to Ethics | 9 |
80-330 | Ethical Theory | 9 |
Political Philosophy:
80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
Foundations of Social Science:
80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
80-324 | Philosophy of Economics | 9 |
Applied Philosophy:
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
80-249 | AI, Society, and Humanity | 9 |
80-336 | Philosophy of Law | 9 |
80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
Elective Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
Choose any two courses from any of the following categories.
Engineering and Public Policy:
19-424 | Energy and the Environment | 9 |
Business:
70-311 | Organizational Behavior | 9 |
70-321 | Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | 9 |
70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
70-364 | Business Law | 9 |
70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
70-430 | International Management | 9 |
Economics:
73-352 | Public Economics | 9 |
73-359 | Benefit-Cost Analysis | 9 |
73-365 | Firms, Market Structures, and Strategy | 9 |
73-408 | Law and Economics | 9 |
73-476 | American Economic History | 9 |
English:
76-492 | Rhetoric of Public Policy | 9 |
History:
79-145 | Genocide and Weapons of Mass Destruction | 9 |
79-189 | History of Democracy: Thinking Beyond the Self | 9 |
79-206 | Crime and Punishment in Early Modern Europe | 9 |
79-228 | The Civil Rights Movement and the World | 9 |
79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
79-234 | Technology and Society | 9 |
79-242 | African American History: Reconstruction to the Present | 9 |
79-247 | African Americans, Imprisonment, and the Carceral State | 9 |
79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History | 9 |
79-280 | Coffee and Capitalism | 9 |
79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: Latin America and the United States | 9 |
79-291 | Innovation and Entertainment: A Business History of American Popular Culture | 9 |
79-298 | Guns in American History: Culture, Violence, and Politics | 6 |
79-299 | From Newton to the Nuclear Bomb: History of Science, 1750-1950 | 9 |
79-301 | History of Surveillance: From the Plantation to Data Capitalism | 6 |
79-302 | Killer Robots:The Ethics, Law, and Politics of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems | 6 |
79-303 | Pittsburgh and the Transformation of Modern Urban America | 6 |
79-305 | Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life | 9 |
79-310 | U. S. Business History: 1870 to the Present | 9 |
79-315 | Thirsty Planet: The Politics of Water in Global Perspective | 9 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
79-322 | Stalin and the Great Terror | 9 |
79-325 | U.S. Gay and Lesbian History | 6 |
79-330 | Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals | 9 |
79-331 | Body Politics: Women and Health in America | 9 |
79-336 | Introduction to Environmental Ideas | 9 |
79-338 | History of Education in America | 9 |
79-339 | Juvenile Delinquency & Film: From Soul of Youth (1920) to West Side Story (1961) | 6 |
79-340 | Juvenile Delinquency & Film: From "Boyz N the Hood"(1991) to "The Wire"(2002-08) | 6 |
79-342 | Introduction to Science and Technology Studies | 9 |
79-343 | Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights | 9 |
79-349 | United States and the Holocaust | 6 |
79-370 | Technology in the United States | 9 |
79-371 | African American Urban History | 9 |
79-381 | Energy and Empire: How Fossil Fuels Changed the World | 9 |
79-397 | Environmental and Public Health Crises in the City | 6 |
Philosophy:
80-101 | Dangerous Ideas in Science and Society | 9 |
80-256 | Modern Moral Philosophy | 9 |
80-305 | Decision Theory | 9 |
80-405 | Game Theory | 9 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy:
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-393 | Legislative Decision Making: US Congress | 6 |
84-402 | Judicial Politics and Behavior | 9 |
Social and Decision Sciences:
88-223 | Decision Analysis | 12 |
88-281 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment | 9 |
88-284 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | 9 |
88-444 | Public Policy and Regulations | 9 |
Note: Other elective courses may be approved at the discretion of the EHPP concentration advisor. A list of these courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Film & Visual Media CONCENTRATION (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Film & Visual Media trains students through a combination of coursework in visual media, film history and analysis, screenwriting, and production of film and other visual media. This concentration offers a comprehensive education in film and visual media, from theoretical framing and historical-cultural contextualization to training skills in both creating and analyzing film, and developing a complex blend of creative, professional and technical competencies. CMU's Department of English is an ideal home for the Film & Visual Media concentration due to the department’s combination of creative writers, film and media studies scholars, film makers, digital humanities and visual communication researchers.
Introductory Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-259 | Film History | 9 |
Production Course (1 course, 9 units)
76-292 | Film Production | 9 |
Screenwriting Course (1 course, 9 units)
76-269 | Survey of Forms: Screenwriting | 9 |
Topics in Film & Visual Media Studies (2 courses, 18 units)
76-312 | Crime and Justice in American Film | 9 |
76-339 | Topics in Film and Media (Can be taken more than once.) | 9 |
76-353 | Transnational Feminisms: Fiction and Film | 9 |
76-367 | Fact Into Film: Translating History into Cinema | 9 |
76-377 | Shakespeare on Film | 9 |
76-438 | The Wire: Crime, Realism, and Long-Form TV | 9 |
76-439 | Film Seminar: The Rise of the Art Film | 9 |
76-448 | Shakespeare on Film | 9 |
76-449 | Race and Media | 9 |
79-225 | West African History in Film | 9 |
79-306 | Fact into Film: Translating History into Cinema | 9 |
79-308 | Crime and Justice in American Film | 9 |
79-309 | The Chinese Revolution Through Film (1949-2000) | 9 |
79-319 | India Through Film | 6 |
79-326 | Shall We Dance? Culture, Politics, and Movement in the 20th Century | 6 |
79-339 | Juvenile Delinquency & Film: From Soul of Youth (1920) to West Side Story (1961) | 6 |
79-340 | Juvenile Delinquency & Film: From "Boyz N the Hood"(1991) to "The Wire"(2002-08) | 6 |
79-341 | The Cold War in Documents and Film | 9 |
82-215 | Arab Culture Through Dialogues, Film, and Literature | 9 |
82-278 | Japanese Film and Literature: The Art of Storytelling | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-355 | Tpcs in Hispanic Std: Beyond the Film Screen: The Hispanic World Through Film | 9 |
Courses in Film Production, Screenwriting, Digital Media, Literature & Culture, and/or Film & Visual Media Studies (3 courses, 27 units)
Students may take an additional three Dietrich College courses for a minimum of 27 units of courses offered in the categories listed above. Because there are dozens of options available, including many of the courses listed above, please consult with the Department of concentration advisor for guidance.
French & Francophone STUDIES CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
A BHA concentration in French & Francophone Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of French and francophone cultures. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Intermediate level proficiency in French. This is equivalent to the completion of four courses (two at the 100-level and two at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in French & Francophone Studies (3 courses, 27 units)
82-303 | French & Francophone Cultures | 9 |
82-304 | French & Francophone Sociolinguistics | 9 |
82-3xx | or 82-4xx | 9 |
Note: 82-303 or 82-304 can be repeated with a different topic. A 400-level course may be substituted with the concentration advisor’s approval.
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning, or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in French & Francophone Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
French & Francophone Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (5 courses, 45 units minimum)
Complete four courses from French & Francophone Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives or three courses from French & Francophone Electives and two courses from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor.
French & Francophone Studies Electives:
82-415/416 | Topics in French and Francophone Studies * | 9 |
82-501/502 | Special Topics in French & Francophone Studies * | Var. |
82-505 | Undergraduate Internship | Var. |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and the concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the French & Francophone Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
English | ||
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-385 | Introduction to Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
History | ||
79-202 | Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750 | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-258 | Napoleon | 6 |
79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
79-350 | Early Christianity | 9 |
79-385 | Out of Africa: The Making of the African Diaspora | 9 |
79-396 | Music, Art, and Society in 19th and 20th Century Europe and the U.S. | 9 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-265 | Political Science Research Methods | 9 |
84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
84-313 | International Organizations and Law | 9 |
84-322 | Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution | 9 |
84-324 | The Future of Democracy | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-364 | Comparative Presidential Behavior: Leadership, Personality, and Decision Making | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-227 | Germany & the European Union | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-288 | Everyday Learning: Designing Learning Exp in Times of Unrest & Uncertainty | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-281 | Language and Thought | 9 |
80-282 | Phonetics and Phonology I | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-241 | Social Psychology | 9 |
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
German Studies Concentration (81 units minimum)
A BHA concentration in German Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of German culture. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Intermediate level proficiency in German. This is equivalent to the completion of four courses (two at the 100-level and two at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in German Studies (3 courses, 27 units)
82-320 | Contemporary Society in Germany, Austria and Switzerland | 9 |
82-323 | Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the 20th Century | 9 |
82-327 | The Emergence of the German Speaking World | 9 |
Note: A 400-level course may be substituted with the concentration advisor's approval.
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning, or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in German Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
German Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (5 courses, 45 units minimum)
Complete four courses from German Studies Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives or three courses from German Studies Electives and two courses from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor.
German Studies Electives:
82-420 | The Crucible of Modernity:Vienna 1900 | 9 |
82-425/426 | Topics in German Literature and Culture * | 9 |
82-427 | Nazi and Resistance Culture | 9 |
82-428 | History of German Film | 9 |
82-429 | German Reading and Translation Workshop: German in Today's World | 9 |
82-505 | Undergraduate Internship | Var. |
82-521/522 | Special Topics in German Studies * | Var. |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and the concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the German Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
English | ||
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-387 | Writing in the Disciplines | 6 |
76-483 | Corpus Analysis in Rhetoric | 9 |
History | ||
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-256 | Sex, Guns, Rock, and Skinheads: Youth Rebellion in Europe, 1960-1990 | 9 |
79-257 | Germany and the Second World War | 9 |
79-349 | United States and the Holocaust | 6 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-227 | Germany & the European Union | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-427 | Nazi and Resistance Culture | 9 |
82-428 | History of German Film | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-251 | Modern Philosophy | 9 |
80-253 | Continental Philosophy | 9 |
80-256 | Modern Moral Philosophy | 9 |
80-275 | Metaphysics | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
Global Studies Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Global Studies is designed for students interested in humanistic approaches to understanding past and present processes of globalization. Participating faculty in the departments of History, Modern Languages and English conduct research in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific. The rigorous yet flexible Global Studies curriculum combines anthropology, history, literary and cultural studies, and advanced language training in order to help students make sense of complex interactions among global processes, regional and local cultures, and societal structures. BHA concentration students in Global Studies develop a broad understanding of their prospects and responsibilities as citizens of the world confronting challenging contemporary problems.
There are two required courses for the concentration: Introduction to Global Studies (79-275) and Global Studies Research Seminar (79-400). Students also choose among several courses focused on theory, research methods, transnational histories, and regional/national histories and cultures.
In addition to coursework at Carnegie Mellon, BHA students with a concentration in Global Studies are encouraged to incorporate a semester of study abroad into their course of study in order to immerse themselves in society different from their own with unfamiliar cultural practices, language and history.
Students should consult frequently with the BHA advisor and the Global Studies concentration advisor who will help students to craft a coherent course of study on specific topics and/or regions that may lead to the capstone research project (79-400 Global Studies Research Seminar ), the BXA capstone project (52-401 and 52-402) or a Dietrich College senior honors thesis. The concentration advisor will also work with students to connect their academic interests and their participation in student organizations and/or organizations based in Pittsburgh with transnational reach.
Global Studies Introductory and Capstone Courses (2 courses, 21 units)
Students must earn a final grade of "C" or better for these courses to count toward the concentration.
79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
79-400 | Global Studies Research Seminar | 12 |
Language Proficiency Requirement
Demonstrating intermediate to advanced level proficiency in a language other than English is a crucial component of the concentration in Global Studies. Normally this requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing a course conducted in the second language at the 300-level or above for French, German, Italian, or Spanish, or the fourth semester (Intermediate II) level or above for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian. Comparable proficiency for other languages can be considered. Additional advanced cultural, historical, and literary study in the second language is strongly recommended. If needed these courses may be counted toward the BHA General Education Communicating: Language and Interpretations category. Additional courses in a language other than English may also be counted as Global Studies transnational, global, regional courses or Global Studies electives as appropriate.
Theoretical and Topical Core Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
To gain a solid foundation in the theories, methods, and analytical topics underpinning the concentration in Global Studies, students select 18 units (typically two courses) from the core courses listed below. Students must earn a final grade of "C" or better in these courses to fulfill the theoretical and topical core course requirement.
79-201 | Introduction to Anthropology | 9 |
79-211 | Modern Southeast Asia: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Cultural Exchange | 9 |
79-278 | How (Not) to Change the World | 9 |
79-280 | Coffee and Capitalism | 9 |
79-289 | Animal Planet: An Environmental History of People and Animals | 9 |
79-314 | The Politics and Culture of Memory | 9 |
79-315 | Thirsty Planet: The Politics of Water in Global Perspective | 9 |
79-317 | Art, Anthropology, and Empire | 9 |
79-318 | Sustainable Social Change: History and Practice | 9 |
79-377 | Food, Culture, and Power: A History of Eating | 9 |
79-379 | Extreme Ethnography | 9 |
79-380 | Hostile Environments: The Politics of Pollution in Global Perspective | 9 |
79-381 | Energy and Empire: How Fossil Fuels Changed the World | 9 |
79-383 | The History of Capitalism | 9 |
Transnational, Global, and Regional Courses (3 courses, 27 units)
To gain insight into how complex transnational and global processes shape and are affected by local, national and regional dynamics, students will select 27 units (typically three courses) from any subcategories below.
Transnational and Global Courses:
76-337 | Intersectional Feminism | 9 |
76-353 | Transnational Feminisms: Fiction and Film | 9 |
76-384 | Race, Nation, and the Enemy | 9 |
76-440 | Postcolonial Theory: Diaspora and Transnationalism | 9 |
79-224 | Mayan America | 9 |
79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
79-237 | Comparative Slavery | 9 |
79-276 | Beyond the Border | 6 |
79-280 | Coffee and Capitalism | 9 |
79-282 | Europe and the World Since 1800 | 9 |
79-283 | Hungry World: Food and Famine in Global Perspective | 9 |
79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: Latin America and the United States | 9 |
79-313 | "Unwanted": Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Patterns of Global Migration | 6 |
79-350 | Early Christianity | 9 |
79-368 | Un-natural Disasters: Societies and Environmental Hazards in Global Perspective | 6 |
79-385 | Out of Africa: The Making of the African Diaspora | 9 |
80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-304 | French & Francophone Sociolinguistics | 9 |
82-345 | Introduction to Hispanic Literary & Cultural Studies | 9 |
84-322 | Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-370 | Global Nuclear Politics | 9 |
84-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
Regional Courses:
Africa | ||
79-225 | West African History in Film | 9 |
79-226 | African History: Earliest Times to 1780 | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-290 | The Slave Passage: From West Africa to the Americas | 6 |
Eastern and Southern Asia and the Pacific | ||
79-264 | Tibet and China: History and Propaganda | 6 |
88-411 | Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
Europe | ||
79-202 | Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750 | 9 |
79-203 | The Other Europes: The Habsburgs, Communism, & Central/Eastern Europe, 1740-1990 | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-208 | Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting | 9 |
79-268 | World War I: The Twentieth Century's First Catastrophe | 9 |
79-270 | Anti-Semitism Then and Now: Perspectives from the Middle Ages to the Present | 6 |
79-323 | Family, Gender, and Sexuality in European History, 500-1800 | 9 |
82-320 | Contemporary Society in Germany, Austria and Switzerland | 9 |
82-415 | Topics in French and Francophone Studies | 9 |
82-441 | Studies in Peninsular Literature and Culture | 9 |
The Middle East | ||
79-229 | The Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict Since 1948 | 9 |
79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
79-336 | Introduction to Environmental Ideas | 9 |
79-398 | Documenting the 1967 Arab-Israeli War | 9 |
84-323 | War and Peace in the Contemporary Middle East | 9 |
The Americas | ||
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
82-245 | New Directions in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
82-343 | Latin America Language and Culture | 9 |
82-451 | Studies in Latin American Literature and Culture | 9 |
82-455 | Topics in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
82-456 | Topics in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
84-308 | Political Economy of Latin America | 9 |
Electives (2 courses, 15 units minimum)
Students are required to take an additional 15 units (typically two courses) of electives, selected from one or both of the subcategories below. "Theoretical and Topical Core Courses" and "Transnational, Global, and Regional Courses" listed above that are not used to fulfill those requirements may be counted as electives in addition to the courses listed below.
Global Studies offers students the opportunity to gain credit for a 9 unit elective while gaining first-hand experience interning with Pittsburgh-based organizations that work across borders. 79-506 Global Studies Internship is offered every semester and students should register for the course after consulting with the concentration advisor. The concentration advisor will assist students with matching their interests to local organizations and identifying an on-site supervisor available to collaborate in the ongoing and final evaluation of the student's work.
Thematic Courses:
57-306 | World Music | 9 |
70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
76-241 | Introduction to Gender Studies | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-449 | Race and Media | 9 |
76-450 | Law, Culture, and the Humanities | 9 |
76-468 | Space and Mobilities | 9 |
79-204 | American Environmental History | 9 |
79-228 | The Civil Rights Movement and the World | 9 |
79-281 | Introduction to Religion | 9 |
79-286 | Archaeology: Understanding the Ancient World | 6 |
79-311 | PaleoKitchen: Food and Cooking in the Ancient World | 6 |
79-316 | Photography, the First 100 Years, 1839-1939 | 9 |
79-324 | #MeToo: Naming and Resisting Gender Violence | 6 |
79-330 | Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals | 9 |
79-343 | Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights | 9 |
79-349 | United States and the Holocaust | 6 |
79-397 | Environmental and Public Health Crises in the City | 6 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
82-215 | Arab Culture Through Dialogues, Film, and Literature | 9 |
82-541 | Special Topics in Hispanic Studies | Var. |
84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-318 | Politics of Developing Nations | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
Nation-based Courses:
79-216 | Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire | 3 |
79-256 | Sex, Guns, Rock, and Skinheads: Youth Rebellion in Europe, 1960-1990 | 9 |
79-257 | Germany and the Second World War | 9 |
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-263 | Mao and the Chinese Cultural Revolution | 9 |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism | 9 |
79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History | 9 |
79-269 | Russian History: From Socialism to Capitalism | 9 |
79-309 | The Chinese Revolution Through Film (1949-2000) | 9 |
79-319 | India Through Film | 6 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
79-322 | Stalin and the Great Terror | 9 |
79-331 | Body Politics: Women and Health in America | 9 |
82-253 | Korean Culture Through Film | 9 |
82-254 | World of Korea, Then and Now | 9 |
82-273 | Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture | 9 |
82-278 | Japanese Film and Literature: The Art of Storytelling | 9 |
82-293 | Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia | 9 |
82-294 | 19th Century Russian Masterpieces | 9 |
82-303 | French & Francophone Cultures | 9 |
82-305 | French in its Social Contexts | 9 |
82-333 | Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture | Var. |
82-342 | Spain: Language and Culture | 9 |
82-344 | U.S. Latinos: Language and Culture | 9 |
82-361 | Italian Language and Culture I | 9 |
82-420 | The Crucible of Modernity:Vienna 1900 | 9 |
82-425 | Topics in German Literature and Culture | 9 |
82-427 | Nazi and Resistance Culture | 9 |
82-428 | History of German Film | Var. |
82-433 | Topics in Contemporary Culture of China | 9 |
82-434 | Studies in Chinese Traditions | 9 |
82-440 | Studies in Chinese Literature & Culture | 9 |
82-473 | Topics in Japanese Studies | 9 |
Hispanic Studies CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
A BHA concentration in Hispanic Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of its varied cultures. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Intermediate level proficiency in Spanish. This is equivalent to the completion of four courses (two at the 100-level and two at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in Hispanic Studies (3 courses, 27 units)
Complete two courses.
82-342 | Spain: Language and Culture | 9 |
82-343 | Latin America Language and Culture | 9 |
82-344 | U.S. Latinos: Language and Culture | 9 |
Complete required course.
82-345 | Introduction to Hispanic Literary & Cultural Studies | 9 |
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning, or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in Hispanic Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
Hispanic Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (5 courses, 45 units)
Complete five courses from Hispanic Studies Electives or four courses from Hispanic Studies Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor.
Hispanic Studies Electives:
82-441 | Studies in Peninsular Literature and Culture * | 9 |
82-443 | Spanish Reading and Translation Workshop | 9 |
82-444 | The Structure of Spanish | 9 |
82-451 | Studies in Latin American Literature and Culture * | 9 |
82-455/456 | Topics in Hispanic Studies * | 9 |
82-506 | Hispanic Studies Internship * | Var. |
82-541/542 | Special Topics in Hispanic Studies * | Var. |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and the concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the Hispanic Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
English | ||
76-385 | Introduction to Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-387 | Writing in the Disciplines | 6 |
76-484 | Discourse Analysis | 9 |
History | ||
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
79-224 | Mayan America | 9 |
79-237 | Comparative Slavery | 9 |
79-276 | Beyond the Border | 6 |
79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: Latin America and the United States | 9 |
Institute for Policy and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-308 | Political Economy of Latin America | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-245 | New Directions in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
82-247 | The Hispanic World: History, Culture and Globalization | 9 |
82-249 | Hispanic Language & Cultures for the Professions | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-281 | Contextual Thinking | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-299 | Equity & Justice | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-285 | Natural Language Syntax | 9 |
80-286 | Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
Information Systems CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
Did you enjoy computer science or more technical courses in high school, but are mostly interested in the practical and social applications of technology? Do you have a passion for business and want to use advanced technology to change how companies work? Do you want to learn how data and technology can be harnessed for social good?
The BHA concentration in Information Systems combines aspects of computer science, information technology, and business management to provide you with an uncommonly well-rounded portfolio. You will be uniquely positioned for an impactful career in an increasingly digitized and connected world and able to adapt to rapid evolution across industries.
In addition to building a solid foundation in computing, communications, and software development, you will also study social sciences and organizational theory to develop "big picture" critical thinking and understand the human impacts of technological change. This blend prepares you to take a leading role in our digital future.
Students must earn a final grade of "C" or better for these courses to count toward the concentration.
Mathematics and Computer Science Prerequisite Courses
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
15-121 | Introduction to Data Structures | 10 |
or 15-122 | Principles of Imperative Computation |
Choose one:
21-112 | Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
21-240 | Matrix Algebra with Applications | 10 |
Information Systems Professional Core (7 courses, 75 units)
67-250 | The Information Systems Milieux -Spring | 9 |
67-262 | Database Design and Development -Fall | 9 |
67-272 | Application Design and Development -Spring | 12 |
67-373 | Information Systems Consulting Project -Spring | 12 |
05-391 | Designing Human Centered Software | 12 |
or 05-410 | User-Centered Research and Evaluation | |
or 05-452 | Service Design | |
17-313 | Foundations of Software Engineering | 12 |
95-422 | Managing Digital Transformation | 9 |
IS Breadth Category (1-2 courses, 6 units minimum)
Choose one-two courses from any of the three IS Breadth categories (Professional Communication, Quantitative Analysis and Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
Professional Communications:
Information systems professionals communicate with a wide range of people in most organizations and often facilitate communications between diverse groups of stakeholders. Consequently, the most successful professionals typically are those with strong communication skills. These courses help students see that the structure and presentation of information affects how well (and how easily) it can be understood and used.
36-315 | Statistical Graphics and Visualization | 9 |
51-261 | Design Center: Communication Design Fundmntls: IxD for Communications | 9 |
or 51-262 | Design Center: CD Fundamentals: Design for Interactions for Communications | |
67-265 | Design Fundamentals: Shaping Interactions and Experiences | 9 |
67-338 | Information & Grid Design | 9 |
70-321 | Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | 9 |
70-340 | Business Communications | 9 |
84-250 | Writing for Political Science and Policy | 9 |
88-418 | Negotiation: Strategies and Behavioral Insights | 9 |
88-419 | International Negotiation | 9 |
88/70/85-341 | Team Dynamics and Leadership | 9 |
Quantitative Analysis and Research Methods:
This area focuses on decision making and data analysis—essential to development of useful information systems. This area exposes students to analytic methods in the social sciences and quantitative methods for approaching complex methods.
36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
36-225 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 9 |
36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | 9 |
36-315 | Statistical Graphics and Visualization | 9 |
36-401 | Modern Regression | 9 |
36-402 | Advanced Methods for Data Analysis | 9 |
36/70-208 | Regression Analysis | 9 |
67-364 | Practical Data Science | 9 |
80-305 | Decision Theory | 9 |
88-223 | Decision Analysis | 12 |
88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
88-252 | Causal Inference in the Field | 9 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The focus of this area is to apply disciplined techniques to generate ideas that have value in a market, and bring them through design, feasibility testing, and frequent revision, towards a potential launch.
05-470 | Digital Service Innovation | 12 |
17-356 | Software Engineering for Startups | 12 |
67-443 | Mobile Application Design and Development | 12 |
International Relations and Politics Concentration (81 units minimum)
Offered through the Institute for Politics and Strategy (IPS), the International Relations and Politics (IRP) BHA concentration analyzes the role of politics at the national, regional, international, and transnational levels; examines political and institutional arrangements within and among these levels; and investigates the grand strategy of nation-states.
Statesmen, scholars, and policy makers often define grand strategy as the combination of diplomatic, economic, military, and political factors used by leaders to defend their respective nation-states. The IRP concentration investigates the way in which leaders and citizens construct grand strategy and national security policy more generally; the impact of domestic and international forces on states’ security and economic policies; and the significance of alliances, coalitions, and international institutions for world politics. Although the study of grand strategy and political institutions is the flagship initiative of the concentration, students are also able to study the effects of culture, economics and society on the international system through a rich set of elective courses.
Thinking systematically about international and domestic politics is the core objective of the IRP concentration. The concentration is rooted in the discipline of political science but also utilizes the interdisciplinary strengths of decision science, economics, and political history. Thus, students pursuing this concentration will use the analytic tools of game theory, economic and statistical analysis, qualitative analysis, rational choice theory and theories of behavioral decision making as they study alliances, coalitions, institutions and political strategy.
The name of the concentration signifies that those studying IRP learn about international relations and domestic politics from the standpoint of the discipline of political science. Also, the concentration taps into and contributes to CMU’s strengths in other social sciences that combine analytical and empirical methods. IRP includes an innovative initiative that incorporates decision science in international relations. It enables students to apply the burgeoning science of judgment and decision making to understanding political actors’ strategies and foibles, the strengths and weaknesses of formal methods of policy analysis (e.g., cost, risk, benefit, analysis), and the factors shaping public responses to politics and policies.
Recognizing the influence of language and culture on politics, students are required to complete the intermediate (200) level, or its equivalent, in a modern language other than English. Advanced-level study is strongly encouraged.
The Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) allows students to study public policy and intern in Washington for one semester. Courses taken through CMU/WSP will count toward the elective sequence in politics and public policy for the IRP concentration.
Prerequisite
84-110 | Foundations of Political Economy | 9 |
or 73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics |
Core Courses (7 courses, 60 units)
84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
84-250 | Writing for Political Science and Policy | 9 |
84-265 | Political Science Research Methods | 9 |
84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-450 | Policy Seminar | 6 |
36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
Language Requirement
BHA IRP students are required to complete the intermediate (200) level or the equivalent in a modern language other than English. The language requirement may be satisfied by the BHA General Education Modern Languages requirement if the 200-level is reached. Advanced level study is strongly encouraged.
Electives (3 courses, 21 units minimum)
International Relations and Politics BHA students will either:
Option 1
Take 21 units (three courses) from the elective lists below. At least two courses must be from the Institute for Politics and Strategy (84-xxx).
Grand Strategy and Political Institutions | ||
66-221 | Topics of Law: Introduction to Intellectual Property Law | 9 |
79-301 | History of Surveillance: From the Plantation to Data Capitalism | 6 |
79-302 | Killer Robots:The Ethics, Law, and Politics of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems | 6 |
80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
84-309 | Political Behavior | 9 |
84-319 | U.S. Foreign Policy and Interventions in World Affairs | 9 |
84-320 | Global Perspectives on International Affairs | 6 |
84-321 | Autocrats and Democrats | 9 |
84-322 | Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution | 9 |
84-323 | War and Peace in the Contemporary Middle East | 9 |
84-324 | The Future of Democracy | 9 |
84-325 | Contemporary American Foreign Policy | 9 |
84-327 | Repression and Control in Dictatorships | 9 |
84-350 | America and the World | 6 |
84-352 | Representation and Voting Rights | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-363 | Comparative Legal Systems | 9 |
84-364 | Comparative Presidential Behavior: Leadership, Personality, and Decision Making | 9 |
84-366 | The American Presidency | 9 |
84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
84-370 | Global Nuclear Politics | 9 |
84-372 | Space and National Security | 9 |
84-373 | Emerging Technologies and the Law | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-382 | Conflicts in the Middle East: Iran, Iraq, and Proxy Warfare | 9 |
84-386 | The Privatization of Force | 9 |
84-387 | Technology and Policy of Cyber War | 9 |
84-388 | Concepts of War and Cyber War | 6 |
84-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
84-390 | Social Media, Technology, and Conflict | 9 |
84-393 | Legislative Decision Making: US Congress | 6 |
84-402 | Judicial Politics and Behavior | 9 |
84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
84-414 | International and Subnational Security | 9 |
84-421 | Advanced Topics in American Politics | 9 |
88-281 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment | 9 |
88-284 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | 9 |
Economics and Society | ||
19-452 | EPP Projects II | 12 |
70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
70-430 | International Management | 9 |
73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 9 |
73-328 | Health Economics | 12 |
73-332 | Political Economy | 9 |
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-249 | AI, Society, and Humanity | 9 |
80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
84-307 | Economic and Political History of Contemporary China | 9 |
84-308 | Political Economy of Latin America | 9 |
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-311 | International Development: Theory and Praxis | 9 |
84-312 | Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa | 6 |
84-313 | International Organizations and Law | 9 |
84-318 | Politics of Developing Nations | 9 |
88-411 | Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
International Cultures | ||
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
79-203 | The Other Europes: The Habsburgs, Communism, & Central/Eastern Europe, 1740-1990 | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
79-224 | Mayan America | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-229 | The Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict Since 1948 | 9 |
79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
79-257 | Germany and the Second World War | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-264 | Tibet and China: History and Propaganda | 6 |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism | 9 |
79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History | 9 |
79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: Latin America and the United States | 9 |
79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
79-313 | "Unwanted": Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Patterns of Global Migration | 6 |
79-314 | The Politics and Culture of Memory | 9 |
79-318 | Sustainable Social Change: History and Practice | 9 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
79-338 | History of Education in America | 9 |
79-342 | Introduction to Science and Technology Studies | 9 |
79-343 | Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights | 9 |
79-377 | Food, Culture, and Power: A History of Eating | 9 |
79-381 | Energy and Empire: How Fossil Fuels Changed the World | 9 |
79-385 | Out of Africa: The Making of the African Diaspora | 9 |
79-398 | Documenting the 1967 Arab-Israeli War | 9 |
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
300 or 400- level language course |
Option 2
Complete their electives via the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) Politics and Public Policy elective sequence.
The Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) Politics and Public Policy Elective Sequence includes: | ||
84-450-84-450 | Policy Seminar-Policy Seminar (This course will count as the Policy Seminar Core Course Requirement) | 12 |
84-360 | CMU/WSP Internship Seminar | 12 |
84-3xx | CMU/WSP Elective Seminars (Take 24 units from the elective list below) | 24 |
CMU/WSP Politics and Public Policy Elective Seminars | ||
84-330 | The Shading of Democracy: The Influence of Race on American Politics | 6 |
84-331 | Money, Media, and the Power of Data in Decisionmaking | 6 |
84-332 | Effects of US Policy on Businesses: Perspectives of Asian Americans | 6 |
84-333 | Power and Levers for Change in Washington, DC | 12 |
84-334 | Presidential Power in a Constitutional System | 6 |
84-335 | Intelligence and Policy | 6 |
84-336 | Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea To Reality | 12 |
84-337 | Biomedical Science Research, Policy, and Governance | 6 |
84-338 | Political News Coverage in the Era of Trump, Twitter, and "Fake News" | 6 |
84-339 | Seminar in Public Policy Research | 12 |
84-340 | Making Change: How Organized Interests Work in Washington | 12 |
84-343 | Language and Power: How to Understand and Use Political Speech | 6 |
84-346 | Legal Issues in Public Administration | 6 |
84-348 | Advocacy, Policy and Practice | 6 |
Japanese Studies Concentration (81 units minimum)
A BHA concentration in Japanese Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of Japanese culture. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Low-intermediate level proficiency in Japanese. This is equivalent to the completion of three courses (two at the 100-level and one at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in Japanese Studies (4 courses, 39 units)
82-272 | Intermediate Japanese II * | 12 |
82-273 | Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture | 9 |
82-371 | Advanced Japanese I | 9 |
82-372 | Advanced Japanese II | 9 |
* Students who place out of 82-272 Intermediate Japanese II must take 12 units chosen from the Japanese Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives category below.
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in Japanese Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
Japanese Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (4 courses, 33 units minimum)
Complete three courses from Japanese Studies Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives or two courses from Japanese Studies Electives and two courses from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor. With permission of the concentration advisor, students are encouraged to complete at least one Japanese history course that qualifies for Japanese Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives at the University of Pittsburgh, one in Japan when they study abroad or in a summer program at any other university.
Japanese Studies Electives
82-373 | Structure of the Japanese Language | 9 |
82-374 | Issues in Japanese Technology & Society | 9 |
82-473/474 | Topics in Japanese Studies * | 9 |
82-505 | Undergraduate Internship | Var. |
82-571/572 | Special Topics in Japanese Studies * | Var. |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the Japanese Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
English | ||
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-387 | Writing in the Disciplines | 6 |
History | ||
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-310 | International Political Economy | 9 |
84-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
84-370 | Global Nuclear Politics | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-388 | Concepts of War and Cyber War | 6 |
84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-234 | Topics in Chinese History | 9 |
82-278 | Japanese Film and Literature: The Art of Storytelling | 9 |
82-279 | Anime - Visual Interplay between Japan and the World | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-373 | Structure of the Japanese Language | 9 |
82-374 | Issues in Japanese Technology & Society | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
Linguistics Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Linguistics combines courses from the departments of English, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Psychology and the Language Technologies Institute. Linguistics is the study of human language, and it encompasses a broad spectrum of research questions, approaches and methodologies. Some linguists are concerned with the cognitive aspects of language learning, production and comprehension; some are concerned with language as a social and cultural phenomenon; others engage in the analysis of linguistic form and meaning, some from a functional and others from a formal perspective. There are also computational approaches to linguistics with both applied and theoretical goals.
Introductory Course (1 course, 9 units)
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
Linguistics Core (2 courses, 18 units)
Take one course each in two of the following three areas.
Sounds:
80-282 | Phonetics and Phonology I | 9 |
Structure:
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-285 | Natural Language Syntax | 9 |
Meaning:
80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
80-383 | Language in Use | 9 |
Extended Core (3 courses, 27 units)
Choose three courses from Extended Core or additional courses from the Linguistics Core above.
80-283 | It Matters How You Say It | 9 |
80-284 | Invented Languages | 9 |
80-286 | Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology | 9 |
80-287 | Language Variation and Change | 9 |
80-288 | Intonation: Transcription and Analysis | 9 |
80-382 | Phonetics and Phonology II | 9 |
80-384 | Linguistics of Turkic Languages | 9 |
80-385 | Linguistics of Germanic Languages | 9 |
80-388 | Linguistic Typology: Diversity and Universals | 9 |
80-488 | Acoustics of Human Speech: Theory, Data, and Analysis | 9 |
Elective Courses (3 courses, 27 units)
Take three additional electives. These can be additional courses from the Core or Extended Core courses listed above, the electives list below, or any other course which must be approved by the concentration advisor as a linguistics elective. Listed below are the additional electives taught on a regular basis. Additional appropriate courses are offered irregularly or on a one-off basis. The concentration advisor will provide students with a list of possible electives each semester, and will assist students in selecting electives that are consistent with their goals and interests. A list of these courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Philosophy:
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
80-484 | Language and Thought | 9 |
English:
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-325 | Intertextuality | 9 |
76-385 | Introduction to Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
Modern Languages:
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-305 | French in its Social Contexts | 9 |
82-373 | Structure of the Japanese Language | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-585 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-304 | French & Francophone Sociolinguistics | 9 |
Psychology:
85-354 | Infant Language Development | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
Language Technologies Institute:
11-411 | Natural Language Processing | 12 |
11-423 | ConLanging: Lrng. Ling. & Lang Tech via Constru Artif. Lang. | 12 |
11-492 | Speech Processing | 12 |
11-422 | Grammar Formalisims | 9 |
LITERATURE & CULTURE CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
The BHA concentration in Literature & Culture teaches students how to read, interpret and write persuasively about novels, poems, plays and other imaginative works across a variety of genres and media forms. Along with teaching students the analytical skills and methodological tools to interpret these works, this major teaches the importance of understanding imaginative works within their cultural and historical contexts. In addition, the concentration is designed to train students in strong professional and academic skills like critical thinking, inductive reasoning and persuasive argumentation that are applicable to other fields of study and a variety of career paths.
Prerequisite Course
76-26x | Survey of Forms (Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting) | 9 |
Required Introductory Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
76-245 | Shakespeare's Dark Plays | 9 |
or 76-247 | Shakespeare: Comedies and Romances | |
76-275 | Critical Writing Workshop | 9 |
200-Level Literature & Culture Course (1 course, 9 units)
Course options include but are not limited to the following:
76-207 | Special Topics in Literature & Culture | 9 |
76-210 | Banned Books | 9 |
76-217 | Literature & Culture of the 20th and 21st Century | 9 |
76-221 | Books You Should Have Read By Now | 9 |
76-223 | Contemporary Black Literature | 9 |
76-230 | Literature & Culture in the 19th Century | 9 |
76-233 | Literature and Culture in the Renaissance | 9 |
76-232 | Introduction to Black Literature | 9 |
76-238 | What Was the Hip-Hop Generation? | 9 |
76-245 | Shakespeare's Dark Plays | 9 |
76-290 | Literature & Culture in the 20th Century | 9 |
300-Level Course (1 course, 9 units)
Course options include but are not limited to the following:
76-310 | Advanced Studies in Film and Media | 9 |
76-311 | Acting Out in the London Theatre | 9 |
76-313 | Creative Visual Storytelling in Film Production | 9 |
76-314 | Data Stories | 9 |
76-337 | Intersectional Feminism | 9 |
76-341 | Gender and Sexuality in Performance | 9 |
76-343 | Rise of the American Novel | 9 |
76-352 | Music, Technology, and Culture | 9 |
76-353 | Transnational Feminisms: Fiction and Film | 9 |
76-361 | Corpus Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-367 | Fact Into Film: Translating History into Cinema | 9 |
76-377 | Shakespeare on Film | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
400-Level Course (1 course, 9 units)
Course options include but are not limited to the following:
76-410 | The Long Eighteenth Century | 9 |
76-412 | Performance and 18th Century Theatrical Culture | 9 |
76-414 | Politics, Media, and Romantic Literature 1789-1830 | 9 |
76-429 | Introduction to Digital Humanities | 9 |
76-440 | Postcolonial Theory: Diaspora and Transnationalism | 9 |
76-443 | Restoration & 18th-Century Theatre | 9 |
76-444 | History of Books and Reading | 9 |
76-448 | Shakespeare on Film | 9 |
Theory Course (1 course, 9 units)
Course options include but are not limited to the following:
76-350 | Critical Theories about Literature | 9 |
Rhetoric Course (1 course, 9 units)
Course options include but are not limited to the following:
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-319 | Environmental Rhetoric | 9 |
76-351 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-355 | Leadership, Dialogue, and Change | 9 |
76-359 | User Experience Methods for Documents | 9 |
76-373 | Argument | 9 |
76-378 | Literacy: Educational Theory and Community Practice | 9 |
76-384 | Race, Nation, and the Enemy | 9 |
76-385 | Introduction to Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
76-396 | Non-Profit Message Creation | 9 |
76-415 | Mediated Power and Propaganda | 9 |
76-418 | Rhetoric and the Body | 9 |
76-419 | Media in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-452 | Generations and Culture | 9 |
76-457 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-475 | Law, Performance, and Identity | 9 |
76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
76-484 | Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-485 | The New Public Sphere | 9 |
76-486 | Argument Theory | 9 |
76-491 | Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-492 | Rhetoric of Public Policy | 9 |
76-496 | Research Methods in Rhetoric & Writing Studies | 9 |
English Elective Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
Complete two additional courses from the English Department’s offerings. One course must be at the 300-level, and one must be at the 400-level. Electives may include any courses offered by the English Department from any specialization area, with the exception of creative writing workshops.
Logic & Computation CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
Students in the program take a common core of courses in logic, methodology, and computer science, together with an associated seminar in their senior year. The individual focus is achieved by selecting a sequence of four advanced and closely related courses. It is in this area of focus (or specialization) that students write their senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
The resulting education in logic, analytic philosophy, mathematics, statistics and computer science enables students to pursue professional careers or graduate study. The analytic and communication skills developed in the major support a wide range of career choices, including those among the fields of technology, business and law. Fields of graduate study for which students are well prepared include, for example, computer science, cognitive science, philosophy, logic and linguistics.
Prerequisites
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
Logic & Computation Core (6 courses, 56 units)
15-122 | Principles of Imperative Computation | 10 |
15-150 | Principles of Functional Programming | 10 |
80-150 | Nature of Reason | 9 |
80-211 | Logic and Mathematical Inquiry | 9 |
80-310 | Formal Logic | 9 |
80-311 | Undecidability and Incompleteness | 9 |
Logic & Computation Electives (3 courses, 25 units minimum)
Bearing in mind prerequisites, Logic & Computation students must complete three advanced courses in areas that use logical and computational tools, such as philosophy, computer science, linguistics, mathematical logic, psychology or statistics. The sequence of courses, mostly at the 300-level, must be selected in consultation with the concentration advisor.
Philosophy Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA Concentration in in Philosophy provides students with a broad humanities education and sharpens their analytical skills. We encourage, but do not require, students to choose a thematic concentration through their electives. Sample curricula emphasizing Pre-Law, Metaphysics and Epistemology, Ethics and Social Philosophy, and Philosophy of Mind are suggested below. However, alternative emphases can be proposed and approved by the concentration advisor.
In any of the areas listed, substitutions of courses that cohere with a student’s interest may be allowed with approval from the concentration advisor.
Introduction to Philosophy (1 course, 9 units)
80-100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 9 |
Area 1: Values and Normative Theory (1 course, 9 units)
80-130 | Introduction to Ethics | 9 |
80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
80-246 | Moral Psychology | 9 |
80-248 | Engineering Ethics | 9 |
80-249 | AI, Society, and Humanity | 9 |
80-330 | Ethical Theory | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-336 | Philosophy of Law | 9 |
80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
80-430 | Ethics and Medical Research | 9 |
80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
Area 2: Philosophy of Mind/Language/Metaphysics (1 course, 9 units)
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-270 | Problems of Mind and Body: Meaning and Doing | 9 |
80-271 | Mind and Body: The Objective and the Subjective | 9 |
80-276 | Philosophy of Religion | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-281 | Language and Thought | 9 |
80-282 | Phonetics and Phonology I | 9 |
80-283 | It Matters How You Say It | 9 |
80-284 | Invented Languages | 9 |
80-285 | Natural Language Syntax | 9 |
80-286 | Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology | 9 |
80-287 | Language Variation and Change | 9 |
80-288 | Intonation: Transcription and Analysis | 9 |
80-327 | Philosophy of Neuroscience | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
80-382 | Phonetics and Phonology II | 9 |
80-383 | Language in Use | 9 |
80-384 | Linguistics of Turkic Languages | 9 |
80-385 | Linguistics of Germanic Languages | 9 |
80-388 | Linguistic Typology: Diversity and Universals | 9 |
80-580 | Seminar on the Philosophy of Language | 9 |
Area 3: Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics (1 course, 9 units)
80-110 | Nature of Mathematical Reasoning | 9 |
80-210 | Logic and Proofs | 9 |
80-211 | Logic and Mathematical Inquiry | 9 |
80-212 | Arguments and Logical Analysis | 9 |
80-310 | Formal Logic | 9 |
80-311 | Undecidability and Incompleteness | 9 |
80-312 | Mathematical Revolutions | 9 |
80-314 | Causal Discovery, Statistics, and Machine Learning | 9 |
80-315 | Modal Logic | 9 |
80-411 | Proof Theory | 9 |
80-413 | Category Theory | 9 |
80-419 | Interactive Theorem Proving | 9 |
80-513 | Seminar on Philosophy of Mathematics | 9 |
80-514 | Categorical Logic | 9 |
80-518 | Seminar on Topics in Logic | 9 |
Area 4: Epistemology/Metaphysics (1 course, 9 units)
80-150 | Nature of Reason | 9 |
80-201 | Knowledge and Justified Belief | 9 |
80-208 | Critical Thinking | 9 |
80-220 | Philosophy of Science | 9 |
80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
80-222 | Measurement and Methodology | 9 |
80-223 | Causality and Probability | 9 |
80-224 | Race, Gender and Science | 9 |
80-226 | Revolutions in Science | 9 |
80-305 | Decision Theory | 9 |
80-322 | Philosophy of Physics | 9 |
80-324 | Philosophy of Economics | 9 |
80-326 | Epistemology of Machine Learning | 9 |
80-327 | Philosophy of Neuroscience | 9 |
80-405 | Game Theory | 9 |
80-515 | Seminar on the Foundations of Statistics | 9 |
80-516 | Causality and Machine Learning | Var. |
80-520 | Seminar on Philosophy Science | 9 |
80-521 | Seminar on Formal Epistemology: Belief and Evidence | Var. |
Area 5: History of Philosophy (1 course, 9 units)
80-150 | Nature of Reason | 9 |
80-226 | Revolutions in Science | 9 |
80-250 | Ancient Philosophy | 9 |
80-251 | Modern Philosophy | 9 |
80-252 | Kant | 9 |
80-253 | Continental Philosophy | 9 |
80-254 | Analytic Philosophy | 9 |
80-255 | Pragmatism | 9 |
80-256 | Modern Moral Philosophy | 9 |
80-257 | Nietzsche | 9 |
80-261 | Experience, Reason, and Truth | 9 |
80-263 | Approaching Chinese Philosophy: Basic Texts and Implications | 9 |
80-358 | Hume | 9 |
80-362 | Russell | 9 |
80-363 | 19th Century Foundations of Science | 9 |
Area 6: Electives (3 courses, 27 units)
Three other philosophy courses, or appropriate courses from other departments, with the permission of the concentration advisor.
Professional Writing Concentration (81 units minimum)
Professional Writing combines liberal and professional education with a strong foundation in rhetorical studies. The concentration in Professional Writing has a strong career orientation and is specifically designed to prepare students for successful careers as writers and communications specialists in a range of fields: publishing, government, journalism, the non-profit sector, education, public and media relations, corporate communications, advocacy writing and the arts. The concentration is designed to develop articulate and reflective communications professionals with both the skills needed to enter and negotiate current work contexts (including writing for the web and other digital media) and the analytic and problem-solving skills needed to understand and keep pace with cultural and technological change.
Prerequisite English Elective Students with a concentration in Professional Writing must complete one perquisite course from the English Department’s offerings, which focuses on the relationships between texts and their cultural and historical contexts. The course must be at or above the 200 level. 76-270 Writing for the Professions, and 76-271 Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing may not count as English electives. Appropriate courses are advertised every semester in the English department’s “What Counts for What” publication.
Foundation Courses (5 courses, 39 units)
76-26x | Survey of Forms (Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry or Screenwriting) | 9 |
76-271 | Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing | 9 |
76-300 | Professional Seminar | 3 |
76-373 | Argument | 9 |
76-390 | Style | 9 |
Rhetoric/Language Studies Course (1 course, 9 units)
Students with a concentration in Professional Writing complete one course from designated Rhetoric courses offered and advertised each semester by the English Department. Rhetoric courses focus on understanding the role of language and language practices in both personal and professional contexts. Courses emphasize the relationships between texts and their contexts and pay particular attention to textual features, meaning, processes of reading and writing, and the ways in which language practices vary over time and across situations and cultures. The courses also equip students with explicit techniques for analyzing, understanding and exploring language practices. The Rhetoric/Language Studies courses may also be taken as part of the concentration requirements for three additional, Advanced Writing/Rhetoric courses and include but are not limited to the following list.
76-319 | Environmental Rhetoric | 9 |
76-325 | Intertextuality | 9 |
76-351 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-359 | User Experience Methods for Documents | 9 |
76-360 | Literary Journalism Workshop | 9 |
76-384 | Race, Nation, and the Enemy | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
76-396 | Non-Profit Message Creation | 9 |
76-415 | Mediated Power and Propaganda | 9 |
76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
76-494 | Healthcare Communications | 9 |
Advanced Writing/Rhetoric Courses (3 courses, 27 units minimum)
Students with a concentration in Professional Writing complete three Advanced Writing/Rhetoric courses at the 300- or 400-level. Options for these courses include all of the Rhetoric/Language Studies courses listed above plus the writing-focused courses listed below. Additional courses that fulfill these requirements are advertised on a semester-by-semester basis. For help in choosing which of the possible options are most appropriate for various professional goals – journalism, writing for new media, editing and publishing, public relations/corporate communications, or science and technical writing – consult your English Department advisor. All students with a concentration in PW, regardless of their career focus, are encouraged to take 76-391 Document & Information Design and 76-487 Web Design to extend their skills in writing for print to include information design for digital media. Both courses focus on the role of the writer in these specializations and provide lab instruction in the relevant software and related computer skills.
76-301 | Internship | Var. |
76-302 | Communication Support Tutoring Practicum | 6 |
76-314 | Data Stories | 9 |
76-319 | Environmental Rhetoric | 9 |
76-351 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-354 | Watchdog Journalism | 9 |
76-359 | User Experience Methods for Documents | 9 |
76-360 | Literary Journalism Workshop | 9 |
76-361 | Corpus Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-372 | News Writing | 9 |
76-378 | Literacy: Educational Theory and Community Practice | 9 |
76-380 | Methods in Humanities Analytics | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
76-391 | Document & Information Design | 9 |
76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
76-396 | Non-Profit Message Creation | 9 |
76-415 | Mediated Power and Propaganda | 9 |
76-418 | Rhetoric and the Body | 9 |
76-419 | Media in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-420 | The Cognition of Reading and Writing: Introduction to a Social/Cognitive Process | 9 |
76-425 | Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere | 9 |
76-457 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-464 | Creative Nonfiction Workshop | 9 |
76-472 | Topics in Journalism: Storytelling in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
76-475 | Law, Performance, and Identity | 9 |
76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
76-481 | Introduction to Multimedia Design | 12 |
76-484 | Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-485 | The New Public Sphere | 9 |
76-486 | Argument Theory | 9 |
76-487 | Web Design | 12 |
76-491 | Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-492 | Rhetoric of Public Policy | 9 |
76-494 | Healthcare Communications | 9 |
76-496 | Research Methods in Rhetoric & Writing Studies | 9 |
English Elective (1 course, 6 units minimum)
Students with a concentration in Professional Writing complete one additional course from the English Department’s offerings. This course should be one that focuses on the relationships between texts and their cultural and historical contexts. Courses in literature, cultural studies, rhetoric and media studies that meet this requirement are advertised on a semester-by-semester basis. The English Elective may be any course offered by the Department with the exception of 76-270 Writing for the Professions, which is designed for non-majors and overlap with 76-271 Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing.
Psychology Concentration (81 units minimum)
Psychology is a science that embraces both biological and social sciences. It is a science concerned with establishing principles and laws regarding the ways in which people think, feel, and behave through the scientific study of human behavior. Students with a concentration in Psychology are expected not only to learn about findings already established by psychologists, but also to become proficient in the investigation and analysis of behavior. This includes observing behavior, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments to test these hypotheses, running experiments, performing statistical analyses and writing reports.
Breadth Courses (4 courses, 36 units)
To gain familiarity with the breadth of the field of Psychology, students take 85-102 Introduction to Psychology and three survey courses.
Required Intro Course:
85-102 | Introduction to Psychology | 9 |
Survey Courses:
85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
or 85-213 | Human Information Processing and Artifical Intelligence | |
85-219 | Biological Foundations of Behavior | 9 |
85-221 | Principles of Child Development | 9 |
85-241 | Social Psychology | 9 |
85-251 | Personality | 9 |
Research Methods and Statistics (2 courses, 18 units)
Students complete one course in Research Methods (9 units). The corresponding survey course is a prerequisite for this course.
85-310 | Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
85-314 | Cognitive Neuroscience Research Methods | 9 |
85-320 | Research Methods in Developmental Psychology | 9 |
85-330 | Analytic Research Methods | 9 |
85-340 | Research Methods in Social Psychology | 9 |
The following Statistics course is a prerequisite for all the Research Methods courses. This Statistics course counts toward the Psychology concentration.
36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences -Fall | 9 |
or 85-309 | Statistical Concepts and Methods for Behavioral and Social Science |
Advanced Courses (3 courses, 27 units)
Complete any three advanced courses or seminars in Psychology numbered higher than 85-341 (excepting 85-480, 85-482, 85-484, 85-505, 85-506, 85-507, 85-508).
Russian Studies CONCENTRATION (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
A BHA concentration in Russian Studies promotes not just language proficiency but also an understanding of Russian culture. Students who arrive at Carnegie Mellon with previous language study and/or who have high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, a Cambridge GCE Advanced level or internal placement exam scores will be able to begin taking courses in the concentration earlier in their undergraduate program. In all cases, progress in the concentration will be accelerated by study abroad, which is recommended for all students.
Prerequisites
Intermediate level proficiency in Russian. This is equivalent to the completion of three courses (two at the 100-level and one at the 200-level) or exemption based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge GCE Advanced level or Carnegie Mellon internal placement test scores.
Core Courses in Russian Studies (3 courses, 33 units)
82-292 | Intermediate Russian II | 12 |
82-294 | 19th Century Russian Masterpieces (12 units) | Var. |
or 82-295 | 20th Century Russian Masterpieces | |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
or 79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism |
Core Courses in Modern Languages (1 course, 9 units)
Complete one course.
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Note: In consultation with the concentration advisor, students may substitute a Modern Languages course elective with one related to language analysis, language learning, or acquisition of language and culture from the listings in Russian Studies or from another department. Examples: 80-180 Nature of Language, 85-421 Language and Thought. In addition, students may choose to take 82-580 Senior Seminar in Modern Languages (3 units). The selected course may not double count in the Electives category.
Russian Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (5 courses, 39 units minimum)
Complete two courses from Russian Studies Electives or one course from Russian Studies Electives and one course from Interdisciplinary Electives in consultation with the concentration advisor.
Russian Studies Electives:
82-293 | Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia | Var. |
82-391 | Advanced Russian I - Berlin, Paris, New York, Harbin | 9 |
82-392 | Advanced Russian II: Great Short Works | 9 |
82-394 | Russian for Heritage Speakers: Babushkas, Russia & Beyond | 9 |
82-397 | Topics in Russian Language & Culture | Var. |
82-599 | Russian Studies Thesis | 9 |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
This list is compiled from possibilities such as but not limited to the following. Students should consult SIO and the concentration advisor for the most up to date interdisciplinary electives appropriate for the Russian Studies curriculum. Courses may be suggested to the concentration advisor for approval as a substitute. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
English | ||
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-387 | Writing in the Disciplines | 6 |
History | ||
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History | 9 |
79-322 | Stalin and the Great Terror | 9 |
79-341 | The Cold War in Documents and Film | 9 |
Institute for Politics and Strategy (Choose in consultation with the concentration advisor.) | ||
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
Modern Languages | ||
82-208 | Eastern Europe: Society and Culture | 9 |
82-280 | Billingual & Bicultural Experiences in the US | 9 |
82-282 | Interpreting Global Texts & Cultures | 9 |
82-283 | Language Diversity & Cultural Identity | 9 |
82-284 | Multicultural Pittsburgh: VR Storytelling | 9 |
82-285 | Podcasting: Language and Culture Through Storytelling | 9 |
82-286 | Cultural Complexities | 9 |
82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
82-480 | Translation Technologies | 9 |
Philosophy | ||
80-180 | Nature of Language | 9 |
80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
80-380 | Philosophy of Language | 9 |
Psychology | ||
85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
85-421 | Language and Thought | 9 |
* Students may repeat these courses with new topics.
Social & Political History Concentration (81 units minimum)
The BHA concentration in Social & Political History focuses on new ways to understand the past and new ways to use what we know, as well as on connections between past and present and on how historical knowledge facilitates understanding of social, cultural and policy change. The History concentration emphasizes empirical methods and conceptual analysis, as well as specific research skills relevant to many types of jobs and further professional training. The History concentration combines a structured sequence of courses, training in research methods, theoretical concepts, and analytical writing skills, plus a considerable array of electives.
The BHA concentration in Social & Political History emphasizes broad-based, cumulative knowledge and interpretive skills in the study of the past. Offerings at the 200- and 300-level are designed to allow maximum flexibility in meeting requirements and maximum choice in focusing on particular themes, places, or eras. Upper-level courses aim to give students majoring in History more time together in smaller classes and more experience working with primary and secondary sources. The senior capstone seminar, Advanced Studies in History, provides training and experience in conducting original research and in interpretive, analytical writing—skills that prepare graduates for professional careers as well as for graduate or law school.
Required History Courses (2 courses, 21 units)
Students must earn a final grade of “C” or better for these courses to count toward the concentration.
79-200 | Introduction to Historical Research & Writing -Sophomore or Junior year | 9 |
79-420 | Historical Research Seminar -Fall, Senior year | 12 |
Required Survey Courses (2 courses, 18 units)
79-202 | Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750 | 9 |
79-203 | The Other Europes: The Habsburgs, Communism, & Central/Eastern Europe, 1740-1990 | 9 |
79-204 | American Environmental History | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-206 | Crime and Punishment in Early Modern Europe | 9 |
79-211 | Modern Southeast Asia: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Cultural Exchange | 9 |
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
79-225 | West African History in Film | 9 |
79-226 | African History: Earliest Times to 1780 | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-229 | The Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict Since 1948 | 9 |
79-231 | American Civil Rights Movement: From Garveyism to Black Power | 9 |
79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
79-240 | Development of American Culture | 9 |
79-241 | African American History: Africa to the Civil War | 9 |
79-242 | African American History: Reconstruction to the Present | 9 |
79-244 | Women in American History | 9 |
79-245 | Capitalism and Individualism in American Culture | 9 |
79-249 | Politics and Social Change in 20th Century America | 9 |
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism | 9 |
79-269 | Russian History: From Socialism to Capitalism | 9 |
79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: Latin America and the United States | 9 |
79-291 | Innovation and Entertainment: A Business History of American Popular Culture | 9 |
79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
Social & Political History Elective Courses (5 courses, 42 units minimum)
A minimum of 42 additional History units must be approved with the History advisor. Any History courses not fulfilling another major requirement may be chosen as an elective. Any History (79-xxx) class can count as an SPH elective except for 79-198, 79-200, 79-400, 79-420, 79-449, 79-491). See the History Department website (www.cmu.edu/dietrich/history) or contact the History advisor for the most current elective offerings.
Students may satisfy the elective requirements in SPH with up to 27 units of the following courses offered by other departments in Dietrich College:
73-476 | American Economic History | 9 |
76-230 | Literature & Culture in the 19th Century | 9 |
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-295 | Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia | 9 |
76-449 | Race and Media | 9 |
80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
80-226 | Revolutions in Science | 9 |
80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
82-208 | Eastern Europe: Society and Culture | 9 |
82-245 | New Directions in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
82-247 | The Hispanic World: History, Culture and Globalization | 9 |
82-293 | Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia | 9 |
82-327 | The Emergence of the German Speaking World | 9 |
82-420 | The Crucible of Modernity:Vienna 1900 | 9 |
82-427 | Nazi and Resistance Culture | 9 |
84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
84-308 | Political Economy of Latin America | 9 |
84-322 | Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution | 9 |
84-324 | The Future of Democracy | 9 |
84-325 | Contemporary American Foreign Policy | 9 |
84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
84-364 | Comparative Presidential Behavior: Leadership, Personality, and Decision Making | 9 |
84-366 | The American Presidency | 9 |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
84-386 | The Privatization of Force | 9 |
84-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
85-380 | In Search of Mind: The History of Psychology | 9 |
88-281 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment | 9 |
88-284 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | 9 |
Statistics Concentration (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
In the BHA concentration in Statistics, students develop and master a wide array of skills in computing, mathematics, statistical theory, and the interpretation and display of complex data. In addition, students with a BHA concentration in Statistics gain experience in applying statistical tools to real problems in other fields and learn the nuances of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mathematics Prerequisites
These courses are not counted as part of your DC Concentration. They may be used to satisfy general education or free elective requirements.
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
or 21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | |
21-240 | Matrix Algebra with Applications | 10 |
or 21-241 | Matrices and Linear Transformations | |
or 21-242 | Matrix Theory |
Note: 21-240, 21-241, 21-242 must be completed before taking 36-401 Modern Regression. 21-241 and 21-242 are intended only for students with a very strong mathematical background.
Statistics Core (6 courses, 54 units)
36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
or 36-290 | Introduction to Statistical Research Methodology | |
36-225 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 9 |
36-226 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 9 |
36-350 | Statistical Computing | 9 |
36-401 | Modern Regression | 9 |
36-402 | Advanced Methods for Data Analysis | 9 |
Special Topics and Electives (3 courses, 27 units)
Students must take a total of three courses from Special Topics (numbered 36-46x) and Statistics Electives listed below. Students will consult with the concentration advisor to select the Special Topics and Electives courses that best fit for their areas of interest.
36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
36-311 | Statistical Analysis of Networks | 9 |
36-313 | Statistics of Inequality and Discrimination | 9 |
36-315 | Statistical Graphics and Visualization | 9 |
36-490 | Undergraduate Research | 9 |
36-46x | Special Topics (topics and offerings vary) | 9 |
36-490 | Undergraduate Research | 9 |
36-493 | Sports Analytics Capstone | 9 |
36-497 | Corporate Capstone Project | 9 |
Statistics & Machine Learning Concentration (81 UNITS MINIMUM)
In the BHA concentration in Statistics & Machine Learning, develop and master a wide array of skills in computing, mathematics, statistical theory, and the interpretation and display of complex data. In addition, students with a BHA concentration in Statistics & Machine Learning gain experience in applying statistical tools to real problems in other fields and learn the nuances of interdisciplinary collaboration. This program is geared towards students interested in statistical computation, data science or “Big Data” problems.
Mathematics and Computer Science Prerequisites
These five courses are not counted as part of your DC Concentration. They may be used to satisfy general education or free elective requirements.
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
or 21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | |
21-240 | Matrix Algebra with Applications | 10 |
or 21-241 | Matrices and Linear Transformations | |
or 21-242 | Matrix Theory | |
15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
Note: 21-240, 21-241, 21-242 must be completed before taking 36-401 Modern Regression. 21-241 and 21-242 are intended only for students with a very strong mathematical background.
Statistics Core (5 courses, 45 units)
36-225 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 9 |
36-226 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 9 |
36-350 | Statistical Computing | 9 |
36-401 | Modern Regression | 9 |
36-402 | Advanced Methods for Data Analysis | 9 |
Data Analysis Electives (1 course, 9 units)
Students must take one course from the Statistics Electives listed below. Students will consult with the concentration advisor to select the Special Topics and Electives courses that best fit for their areas of interest.
36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
36-311 | Statistical Analysis of Networks | 9 |
36-313 | Statistics of Inequality and Discrimination | 9 |
36-315 | Statistical Graphics and Visualization | 9 |
36-46x | Special Topics (topics and offerings vary) | 9 |
36-490 | Undergraduate Research | 9 |
36-493 | Sports Analytics Capstone | 9 |
36-497 | Corporate Capstone Project | 9 |
Machine Learning Core (2 courses, 22 units)
15-122 | Principles of Imperative Computation | 10 |
10-301 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 12 |
Machine Learning Elective (1 course, 9 units minimum)
Students must take one course from the ML Electives listed below. Students will consult with the Statistics & Machine Learning advisor to choose an elective that best fits their area of interest. This course may have additional pre-requisites. Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list and other applicable courses can be reviewed to be approved as an ML elective – please speak with the concentration advisor about this.
05-434/11-344 | Machine Learning in Practice | 12 |
10-403/703 | Deep Reinforcement Learning & Control | 12 |
10-405/605 | Machine Learning with Large Datasets (Undergraduate) | 12 |
10-417 | Intermediate Deep Learning | 12 |
10-418 | Machine Learning for Structured Data | 12 |
10-707 | Advanced Deep Learning | 12 |
11-411 | Natural Language Processing | 12 |
11-441 | Machine Learning for Text and Graph-Based Mining | 9 |
11-485 | Introduction to Deep Learning | 9 |
11-661/761 | Language and Statistics | 12 |
15-386 | Neural Computation | 9 |
15-387 | Computational Perception | 9 |
16-311 | Introduction to Robotics | 12 |
16-385/720 | Computer Vision | 12 |
Technical Writing Concentration (81 units minimum)
The concentration in Technical Writing is specifically designed to prepare students for successful careers involving scientific, technical, and computer-related communication, including writing and designing for digital media. Technical communicators develop and design web sites, explain science and technology to the public, develop print and multimedia materials, develop information management systems, design and deliver corporate training, and develop support systems for consumer products ranging from software for word processing or personal finances to complex data management systems. The Technical Writing concentration includes with a common core of foundation courses in print and on-line communication as well as a set of prerequisites in math, statistics and computer programming.
Students with a Technical Writing concentration take two Theory/Specialization courses specific to either the Technical Communication (TC) or the Scientific and Medical Communication (SMC) track. In addition, students in the SMC track take two courses in the natural sciences or engineering relevant to their areas of interest, while TC students take two electives in management, technology and social issues.
Prerequisite Courses
21-111 | Differential Calculus | 10 |
or 21-112 | Integral Calculus | |
or 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | |
or 21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | |
15-110 | Principles of Computing (recommended for SMC-track students) | 10 |
or 15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | |
(recommended for TC-track students) |
Technical Writing Core Courses (6 courses, 54 units)
76-26x | Survey of Forms (Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry or Screenwriting) | 9 |
76-271 | Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing | 9 |
76-300 | Professional Seminar | 3 |
76-390 | Style | 9 |
76-391 | Document & Information Design | 9 |
76-487 | Web Design | 12 |
Theory/Specialization Courses (2 courses, 18 units minimum)
Complete two courses to deepen your area of specialty in Technical Communication or Scientific and Medical Communication. One course must be chosen from among courses designated as Recommended Options. Check with the English department each semester for additional options.
Recommended Options:
76-319 | Environmental Rhetoric | 9 |
76-359 | User Experience Methods for Documents | 9 |
76-361 | Corpus Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
76-419 | Media in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-425 | Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere | 9 |
76-428 | Visual Verbal Communication | 9 |
76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
76-481 | Introduction to Multimedia Design | 12 |
76-491 | Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-494 | Healthcare Communications | 9 |
Additional Options include but are not limited to the following:
76-301 | Internship | Var. |
76-302 | Communication Support Tutoring Practicum | 6 |
76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
76-319 | Environmental Rhetoric | 9 |
76-325 | Intertextuality | 9 |
76-351 | Rhetorical Invention | 9 |
76-355 | Leadership, Dialogue, and Change | 9 |
76-359 | User Experience Methods for Documents | 9 |
76-360 | Literary Journalism Workshop | 9 |
76-361 | Corpus Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
76-372 | News Writing | 9 |
76-375 | Magazine Writing | 9 |
76-378 | Literacy: Educational Theory and Community Practice | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
76-391 | Document & Information Design | 9 |
76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
76-396 | Non-Profit Message Creation | 9 |
76-419 | Media in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-420 | The Cognition of Reading and Writing: Introduction to a Social/Cognitive Process | 9 |
76-425 | Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere | 9 |
76-428 | Visual Verbal Communication | 9 |
76-472 | Topics in Journalism: Storytelling in a Digital Age | 9 |
76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
76-475 | Law, Performance, and Identity | 9 |
76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
76-481 | Introduction to Multimedia Design | 12 |
76-484 | Discourse Analysis | 9 |
76-487 | Web Design | 12 |
76-491 | Rhetorical Analysis | 9 |
39-605 | Engineering Design Projects | 12 |
Electives (1 course, 9 units)
Students with a Technical Writing concentration take one course outside of English to deepen their area of specialty in their track. Typically, students in the SMC track select courses in the natural sciences, psychology, and social and decision sciences, or (for example) healthcare-related courses in the Heinz School. Students in the TC track typically select courses from engineering, design, HCI, computer science, math or statistics. Students should work with their faculty advisor to select courses that are meaningful for their track.
College of Fine Arts Concentration
(number of courses vary, 108 units minimum)
BHA students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Architecture (108 units)
- Art (108 units)
- Design (108 units)
- Drama (108 units)
- Music (108 units)
ARCHITECTURE CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Architecture Required Courses (7 courses, 52 units minimum)
48-100 | Architecture Design Studio: Poeisis Studio 1 -Fall, Freshman year | 10-15 |
or 48-095 | Spatial Concepts for Non-Architecture Majors | |
62-122 | Digital Media I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-125 | Drawing I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-123 | Digital Media II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
62-126 | Drawing II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
48-240 | Historical Survey of World Architecture and Urbanism I -Spring, Freshman year | 9 |
48-241 | Modern Architecture -Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
Architecture Electives (56 units minimum)
A minimum of 56 additional Architecture units must be approved by the Architecture advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
ART CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Transdisciplinary Research Studios (2 courses, 20 units)
Complete two courses:
60-101 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio I: Risk, Agency, Failure | 10 |
60-201 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio II: Publics | 10 |
60-202 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio III: Futures | 10 |
Media Studios (3 courses, 30 units minimum)
Complete three courses:
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-133 | 3D Media Studio II | 10 |
60-150 | 2D Media Studio: Drawing | 10 |
60-170 | 2D Media Studio: Painting | 10 |
60-251 | 2D Media Studio: Print Media | 10 |
60-260 | 2D Media Studio: Imaging | 10 |
60-110 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to the Moving Image | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10-12 |
or 60-212 | Electronic Media Studio: Interactivity and Computation for Creative Practice |
Advanced Studios (4 courses, 40 units)
Complete four courses. Courses may be offered in the fall and/or spring. Students may take courses in any media area (ETB, SIS, CP or DP3). They may take all courses in one media area if a focus is desired.
60-401/402 | Senior Studio | 10 |
60-403 | Senior Critique Seminar | 10 |
Advanced Electronic and Time-Based Work (ETB) (course numbers 60-410 through 60-429) * | 10 | |
Advanced Sculpture, Installation and Site-Work (SIS) (course numbers 60-430 through 60-447) * | 10 | |
Advanced Contextual Practice (CP) (course numbers 60-448 through 60-449) * | 10 | |
Advanced Drawing, Painting, Print Media and Photography (DP3) (course numbers 60-450 through 60-498) * | 10 | |
60-499 | Studio Independent Study (one only) | 10 |
* | Courses offered intermittently; speak with a BXA advisor to determine course availability. |
Critical Studies (2 courses, 18 units)
60-205 | Critical Theory in Art III -Fall | 9 |
60-206 | Critical Theory in Art IV -Spring | 9 |
Note: Critical Theory I & II are strongly recommended.
Review Requirement (complete 2 required reviews, 0 units)
A review is required at the end of the sophomore and senior years. Pass/no pass only.
60-200 | Sophomore Review -Spring | 0 |
60-400 | Senior Review -Spring | 0 |
DESIGN CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Design Required Courses (16 courses, 98 units)
51-101 | Studio: Survey of Design -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-121 | Visualizing -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-175 | Design Studies: Place -Fall, First-year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-177 | Design Studies: Histories -Fall, First-year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-102 | Design Lab -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-122 | Collaborative Visualizing -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-176 | Design Studies: Futures -Spring, First-year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-178 | Design Studies: Experience -Spring, First-year (mini-4) | 5 |
51-277 | Design Studies: Systems -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-279 | Design Studies: Cultures -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-282 | Design Studies: Persuasion -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-284 | Design Studies: Power -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-4) | 5 |
Choose Two Studios -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-225 | Communications Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | 4.5 |
or 51-245 | Products Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
or 51-265 | Environments Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
Choose Two Corresponding Labs -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-227 | Prototyping Lab I: Communications | 4.5 |
or 51-247 | Prototyping Lab I: Products | |
or 51-267 | Prototyping Lab I: Environments |
Design Electives (10 units)
A minimum of 10 additional Design units must be approved by the Design advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
DRAMA CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Design, 2) Directing, 3) Dramaturgy, 4) Production Technology and Management
Note: There is no BHA Acting or Musical Theatre option.
Required Courses for All Concentration Options (5 courses, 20 units)
54-175-54-176 | Conservatory Hour-Conservatory Hour (1 unit each) | 2 |
54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (prerequisite: 54-177) | 6 |
54-381 | Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism | 6 |
54-362 | Anti-Racist & Equitable Practices in Theater (optional) | 6 |
Work with Drama Faculty Option Coordinator to Approve Concentration Option (88 units minimum):
Design Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional Design units must be approved by the Design faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Directing Required Courses (10 courses, 64 units)
54-121-54-122 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset - Directing I: Sources | 18 |
54-221-54-222 | Directing II: In the Studio - Directing II: Fundamentals | 18 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-517 | Director's Colloquium (four times) | 16 |
A minimum of 24 additional Directing units must be approved by the Directing faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Dramaturgy Required Courses (9 courses, 53 units minimum)
54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
54-121 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset | 9 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-200-54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum-Dramaturgy Forum -Fall (minimum of two; every semester it is offered while enrolled) | 2 |
54-xxx | Dramaturgy 3, 4, 5 or 6 (minimum of two; all four if enrolled as BXA for six semesters or more) | 18 |
A minimum of 29 additional Dramaturgy units must be approved by the Dramaturgy faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Production Technology and Management Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional PTM units must be approved by the PTM faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Audio Recording & Production, 2) Composition, 2) Music Performance (instrumental, organ, piano, voice), 4) Sound Theory & Practice
Required Course for All Concentration Options (1 course, 9 units)
57-152 | Harmony I | 9 |
or 57-149 | Basic Harmony I |
Work with Music Advisor to Approve Concentration Option (99 units minimum):
Audio Recording & Production Required Courses (7 courses, 40 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-338 | Sound Editing and Mastering | 6 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
Choose 59 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
54-166 | Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | 6 |
54-275 | History of Sound Design | 3 |
54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-427 | Advanced Seminar in Film Musicology | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-622 | Independent Study in Sound Recording Production | 3 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Audio Recording & Production concentration.
Composition Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Music Performance Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Sound Theory & Practice Required Courses (7 courses, 47 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
57-911 | Music Since 1945 | 9 |
57-616 | Independent Study in Sound Studies | 9 |
Choose 52 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
15-322 | Introduction to Computer Music (pre-requisite: 15-112) | 9 |
15-323 | Computer Music Systems and Information Processing (pre-requisite: 15-122) | 9 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-343 | Music, Technology, and Culture | 9 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-347 | Electronic and Computer Music (pre-requisite: 57-101 or 57-171) | 6 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-829 | Contemporary Soundscapes | 9 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Sound Theory & Practice concentration.
Free Electives
(approximately 9 courses, 78 units)
Take any Carnegie Mellon course. Many BHA students use their electives to broaden or deepen their concentrations. A maximum of 9 units of physical education and/or military science may be counted toward this requirement. Physical education and military science courses will not be calculated in a student's QPA.
Bachelor of Science and Arts Degree Program
Carnegie Mellon University recognizes that there are students who are naturally gifted in both the fine arts and the natural sciences or mathematics. In order to accommodate students who want to pursue an education simultaneously in these areas, we offer a degree that combines the strengths of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Mellon College of Science (MCS). The intercollege degree, called the Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA), is a rigorous program that offers a unique group of qualified students the opportunity to develop their talents and interests in an area of the fine arts and an area of the natural sciences or mathematics.
The BSA curriculum is divided into three parts: 1) BSA General Education coursework, 2) CFA concentration coursework, and 3) MCS concentration coursework.
The BSA Degree Program is governed by faculty and administrators from both colleges and led by the director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs. The director and associate director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs are the primary advisors and liaisons between CFA and MCS. Students receive extensive advising support. Each student has two additional academic advisors: an advisor in the admitting school of CFA for their fine arts concentration and an advisor in MCS for their natural sciences/mathematics concentration. This network of advisors guides each student through their curriculum.
BSA Curriculum
Units | |
I. BSA General Education | 129 |
II. MCS Concentration | 114-135 |
III. CFA Concentration | 108 |
IV. Free Electives | 8-29 |
Total BSA Degree Requirements | 380 |
BSA General Education
(18 courses, 129 units minimum)
- Mathematics (2 courses, 20 units, 21-120 and 21-122 or 21-124 required)
- Science (3 courses, 31 units, 03-121, 09-105, and 33-121 or 33-151 required)
- First-year Courses (2 courses, 12 units, 76-101 and 99-101 required)
- ENGAGE (3 courses, 3 units)
- Cultural/Global Understanding (1 course, 9 units)
- Humanities and Social Sciences (2 courses, 18 units)
- BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units, 52-190 or 52-291, 52-391, 52-392, 52-401, 52-402)
Technical Breadth Requirements (5 courses, 51 units)
As a 21st Century practicing scientist or mathematician, our graduates will work with others from a variety of technical backgrounds. Therefore, all of our students will be broadly trained within the technical fields of science and math. Students will fulfill this training by completing five (5) introductory technical courses in the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University.
A student must take the five (5) courses listed below. AP/IB/Cambridge credit may be used to fulfill some of these requirements, but STEM electives must be taken at CMU or at another university for transfer credit to reach the total of five (5) Technical Breadth courses. A list of STEM electives can be found in the MCS general education requirements.
Mathematics (2 courses, 20 units)
21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
21-122 | Integration and Approximation | 10 |
or 21-124 | Calculus II for Biologists and Chemists |
Science (3 courses, 31 units)
03-121 | Modern Biology | 9 |
09-105 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry I | 10 |
33-121 | Physics I for Science Students | 12 |
or 33-151 | Matter and Interactions I |
Nontechnical Breadth Requirements (8 courses, 42 units)
MCS aspires for all of our undergraduates to leave our campus with a strong sense of personal integrity, social responsibility, ethics, working with diverse others, global engagement, and personal health and well-being. The following non-technical breadth requirements will require students to develop a personalized plan for their course selection and meta-curricular participation to maximize their CMU experience. Our graduates will be well trained to be life-long and life-wide learners that will lead the scientific community and the world at large.
All candidates for BSA degree must complete the following non-technical breadth requirements:
First-year Courses (2 courses, 12 units)
76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
or 76-102 | Advanced First Year Writing: Special Topics | |
or 76-106 & 76-107 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Data and Writing about Public Problems | |
All undergraduate students must complete the First-Year Writing requirement—the Department of English does not accept any Advanced Placement exemptions. This requirement can be completed in two different ways. Enroll in one of two full-semester courses 101 or 102 (by invitation only), 9 units, or enroll in two of three half-semester mini courses (back-to-back within a single semester) 106/107/108, 4.5 + 4.5 units. Course options and topics: www.cmu.edu/hss/english/first_year/index.html | ||
99-101 | Computing @ Carnegie Mellon | 3 |
ENGAGE (3 courses, 3 units)
The ENGAGE courses are self-directed learning opportunities (using the MyCORE online platform) designed to enhance students’ engagement with wellness and community service. Choose three courses from the list below:
38-110 | ENGAGE in Service | 1 |
38-230 | ENGAGE in Wellness: Looking Inward | 1 |
38-330 | ENGAGE in Wellness: Looking Outward | 1 |
38-430 | ENGAGE in Wellness: Looking Forward | 1 |
Cultural/Global Understanding (1 course, 9 units)
Cultural or global understanding course(s) may be taken at any time. Nine (9) or more units from the following group of courses will fulfill this requirement. Any student who finds an appropriate Carnegie Mellon course not on the list below that might fulfill this requirement should contact their academic advisor to review the course description to determine if it can be substituted. Cultural and global understanding courses that are taken while studying abroad can be used to fulfill this category. In addition, transfer courses will also be considered for this category. However, this course requirement cannot be satisfied with AP/IB/Cambridge exam credit.
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History | 9 |
57-209 | The Beatles | 9 |
57-306 | World Music | 9 |
70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
76-221 | Books You Should Have Read By Now | 9 |
76-232 | Introduction to Black Literature | 9 |
76-239 | Introduction to Film Studies | 9 |
76-241 | Introduction to Gender Studies | 9 |
76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
79-145 | Genocide and Weapons of Mass Destruction | 9 |
79-189 | History of Democracy: Thinking Beyond the Self | 9 |
79-201 | Introduction to Anthropology | 9 |
79-202 | Flesh and Spirit: Early Modern Europe, 1400-1750 | 9 |
79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
79-208 | Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting | 9 |
79-211 | Modern Southeast Asia: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Cultural Exchange | 9 |
79-223 | Mexico: From the Aztec Empire to the Drug War | 9 |
79-227 | Modern Africa: The Slave Trade to the End of Apartheid | 9 |
79-229 | The Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict Since 1948 | 9 |
79-232 | Arabian Peninsula Environmental History | 9 |
79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
79-234 | Technology and Society | 9 |
79-240 | Development of American Culture | 9 |
79-241 | African American History: Africa to the Civil War | 9 |
79-242 | African American History: Reconstruction to the Present | 9 |
79-244 | Women in American History | 9 |
79-245 | Capitalism and Individualism in American Culture | 9 |
79-261 | The Last Emperors: Chinese History and Society, 1600-1900 | 9 |
79-262 | Modern China: From the Birth of Mao ... to Now | 9 |
79-263 | Mao and the Chinese Cultural Revolution | 9 |
79-265 | Russian History: Game of Thrones | 9 |
79-266 | Russian History and Revolutionary Socialism | 9 |
79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History | 9 |
79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
79-280 | Coffee and Capitalism | 9 |
79-283 | Hungry World: Food and Famine in Global Perspective | 9 |
79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
79-343 | Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights | 9 |
79-345 | Roots of Rock & Roll | 9 |
79-350 | Early Christianity | 9 |
79-377 | Food, Culture, and Power: A History of Eating | 9 |
80-100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 9 |
80-250 | Ancient Philosophy | 9 |
80-251 | Modern Philosophy | 9 |
80-253 | Continental Philosophy | 9 |
80-254 | Analytic Philosophy | 9 |
80-255 | Pragmatism | 9 |
80-276 | Philosophy of Religion | 9 |
82-xxx | Any course from Modern Languages | |
84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (2 courses, 18 units)
To fulfill this requirement, students must complete a minimum of two (2) nontechnical courses totaling at least 18 units in the Tepper School of Business and/or the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Courses counted toward the Cultural/Global Understanding requirement, and 76-101, do not count toward this requirement.
Check our web site for courses from DC, CFA, and Tepper that may NOT be used to satisfy this requirement because they are too technical in nature, plus a list of courses in other colleges (including SCS, CIT, Tepper, and Heinz College) that do satisfy this requirement.
BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units)
BXA-specific courses give students the opportunity to integrate their areas of concentration by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and arts-based research techniques.
52-190 | BXA Seminar I: Building the Wunderkammer | 9 |
or 52-291 | BXA Seminar II: Transferring Knowledge | |
52-391 | BXA Junior Portfolio | 0 |
52-392 | BXA Seminar III: Deconstructing Disciplines | 9 |
52-401 | BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Project Research | 9 |
52-402 | BXA Seminar V: Capstone Project Production | 9 |
Mellon College of Science Concentration
(number of courses vary, 114-135 units)
BSA students declare one of the following concentrations, through consultation with their BXA advisor and the MCS concentration advisors. A completed MCS Concentration Declaration form must be approved by the concentration advisor and submitted to the BXA office, by spring mid-semester break of the student's first year.
- Biological Sciences (114 units)
- Chemistry (121 units)
- Mathematical Sciences (123 units)
- Neurobiology (114 units)
- Physics (135 units)
BSA students who are admitted as freshmen are undeclared until they have met with a concentration advisor and have submitted their signed Declaration form. BSA students who are admitted through internal transfer must have chosen an MCS concentration at the time of their application (which serves as declaration). All BSA students wishing to change their MCS concentration at any time following the initial declaration must meet with the advisor of their intended concentration area to complete a new Declaration form, which will be reviewed during the internal transfer application period.
Biological Sciences Concentration (114 units minimum)
Biological Sciences Required Courses (11 courses, 96 units minimum)
03-201 | Undergraduate Colloquium for Sophomores | 2 |
03-220 | Genetics - Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
03-231 | Honors Biochemistry - Spring, Sophomore year | 9 |
03-320 | Cell Biology - Fall, Junior year | 9 |
03-343 | Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology - Fall, Junior year | 12 |
09-106 | Modern Chemistry II | 10 |
09-207 | Techniques in Quantitative Analysis | 9 |
09-208 | Techniques for Organic Synthesis and Analysis | 9 |
or 03-344 | Experimental Biochemistry | |
or 03-345 | Experimental Cell and Developmental Biology | |
or 03-346 | Experimental Neuroscience | |
09-217 | Organic Chemistry I | 9 |
09-218 | Organic Chemistry II | 9 |
33-122 | Physics II for Biological Sciences and Chemistry Students | 9 |
Biological Sciences Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
One course must be an advanced elective selected from 03-3xx or higher, excluding 03-445 and 03-545.
Chemistry Concentration (121 units minimum)
Chemistry Required Courses (14 courses, 103 units)
09-106 | Modern Chemistry II | 10 |
09-219 | Modern Organic Chemistry | 10 |
09-220 | Modern Organic Chemistry II | 10 |
09-214 | Physical Chemistry | 9 |
or 09-344 | Physical Chemistry (Quantum): Microscopic Principles of Physical Chemistry | |
or 09-345 | Physical Chemistry (Thermo): Macroscopic Principles of Physical Chemistry | |
09-348 | Inorganic Chemistry | 10 |
09-221 | Laboratory I: Introduction to Chemical Analysis | 12 |
09-222 | Laboratory II: Organic Synthesis and Analysis | 12 |
09-321 | Laboratory III: Molecular Design and Synthesis | 12 |
or 09-323 | Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory | |
09-204 | Professional Communication Skills in Chemistry | 3 |
09-201-09-202-09-301 | Undergraduate Seminar I - Undergraduate Seminar II: Safety and Environmental Issues for Chemists - Undergraduate Seminar III | 3 |
09-402 | Undergraduate Seminar VI | 3 |
33-122 | Physics II for Biological Sciences and Chemistry Students | 9 |
Note: Students who have a strong chemistry background, should enroll in 09-107 rather than 09-105. Students who complete 09-107 with an "A" grade will be exempted from the requirement to take 09-106 Modern Chemistry II.
Advanced Chemistry Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
May be any upper level chemistry course, 09-3xx or higher, or Biochemistry I, 03-231 or 03-232, with the exception of 09-435 Independent Study, which can be used only by permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Mathematical Sciences Concentration (123 units minimum)
Mathematical Sciences Required Courses (9 courses, 87 units minimum)
(Reasonable substitutions within the core program will be allowed.)
15-110 | Principles of Computing | 10 |
21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 10 |
or 21-128 | Mathematical Concepts and Proofs | |
21-228 | Discrete Mathematics | 9 |
21-241 | Matrices and Linear Transformations | 10 |
or 21-242 | Matrix Theory | |
21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | 9 |
or 21-268 | Multidimensional Calculus | |
21-260 | Differential Equations | 9 |
or 21-261 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | |
or 33-231 | Physical Analysis | |
21-355 | Principles of Real Analysis I | 9 |
21-373 | Algebraic Structures | 9 |
33-142 | Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students | 12 |
or 33-152 | Matter and Interactions II |
Mathematical Sciences Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
Students with a Music concentration should take 21-469 Computational Introduction to Partial Differential Equations.
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, or Computer Science Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
May be computer science course above the 100-level, mathematical science courses beyond the calculus sequence, and statistics courses at the level of 36-225 or higher.
Neurobiology Concentration (114 units minimum)
Neurobiology Required Courses (12 courses, 96 units)
03-161 | Molecules to Mind | 9 |
or 85-219 | Biological Foundations of Behavior | |
03-201 | Undergraduate Colloquium for Sophomores | 2 |
03-220 | Genetics - Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
03-231 | Honors Biochemistry - Spring, Sophomore year | 9 |
03-320 | Cell Biology - Fall, Junior year | 9 |
03-342 | Introduction to Biological Laboratory Practices - Fall, Junior year | 1 |
03-343 | Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biology - Fall, Junior year | 12 |
03-362 | Cellular Neuroscience | 9 |
03-363 | Systems Neuroscience | 9 |
09-217 | Organic Chemistry I | 9 |
33-122 | Physics II for Biological Sciences and Chemistry Students | 9 |
85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
Neurobiology Electives (2 courses, 18 units)
One course must be an advanced elective selected from 03-3xx or higher.
Physics Concentration (135 units minimum)
Physics Required Courses (16 courses, 126 units)
21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | 9 |
33-104 | Experimental Physics | 9 |
33-142 | Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students | 12 |
or 33-152 | Matter and Interactions II | |
33-201 | Physics Sophomore Colloquium I -Fall | 2 |
33-202 | Physics Sophomore Colloquium II -Spring | 2 |
33-211 | Physics III: Modern Essentials | 10 |
33-228 | Electronics I | 10 |
33-231 | Physical Analysis | 10 |
33-232 | Mathematical Methods of Physics | 10 |
33-234 | Quantum Physics | 10 |
33-301 | Physics Upperclass Colloquium I -Fall | 1 |
33-302 | Physics Upperclass Colloquium II -Spring | 1 |
33-331 | Physical Mechanics I | 10 |
33-338 | Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I | 10 |
33-340 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 10 |
33-341 | Thermal Physics I | 10 |
Qualifying Physics Elective (1 courses, 9 units)
One 33-xxx qualifying physics elective course pre-approved by the Physics Department. 33-114 Physics of Musical Sound is highly recommended for students with a Music concentration.
College of Fine Arts Concentration
(number of courses vary, 108 units minimum)
BSA students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Architecture (108 units)
- Art (108 units)
- Design (108 units)
- Drama (108 units)
- Music (108 units)
ARCHITECTURE CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Architecture Required Courses (7 courses, 52 units minimum)
48-100 | Architecture Design Studio: Poeisis Studio 1 -Fall, Freshman year | 10-15 |
or 48-095 | Spatial Concepts for Non-Architecture Majors | |
62-122 | Digital Media I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-125 | Drawing I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-123 | Digital Media II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
62-126 | Drawing II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
48-240 | Historical Survey of World Architecture and Urbanism I -Spring, Freshman year | 9 |
48-241 | Modern Architecture -Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
Architecture Electives (56 units minimum)
A minimum of 56 additional Architecture units must be approved by the Architecture advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
ART CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Transdisciplinary Research Studios (2 courses, 20 units)
Complete two courses:
60-101 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio I: Risk, Agency, Failure | 10 |
60-201 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio II: Publics | 10 |
60-202 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio III: Futures | 10 |
Media Studios (3 courses, 30 units minimum)
Complete three courses:
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-133 | 3D Media Studio II | 10 |
60-150 | 2D Media Studio: Drawing | 10 |
60-170 | 2D Media Studio: Painting | 10 |
60-251 | 2D Media Studio: Print Media | 10 |
60-260 | 2D Media Studio: Imaging | 10 |
60-110 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to the Moving Image | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10-12 |
or 60-212 | Electronic Media Studio: Interactivity and Computation for Creative Practice |
Advanced Studios (4 courses, 40 units)
Complete four courses. Courses may be offered in the fall and/or spring. Students may take courses in any media area (ETB, SIS, CP or DP3). They may take all courses in one media area if a focus is desired.
60-401/402 | Senior Studio | 10 |
60-403 | Senior Critique Seminar | 10 |
Advanced Electronic and Time-Based Work (ETB) (course numbers 60-410 through 60-429) * | 10 | |
Advanced Sculpture, Installation and Site-Work (SIS) (course numbers 60-430 through 60-447) * | 10 | |
Advanced Contextual Practice (CP) (course numbers 60-448 through 60-449) * | 10 | |
Advanced Drawing, Painting, Print Media and Photography (DP3) (course numbers 60-450 through 60-498) * | 10 | |
60-499 | Studio Independent Study (one only) | 10 |
* | Courses offered intermittently; speak with a BXA advisor to determine course availability. |
Critical Studies (2 courses, 18 units)
60-205 | Critical Theory in Art III -Fall | 9 |
60-206 | Critical Theory in Art IV -Spring | 9 |
Note: Critical Theory I & II are strongly recommended.
Review Requirement (complete 2 required reviews, 0 units)
A review is required at the end of the sophomore and senior years. Pass/no pass only.
60-200 | Sophomore Review -Spring | 0 |
60-400 | Senior Review -Spring | 0 |
DESIGN CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Design Required Courses (16 courses, 98 units)
51-101 | Studio: Survey of Design -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-121 | Visualizing -Fall, First-year | 10 |
51-175 | Design Studies: Place -Fall, First-year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-177 | Design Studies: Histories -Fall, First-year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-102 | Design Lab -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-122 | Collaborative Visualizing -Spring, First-year | 10 |
51-176 | Design Studies: Futures -Spring, First-year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-178 | Design Studies: Experience -Spring, First-year (mini-4) | 5 |
51-277 | Design Studies: Systems -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-1) | 5 |
51-279 | Design Studies: Cultures -Fall, Sophomore year (mini-2) | 5 |
51-282 | Design Studies: Persuasion -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-3) | 5 |
51-284 | Design Studies: Power -Spring, Sophomore year (mini-4) | 5 |
Choose Two Studios -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-225 | Communications Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | 4.5 |
or 51-245 | Products Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
or 51-265 | Environments Studio I: Understanding Form & Context | |
Choose Two Corresponding Labs -Fall, Sophomore year: | 4.5+4.5 | |
51-227 | Prototyping Lab I: Communications | 4.5 |
or 51-247 | Prototyping Lab I: Products | |
or 51-267 | Prototyping Lab I: Environments |
Design Electives (10 units)
A minimum of 10 additional Design units must be approved by the Design advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
DRAMA CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Design, 2) Directing, 3) Dramaturgy, 4) Production Technology and Management
Note: There is no BHA Acting or Musical Theatre option.
Required Courses for All Concentration Options (5 courses, 20 units)
54-175-54-176 | Conservatory Hour-Conservatory Hour (1 unit each) | 2 |
54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (prerequisite: 54-177) | 6 |
54-381 | Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism | 6 |
54-362 | Anti-Racist & Equitable Practices in Theater (optional) | 6 |
Work with Drama Faculty Option Coordinator to Approve Concentration Option (88 units minimum):
Design Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional Design units must be approved by the Design faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Directing Required Courses (10 courses, 64 units)
54-121-54-122 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset - Directing I: Sources | 18 |
54-221-54-222 | Directing II: In the Studio - Directing II: Fundamentals | 18 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-517 | Director's Colloquium (four times) | 16 |
A minimum of 24 additional Directing units must be approved by the Directing faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Dramaturgy Required Courses (9 courses, 53 units minimum)
54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
54-121 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset | 9 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-200-54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum-Dramaturgy Forum -Fall (minimum of two; every semester it is offered while enrolled) | 2 |
54-xxx | Dramaturgy 3, 4, 5 or 6 (minimum of two; all four if enrolled as BXA for six semesters or more) | 18 |
A minimum of 29 additional Dramaturgy units must be approved by the Dramaturgy faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Production Technology and Management Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional PTM units must be approved by the PTM faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Audio Recording & Production, 2) Composition, 2) Music Performance (instrumental, organ, piano, voice), 4) Sound Theory & Practice
Required Course for All Concentration Options (1 course, 9 units)
57-152 | Harmony I | 9 |
or 57-149 | Basic Harmony I |
Work with Music Advisor to Approve Concentration Option (99 units minimum):
Audio Recording & Production Required Courses (7 courses, 40 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-338 | Sound Editing and Mastering | 6 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
Choose 59 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
54-166 | Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | 6 |
54-275 | History of Sound Design | 3 |
54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-427 | Advanced Seminar in Film Musicology | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-622 | Independent Study in Sound Recording Production | 3 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Audio Recording & Production concentration.
Composition Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Music Performance Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Sound Theory & Practice Required Courses (7 courses, 47 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
57-911 | Music Since 1945 | 9 |
57-616 | Independent Study in Sound Studies | 9 |
Choose 52 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
15-322 | Introduction to Computer Music (pre-requisite: 15-112) | 9 |
15-323 | Computer Music Systems and Information Processing (pre-requisite: 15-122) | 9 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-343 | Music, Technology, and Culture | 9 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-347 | Electronic and Computer Music (pre-requisite: 57-101 or 57-171) | 6 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-829 | Contemporary Soundscapes | 9 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Sound Theory & Practice concentration.
Free Electives
(approximately 1-3 courses, 8-29 units)
Take any Carnegie Mellon course. A maximum of 9 units of physical education and/or military science may be counted toward this requirement. Physical education and military science courses will not be calculated in a student's QPA.
Engineering and Arts Additional Major
Carnegie Mellon recognizes that there are STEM-minded students who want the opportunity to formally incorporate their fine arts talents with their current study in engineering. In order to accommodate students who wish to pursue an education in both areas, while retaining the full engineering curriculum, we offer an additional major that combines the strengths of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the College of Engineering (E). The Engineering and Arts (EA) additional major is an interdisciplinary program that offers a unique group of qualified Engineering students the foundation to develop their skills and interests in an area of the fine arts and engineering.
The EA curriculum has two main components: BXA requirements and fine arts concentration requirements. Each student's course of study is structured so it can be completed alongside their primary engineering major.
The EA Additional Major Program is governed by faculty and administrators from both colleges and led by the director of the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs. Students receive extensive advising support. The academic advisors in the BXA Intercollege Degree Programs are the advisors and liaisons between CFA and Engineering. Each student has two additional academic advisors: an advisor in the admitting school of CFA to guide their focus in the arts, and their primary advisor in Engineering to guide their full major in engineering.
EA Curriculum
Units | |
I. BXA Requirements | 36 |
II. CFA Concentration | 108 |
Total EA Additional Major Requirements | 144 |
BXA Requirements
BXA Required Courses (5 courses, 36 units)
BXA-specific courses give students the opportunity to integrate their areas of concentration by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and arts-based research techniques.
52-190 | BXA Seminar I: Building the Wunderkammer | 9 |
or 52-291 | BXA Seminar II: Transferring Knowledge | |
52-391 | BXA Junior Portfolio | 0 |
52-392 | BXA Seminar III: Deconstructing Disciplines | 9 |
52-401 | BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Project Research | 9 |
52-402 | BXA Seminar V: Capstone Project Production | 9 |
College of Fine Arts Concentration
(number of courses vary, 108 units minimum)
EA students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Architecture (108 units)
- Art (108 units)
- Drama (108 units)
- Music (108 units)
ARCHITECTURE CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Architecture Required Courses (7 courses, 52 units minimum)
48-100 | Architecture Design Studio: Poeisis Studio 1 -Fall, Freshman year | 10-15 |
or 48-095 | Spatial Concepts for Non-Architecture Majors | |
62-122 | Digital Media I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-125 | Drawing I -Fall, Freshman year | 6 |
62-123 | Digital Media II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
62-126 | Drawing II -Spring, Freshman year | 6 |
48-240 | Historical Survey of World Architecture and Urbanism I -Spring, Freshman year | 9 |
48-241 | Modern Architecture -Fall, Sophomore year | 9 |
Architecture Electives (56 units minimum)
A minimum of 56 additional Architecture units must be approved by the Architecture advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Art Concentration (108 units minimum)
Transdisciplinary Research Studios (2 courses, 20 units)
Complete two courses:
60-101 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio I: Risk, Agency, Failure | 10 |
60-201 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio II: Publics | 10 |
60-202 | Transdisciplinary Research Studio III: Futures | 10 |
Media Studios (3 courses, 30 units minimum)
Complete three courses:
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-133 | 3D Media Studio II | 10 |
60-150 | 2D Media Studio: Drawing | 10 |
60-170 | 2D Media Studio: Painting | 10 |
60-251 | 2D Media Studio: Print Media | 10 |
60-260 | 2D Media Studio: Imaging | 10 |
60-110 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to the Moving Image | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10-12 |
or 60-212 | Electronic Media Studio: Interactivity and Computation for Creative Practice |
Advanced Studios (4 courses, 40 units)
Complete four courses. Courses may be offered in the fall and/or spring. Students may take courses in any media area (ETB, SIS, CP or DP3). They may take all courses in one media area if a focus is desired.
60-401/402 | Senior Studio | 10 |
60-403 | Senior Critique Seminar | 10 |
Advanced Electronic and Time-Based Work (ETB) (course numbers 60-410 through 60-429) * | 10 | |
Advanced Sculpture, Installation and Site-Work (SIS) (course numbers 60-430 through 60-447) * | 10 | |
Advanced Contextual Practice (CP) (course numbers 60-448 through 60-449) * | 10 | |
Advanced Drawing, Painting, Print Media and Photography (DP3) (course numbers 60-450 through 60-498) * | 10 | |
60-499 | Studio Independent Study (one only) | 10 |
* | Courses offered intermittently; speak with a BXA advisor to determine course availability. |
Critical Studies (2 courses, 18 units)
60-205 | Critical Theory in Art III -Fall | 9 |
60-206 | Critical Theory in Art IV -Spring | 9 |
Note: Critical Theory I & II are strongly recommended.
Review Requirement (complete 2 required reviews, 0 units)
A review is required at the end of the sophomore and senior years. Pass/no pass only.
60-200 | Sophomore Review -Spring | 0 |
60-400 | Senior Review -Spring | 0 |
DRAMA CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Design, 2) Directing, 3) Dramaturgy, 4) Production Technology and Management
Note: There is no EA Acting or Musical Theatre option.
Required Courses for All Concentration Options (5 courses, 20 units)
54-175-54-176 | Conservatory Hour-Conservatory Hour (1 unit each) | 2 |
54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (prerequisite: 54-177) | 6 |
54-381 | Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism | 6 |
54-362 | Anti-Racist & Equitable Practices in Theater (optional) | 6 |
Work with Drama Faculty Option Coordinator to Approve Concentration Option (88 units minimum):
Design Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional Design units must be approved by the Design faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Directing Required Courses (10 courses, 64 units)
54-121-54-122 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset - Directing I: Sources | 18 |
54-221-54-222 | Directing II: In the Studio - Directing II: Fundamentals | 18 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-517 | Director's Colloquium (four times) | 16 |
A minimum of 24 additional Directing units must be approved by the Directing faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Dramaturgy Required Courses (9 courses, 53 units minimum)
54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
54-121 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset | 9 |
54-159-54-159 | Production Practicum-Production Practicum (two times) | 12 |
54-200-54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum-Dramaturgy Forum -Fall (minimum of two; every semester it is offered while enrolled) | 2 |
54-xxx | Dramaturgy 3, 4, 5 or 6 (minimum of two; all four if enrolled as BXA for six semesters or more) | 18 |
A minimum of 29 additional Dramaturgy units must be approved by the Dramaturgy faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Production Technology and Management Required Courses (2 courses, 26 units)
54-151-54-152 | Stagecraft-Stagecraft (13 units + 13 units) | 26 |
A minimum of 62 additional PTM units must be approved by the PTM faculty option coordinator. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
MUSIC CONCENTRATION (108 UNITS MINIMUM)
Options available in the following areas: 1) Audio Recording & Production, 2) Composition, 2) Music Performance (instrumental, organ, piano, voice), 4) Sound Theory & Practice
Required Course for All Concentration Options (1 course, 9 units)
57-152 | Harmony I | 9 |
or 57-149 | Basic Harmony I |
Work with Music Advisor to Approve Concentration Option (99 units minimum):
Audio Recording & Production Required Courses (7 courses, 40 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-338 | Sound Editing and Mastering | 6 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
Choose 59 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
54-166 | Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | 6 |
54-275 | History of Sound Design | 3 |
54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-427 | Advanced Seminar in Film Musicology | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-622 | Independent Study in Sound Recording Production | 3 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Audio Recording & Production concentration.
Composition Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Music Performance Required Courses (12 courses, 76 units)
57-161 | Eurhythmics I (recommended co-requisite: 57-181) | 3 |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
57-49x | BXA Studio (4 semesters) | 36 |
57-xxx | Major Ensemble (4 semesters) | 24 |
A minimum of 23 additional Music units must be approved by the Music advisor. A list of these selected courses must be filed in the BXA office.
Sound Theory & Practice Required Courses (7 courses, 47 units)
57-101 | Introduction to Music Technology | 6 |
or 57-171 | Introduction to Music Technology (self-paced) | |
57-181 | Solfege I | 3 |
or 57-180 | Basic Solfege I | |
or 57-185 | Advanced Solfege I | |
57-173 | Survey of Western Music History (co-requisite: 57-188) | 9 |
57-188 | Repertoire and Listening for Musicians | 1 |
18-090 | Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts | 10 |
57-911 | Music Since 1945 | 9 |
57-616 | Independent Study in Sound Studies | 9 |
Choose 52 units from:
57-153 | Harmony II | 9 |
or 57-150 | Basic Harmony II | |
57-182 | Solfege II | 3 |
or 57-186 | Advanced Solfege II | |
15-104 | Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice | 10 |
15-322 | Introduction to Computer Music (pre-requisite: 15-112) | 9 |
15-323 | Computer Music Systems and Information Processing (pre-requisite: 15-122) | 9 |
33-114 | Physics of Musical Sound | 9 |
57-337 | Sound Recording | 6 |
57-343 | Music, Technology, and Culture | 9 |
57-344 | Experimental Sound Synthesis | 9 |
57-347 | Electronic and Computer Music (pre-requisite: 57-101 or 57-171) | 6 |
57-421 | Exploded Ensemble | 6 |
57-425 | Expanded Music Performance | 9 |
57-438 | Multitrack Recording | 9 |
57-478 | Survey of Historical Recording | 6 |
57-829 | Contemporary Soundscapes | 9 |
60-131 | 3D Media Studio I: Foundations in Sculpture, Installation, and Site work | 10 |
60-210 | Electronic Media Studio: Introduction to Interactivity | 10 |
Note: Students completing an IDeATe minor may double-count up to two of the IDeATe minor courses towards the Sound Theory & Practice concentration.
Academic Policies
Professional and Community Standards
As a condition of enrollment BXA, and as a student in the College of Fine Arts, we expect you to positively contribute to the community in order to fully engage in the intellectual life at CFA. Classrooms, studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, exhibition venues and off-campus curricular destinations are safe spaces for expression and self-identification. Students are expected to treat everyone with respect, regardless of race, country of origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, religion, political affiliation or marital status. Lack of respect and harassment includes offensive comments related to any protected personal characteristic, deliberate intimidation, sustained disruption of speech, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention. Violations of this agreement are subject to a response to be determined by the BXA Director and CFA Associate Deans.
Academic Standards and Actions
Academic standards are established to ensure a student is progressing well in their desired CMU degree. Deviation from these standards will prompt an academic action, which notifies both the student and their advisors so appropriate responses can be considered.
At the end of every semester, the academic performance of each BXA student is evaluated based on the established academic standards listed below. As the College of Fine Arts is the unifying body among the BXA degrees, the BXA Director presents recommendations for academic actions to the College of Fine Arts Academic Advisory Council (CFA-AAC) for a final review and council vote in accordance with CFA-AAC protocol. Once the actions are approved, the student will receive written notice of the action. Copies of all communications will also be sent to their BXA, CFA and academic college advisors.
Academic Standards
BXA students are expected to maintain a cumulative QPA of 2.0 or higher and to make satisfactory progress toward their academic degree. Meeting one or more of the following conditions in the semester will result in an academic action. Note that meeting a singular criterion more than once within the current semester is equivalent to meeting 2 or more criteria:
- Semester QPA below 2.0
- Cumulative QPA below 2.0
- Grade of D or R in a required concentration course*
- Grade of R in a general education course
- Completing fewer than 27 factorable units toward intended degree in a semester (free electives do not count toward total)
*as defined by each degree option.
Academic Actions
All academic actions are cumulative and sequential. Should a student resume good standing and later meet the criteria for another academic action, they will continue where they previously left off. All academic actions also transfer between colleges. BXA students who enter the program through internal transfer on action, will continue on the equivalent action.
After an action of probation, the student’s BXA advisor will initiate an intervention team. This team will include the student’s BXA college liaison and all three of their associated advisors (BXA, CFA and academic college advisors) to strategize a path to success and discuss available resources.
Students on an academic action are not allowed to overload classes, cross-register for classes or participate in study abroad during the semesters the action is in effect.
First Academic Action:
Warning: Warning will be administered if a student meets 1 criterion for an academic action within the current semester.
Probation: Probation will be administered if a student meets 2 or more criteria for an academic action.
Second Academic Action:
Probation: Probation will be administered if a student was previously on a “Warning” and now meets 1 or more criteria for an academic action within the current semester.
Final Probation: Final Probation will be administered if a student was previously on a “Probation” and now meets only 1 criterion for an academic action within the current semester.
Suspension: Suspension will be administered if a student was previously on a “Probation” and now meets 2 or more criteria for an academic action or meets an individual criterion multiple times within the current semester.
Third Academic Action:
Final Probation: Final Probation will be administered if a student was previously on a “Probation” and now meets 1 or more criteria for an academic action within the current semester.
Suspension: Suspension will be administered if a student was previously on a “Final Probation” and now meets only 1 criterion for an academic action within the current semester.
Drop: Drop will be administered if a student was previously on Final Probation and now meets 2 or more criteria for an academic action within the given semester. -OR- If a student was previously on a “Suspension” and now meets 1 or more of the criteria for an academic action within the current semester. (If the student has failed to secure admittance to a different program by this time, the student will also be dropped from the university.)
Fourth Academic Action:
Suspension: Suspension will be administered if a student was previously on a “Final Probation” and now meets 1 or more of the criteria for an academic action within the current semester.
Drop: Drop will be administered if a student was previously on a “Suspension” and now meets 1 or more of the criteria for an academic action within the current semester. (If the student has failed to secure admittance to a different program by this time, the student will also be dropped from the university.)
Fifth Academic Action:
Drop: Drop will be administered if a student was previously on a “Suspension” and now meets 1 or more of the criteria for an academic action within the current semester. (If the student has failed to secure admittance to a different program by this time, the student will also be dropped from the university.)
Appeal of Academic Action
Students have the right to appeal academic actions. If a student believes an academic action is inconsistent with BXA policies or merits additional review, a student should submit a formal written appeal, as specified in the initial academic action letter, to the assistant/associate deans listed below, with a copy to the deans of both CFA and their academic college. Appeals should include all relevant materials to substantiate their case and support their concerns.
A student may appeal to the relevant assistant/associate deans within seven days from the date of their academic action letter. All appeals should be in written form, under three pages in length (not including appendices) and authored by the student.
BCSA Appeals should be addressed to:
Kristen Letts Kovak, Senior Associate Dean for Academics, College of Fine Arts
Guy Belloch, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Computer Science Department
BHA Appeals should be addressed to:
Kristen Letts Kovak, Senior Associate Dean for Academics, College of Fine Arts
Ana Maria Ulloa-Shields, Assistant Dean and Director, Dietrich College Academic Advisory Center
BSA Appeals should be addressed to:
Kristen Letts Kovak, Senior Associate Dean for Academics, College of Fine Arts
Maggie Braun, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, Mellon College of Science
If, after carrying out the steps of the process described above, the student believes that the matter has not been adequately resolved, or if no decision has been rendered by the appropriate date, the student may appeal at the university level. To appeal at the university level, the student must present copies of all previously submitted documents and a formal letter of appeal to the provost. The provost or another designated university officer will respond in writing with a final resolution, including the basis for it, within thirty (30) days when possible.
Disabilities
Students with a learning disability or a physical disability are encouraged to email access@andrew.cmu.edu. The circumstances will remain confidential to the extent desired. The university has a formal procedure for documenting disabilities, notifying advisors and faculty, and making arrangements to utilize university resources in support of expressed needs, but will take no action until contacted by the student. The BXA academic advisors will work with the student to coordinate assistance. Please note that requests for accommodations are not retroactive; you must ask that accommodation requests be put in place before you anticipate needing them.
Grading Policies
University grading policies may vary depending on the particular school/department. Please consult the Undergraduate Academic Regulations.
Intercollege Deans’ List
Students who earn 36 graded units (no “pass/no pass” grades) with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, no “incompletes” and “no grades” qualify for BCSA, BHA or BSA Deans’ List. The BXA Intercollege Deans’ List Honors are posted online each semester.
Intercollege Honors
BXA students who successfully complete a BXA Capstone Project under the guidance of a faculty member will graduate with BCSA, BHA, BSA or EA Intercollege Honors if all of the following conditions are met:
- grade of “A” achieved in 62-401 and 62-402
- overall QPA of 3.25 or higher
- research results presented at Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Symposium
As a citizen of two colleges, a BXA student also has the opportunity to graduate with CFA College Honors, DC College Honors, E College Honors and MCS College Honors. These particular honors are defined by each college. BXA students will receive honors color cords during the BXA/CFA Commencement Honors Ceremony and EA additional major students at the College of Engineering Commencement Honors Ceremony.
University Honors
Students who graduate with an overall QPA of 3.5 or higher will graduate with University Honors. Students will receive an honors medallion during the BXA/CFA Commencement Honors Ceremony.
Internal Transfer/Additional Major Process
For current Carnegie Mellon students who wish to apply to a BXA program, an internal transfer and additional major (EA) application process takes place in both the fall and spring semester. Applications are available online and are reviewed by a committee of BCSA, BHA, BSA and EA advisors in October and in March. However, certain concentrations consider applications only once a year; please consult with a BXA advisor for guidance on scheduling your application.
All students applying for internal transfer should meet with their current advisor, a BXA advisor, and an advisor in their target area, as well as take preliminary coursework in their target area and complete their first semester before applying. For all concentrations, there are required courses that must be taken before an application will be considered; please consult with a BXA advisor for guidance on scheduling these courses.
Current BXA students who wish to change their BXA program (e.g. BHA to BCSA) or change their CFA concentration (e.g BHA architecture to BHA art) or delineated options within CFA concentrations (e.g. music performance to music composition) must apply for that change through the internal transfer process. Current BHA and BSA students who wish to change their academic college concentration after declaring (e.g. BHA creative writing to BHA psychology, BSA physics to BSA mathematical sciences) must submit a new DC/MCS Concentration Declaration form for approval of that change, which will be reviewed at the internal transfer committee meeting each semester. Current BXA students seeking internal transfer out of BXA into another college program must apply and meet entry requirements to that program.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is encouraged to broaden BXA students’ interdisciplinary experiences through traditional and non-traditional study abroad, from coursework and artistic studios to for-credit internships, volunteer service and research opportunities.
Courses taken while studying abroad may count toward your BXA concentration requirements, your general education requirements or your free electives. Studying abroad should not delay your graduation, as long as you work with your study abroad advisor and your BXA advisor to plan the most appropriate courses.
The timing and length of program are important considerations while planning. Due to required BXA coursework, students should avoid studying abroad in their last three semesters (junior spring, senior fall/spring). Spending an entire year abroad is not typically possible for BXA students without intending to take an additional semester at Carnegie Mellon. Many students study abroad during the spring of their sophomore year or the fall semester of their junior year, as well during the summer, and over winter and spring breaks. Talk to your BXA academic advisor early in your academic career to identify the best time for study abroad.
When studying abroad, students are still enrolled at Carnegie Mellon. A student never takes a leave of absence to study abroad. Prior to studying abroad, all students must attend a required pre-departure orientation offered by the Office of International Education (OIE).
Students must also complete a Study Abroad Transfer Credit (SATC) form prior to departure for study abroad, which must be signed after completion by the BXA advisor. The SATC will guarantee transfer credit for courses taken abroad, and is filled out by the corresponding departments to the coursework being transferred. Unlike regular transfer credit, there is no limit to the number of courses transferable from study abroad, but there may exist stricter limits on the use of coursework to fulfill concentration or general education requirements.
Students will receive credit for courses for which they receive a grade of “C” or better. However, grades received abroad do not count toward a student’s Carnegie Mellon University QPA.
Transfer Credit
Once a BXA student enrolls at Carnegie Mellon University as a degree candidate, they may transfer a maximum of five courses from another institution (excepting official study abroad programs through the CMU Office of International Education) for credit towards their BXA degree. This applies to courses taken at other institutions in the United States, as well as courses taken internationally in the student’s home country.
Individual departments may impose stricter limits regarding the number or type of courses students propose to take elsewhere to fulfill requirements. Some departments may not accept transfer credit from online courses.
Students must have prior approval to transfer courses from their BXA advisor, as well as concentration advisors, to use coursework towards requirements. To receive permission, students must provide course information (syllabi) to the corresponding department for evaluation of appropriate credit. When the course is finished, official transcripts must be sent to Carnegie Mellon University before credit will be recorded.
Transfer courses must be taken for a letter grade and students must earn a C (2.00) or above (B or above at a community college). Transfer credit is not factored into a student's CMU QPA.
The following courses must be taken at CMU and cannot be transferred in:
- First-Year Writing Requirement Course (76101, 76102, 76106/7/8)
- Reflecting: Societies and Cultures (79-104, 79-145, 79-189)
- 36-200: Statistical Reasoning (AP credit only)
- 99-101: Computing @ Carnegie Mellon
Students currently on university suspension are permitted to take no more than three courses per semester at another institution and no more than a total of five courses.
Withdrawal or Leave of Absence
A student who decides to leave the university must meet with their BXA advisor and complete a Withdrawal or Leave of Absence form. Withdrawal means leaving the university with no intention of returning. Leave of Absence means temporarily leaving the university with a stated intention to return. A withdrawal or leave of absence from the university at any time up to and including the last day of classes (excluding the final examination period), means that grades of W will be recorded for all classes for the semester. Financial responsibility for the semester is dependent upon the date of and the reasons for filing the form. Questions about financial responsibility should be directed to the HUB.
A leave of absence may be voluntary or involuntary. If the leave is voluntary, the student may return any time within four years following the beginning of the leave by filing an Application for Return from Leave of Absence form. If the leave is involuntary, that is, required for academic or disciplinary reasons, the conditions for return will be stated.
About Course Numbers:
Each Carnegie Mellon course number begins with a two-digit prefix that designates the department offering the course (i.e., 76-xxx courses are offered by the Department of English). Although each department maintains its own course numbering practices, typically, the first digit after the prefix indicates the class level: xx-1xx courses are freshmen-level, xx-2xx courses are sophomore level, etc. Depending on the department, xx-6xx courses may be either undergraduate senior-level or graduate-level, and xx-7xx courses and higher are graduate-level. Consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for course offerings and for any necessary pre-requisites or co-requisites.
BXA Intercollege Degree Programs Courses
- 52-190 BXA Seminar I: Building the Wunderkammer
- Fall: 9 units
BXA Seminar I introduces first-year and rising sophomore internal transfer students to the field of interdisciplinary work through the concept of the Wunderkammer, the cabinet of wonders. How do we identify and categorize objects? How do we define their position in the world and in a collection? What kind of knowledge is conveyed through context, representation, and juxtaposition? This class considers how interdisciplinary work can be produced, analyzed, justified and--most importantly--contextualized. Students engage with theoretical and practical readings from across disciplines, with particular emphasis on interpretive theory. Weekly readings in aesthetic and critical theory introduce students to a particular vocabulary of analysis, practiced in class discussion and written responses. Students will conceive, research, produce and present a creative final project at the end of the semester.
- 52-290 Literacy Across Disciplines
- Intermittent: 9 units
This course is intended for CFA students who want to improve their writing and communication skills, with a focus on targeting non-specialist audiences. Assignments and readings will cover formats including artists? statements, grant and other funding applications, and other project proposals. Students will also acquire the critical vocabulary to contextualize their creative work in contemporary conversations about the arts. This course will give you the opportunity to develop skills in identifying and targeting audiences in a variety of rhetorical modes and genres. This course is especially well-suited to sophomores and juniors, but is open to all years.
- 52-291 BXA Seminar II: Transferring Knowledge
- Spring: 9 units
BXA Seminar II is intended for students transferring into a BXA program during their sophomore year or beyond. We'll consider how knowledge is represented across different modes of media--what language, what symbols, what logic guides knowledge acquisition and expression in your varied disciplines? Students engage with theoretical and practical readings from across disciplines, with particular emphasis on interpretive theory. Weekly readings in aesthetic and critical theory introduce students to a particular vocabulary of analysis, practiced in class discussions and written responses. Students will produce written assignments as well as creative responses to the course material.
- 52-292 BXA Student Advisory Council
- Intermittent: 3 units
This course will provide opportunities for students to promote and refine the mission of the BXA programs. Students will develop and practice leadership skills, including collaboration, communication, and project management. Students will be responsible for planning and running BXA student events, including info sessions, social hours, skills workshops, and alumni events. Students are encouraged to think about how to engage other interdisciplinary scholars and artists as well as how to present their own work and programs to the larger university community.
- 52-390 BXA Undergraduate Research Project
- All Semesters
The BXA Undergraduate Research Project is for students who want to work on a self-designed project with the one-to-one guidance of a faculty advisor. The project should be interdisciplinary in nature, and can be a scholarly and/or creative endeavor. The project may take the form of a written thesis, a compilation of creative works, an outreach project, etc. The project topic must be pre-approved by the faculty member who agrees to supervise the project and assign a letter grade for the course. Projects are to be completed in one semester, may be worth 3, 6, 9, or 12 units of academic credit, and cannot be taken concurrently with the BXA Capstone Project during the senior year. To register, students must submit an "Undergraduate Research Project Proposal Form" signed by both the student and the faculty advisor, along with a proposal, to their BXA academic advisor.
- 52-391 BXA Junior Portfolio
- Spring
To better assess the goals and needs of BXA students as they enter their final year and prepare for senior-level projects (e.g. BXA Capstone Project), all students will review their own work and assemble a portfolio during the spring semester of their junior year. Students should work with their BXA advisors and their concentration faculty advisors to assemble a portfolio that represents their academic and creative milestones over the course of their college career. This portfolio also includes reflective written components to allow students to present a narrative of their history with BXA, and identify their goals, visions, ideas and concerns for their future work--both for senior year and beyond. Students should provide an assessment of the areas of intersection between their academic and artistic interests, offer their own specific goals for their academic career, and give a self-evaluation of their performance and opportunities to-date, in light of the programs' broader pedagogical goals.
- 52-392 BXA Seminar III: Deconstructing Disciplines
- Spring: 9 units
The BXA Seminar III will engage BXA juniors in examination of critical theory, the structure of disciplinary knowledge, interdisciplinary approaches and methods, and the purpose, categories, and components of research. The course will meet weekly at the beginning of the semester and biweekly or bimonthly at the second half with time given to completing individual projects. The requirements include short readings, participation in online and seminar discussions, individual self-assessment exercises, the production of small creative works and/or research projects, and presentation of work during both BXA Kaleidoscope and a separate class research showcase held during the final exam period. BXA Seminar III is in preparation for the BXA Capstone Project and/or other senior research projects (Dietrich/MCS/SCS thesis, or CFA senior studio work).
- 52-401 BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Project Research
- Fall and Spring
The BXA Capstone gives BXA students the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of their interdisciplinary work over the course of their academic career. The Capstone should include elements that span the student's CFA and SCS concentrations (for BCSA students), CFA and DC concentrations (for BHA students), CFA and MCS concentrations (for BSA students) or CFA concentration and Engineering major (for EA additional major students). The project can be either a scholarly or creative endeavor, and may take one of many possible forms (e.g., a written thesis, a compilation of creative work or works, an experiment and report, a computer program or animation, etc.). The BXA Capstone sequence covers both semesters of a student's senior year. In the fall, students are enrolled in 52-401 BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Fall (9 units), which meets weekly to discuss strategies for managing research, planning the project and larger theoretical issues related to interdisciplinary work. At the end of the fall course, students will have produced a Capstone Project proposal, an annotated bibliography and multiple versions of their project pitch. In the spring, students enroll in 52-402 BXA Seminar: Capstone Spring (9 units), which has no required classroom time. Instead, students spend the semester doing the research and foundational work necessary for the project, as well as meeting with their faculty and BXA advisors as they create their Capstone Project and prepare to present it at the annual Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Symposium held each May. Students will only be enrolled in 52-401 (18 units) when they are unable to complete a two-semester sequence and need to gain special permission by the BXA Director/Academic Advisor. Students will only be enrolled in 52-401 (18 units) when they are unable to complete a two-semester sequence and need to gain special permission by the BXA Director/Academic Advisor.
- 52-402 BXA Seminar V: Capstone Project Production
- Fall and Spring: 9 units
The BXA Capstone gives BXA students the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of their interdisciplinary work over the course of their academic career. The Capstone should include elements that span the student's CFA and SCS concentrations (for BCSA students), CFA and DC concentrations (for BHA students), CFA and MCS concentrations (for BSA students) or CFA concentration and Engineering major (for EA additional major students). The project can be either a scholarly or creative endeavor, and may take one of many possible forms (e.g., a written thesis, a compilation of creative work or works, an experiment and report, a computer program or animation, etc.). The BXA Capstone sequence covers both semesters of a student's senior year. In the fall, students are enrolled in 52-401 BXA Seminar IV: Capstone Fall (9 units), which meets weekly to discuss strategies for managing research, planning the project and larger theoretical issues related to interdisciplinary work. At the end of the fall course, students will have produced a Capstone Project proposal, an annotated bibliography and multiple versions of their project pitch. In the spring, students enroll in 52-402 BXA Seminar: Capstone Spring (9 units), which has no required classroom time. Instead, students spend the semester doing the research and foundational work necessary for the project, as well as meeting with their faculty and BXA advisors as they create their Capstone Project and prepare to present it at the annual Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Symposium held each May.
- 52-590 BXA Internship
- All Semesters
An internship is a supervised professional work experience with clear links to a student's academic goals. BXA students may choose to complete a BXA Internship for elective credit with appropriate individuals or organizations within or outside of Carnegie Mellon University. Junior and senior BXA students in good academic standing are eligible to receive academic credit for one internship. Grading is pass/no pass only. Prior to enrolling in an internship, the student must have a "BXA Internship Agreement Form" signed by their site supervisor and approved by their BXA academic advisor.