Dietrich College Interdisciplinary Majors
When addressing complex issues, we often rely on approaches that take advantage of a variety of relevant disciplines. The college houses the special category of “interdepartmental majors” for programs where this interdisciplinary approach is most pronounced and in which the varied disciplinary perspectives are most fully integrated. These majors are presented here separately, rather than as departmentally-based options, to reflect and underscore their sponsorship by more than one academic department and the unique features that follow from this structure.
Interdepartmental majors are administered by the academic department of the major's faculty advisor.
The Major in Economics and Politics
Audrey Kurth Cronin, Director, Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
acronin@andrew.cmu.edu, Posner Hall 385A
Emily Half, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs
ehalf@andrew.cmu.edu, Posner Hall 391, 412-268-7082
Politics and economics are deeply interconnected. Political institutions and decision-making impact economic growth, income distribution, and many other aspects of economic life. Both fiscal and monetary policies affect the economy: but these policies also reflect political considerations and influence political outcomes. For example, while the United Nations is often thought of in purely political terms, the Security Council can and does impose sanctions on countries-- an example of an economic policy used for political change.
The Economics and Politics major is offered jointly between the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST) and the Undergraduate Economics Program (UEP). The major will appeal to any student interested in the design, evaluation, and political implementation of economic policy. It will be especially attractive to students considering careers in politics, government agencies, political and business consulting, lobbying, or the law.
The BS in Economics and Politics is an interdisciplinary major. The major will develop the political context and underpinnings of economic policy making. It will explore how political institutions resolve the tradeoffs and disagreements associated with policymaking and how they can facilitate or impede desirable economic outcomes.
CMIST's strengths lie in topics such as emerging technology, national security, and grand strategy. Economic policy is one facet of grand strategy through which governments pursue domestic and international goals. This major will enable students to understand economic statecraft from a broad perspective. It will address key issues such as how multilateral economic institutions such as the IMF and World Bank use economic coercion. Whether coercion is successful or not depends not only on the levers of power but on also on variations in regime structures, alongside complex linkages in the international economy. For example, the viability of the “Euro Zone” depends on whether the political-economic agreements necessary to mitigate institutional weaknesses are politically feasible or destined to failure. In short, international economics affects everything from human rights practices to trade patterns to energy markets to tech company investments to global compliance with climate change treaties.
Economics and Politics is available as both a primary and an additional major. The requirements are the same for both.
Curriculum
A maximum of four courses may double count between the Economics and Politics major and any other majors or minor. Unlimited double counting is permitted with general education requirements.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses taken in the Department of Economics (73-xxx).
Mathematics (19 units)
Students must complete all of the following courses.
| 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
| or 21-112 | Calculus II | |
| 21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
| or 21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | |
Economics Core (54 units)
Students must complete all of the following courses.
| 73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics * | 9 |
| or 73-104 | Principles of Microeconomics Accelerated | |
| 73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 9 |
| 73-230 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 9 |
| 73-240 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 9 |
| 73-265 | Economics and Data Science | 9 |
| 73-274 | Econometrics I | 9 |
| *Students who place out of 73-102 based on the economics placement exam will receive a pre-req waiver for 73-102 and are waived from taking 73-102 | ||
CMIST Core (48 units)
Students must complete all of the following courses.
| 84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
| 84-226 | International Relations | 9 |
| 84-266 | Research Design for Political Science | 9 |
| 84-275 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
| 84-310 | Policy in a Global Economy 1: International Trade and Trade Policy | 6 |
| 84-311 | Policy in a Global Economy 2: International Macroeconomics and Finance | 6 |
Communication (9 units)
Students must complete the following course:
| 84-250 | Writing for Political Science and Policy | 9 |
Electives (27 units)
Majors are required to take 27 units (usually three courses) from the elective lists below. At least 9 units (typically one course) must be taken from Economics (73-xxx) and at least 9 units (typically one course)) must be taken from the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (84-xxx). Students may complete electives through coursework in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP).
| Economics Electives | ||
| 73-328 | Health Economics | 12 |
| 73-332 | Political Economy | 9 |
| 73-338 | Financial Crises and Risk | 9 |
| 73-348 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
| 73-352 | Public Economics | 9 |
| 73-353 | Financial Regulation in the Digital Age | 9 |
| 73-365 | Firms, Market Structures, and Strategy | 9 |
| 73-421 | Emerging Markets | 9 |
| 73-427 | Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental Economics | 9 |
| CMIST: Political Science and International Relations Electives | ||
| 84-120 | Introduction to US Constitutional Law | 9 |
| 84-200 | Security War Game Simulation | 6 |
| 84-252 | Briefing in the Policy World | 6 |
| 84-274 | An Introduction to Technology and War | 9 |
| 84-280 | Popcorn and Politics: American Foreign Policy at the Movies | 10 |
| 84-303 | International Human Rights | 6 |
| 84-304 | In the News: Analysis of Current US National Security Priorities | 6 |
| 84-306 | Latin American Politics | 9 |
| 84-309 | American Political Divides and Great Debates | 9 |
| 84-312 | Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa | 6 |
| 84-313 | International Organizations and Law | 6 |
| 84-317 | Defense PPBE in the Age of Emerging Technologies | 6 |
| 84-318 | Politics of Developing Nations | 9 |
| 84-319 | Civil-Military Relations | 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 |
| 84-328 | Military Strategy and Doctrine | 9 |
| 84-329 | Asian Strategies | 6 |
| 84-332 | Contemporary US Constitutional Law Issues Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP | 6 |
| 84-338 | Analysis of US Presidential Powers Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP | 6 |
| 84-349 | Digital Diplomacy: Cybersecurity Challenges and Global Governance | 9 |
| 84-350 | A Strategist's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 9 |
| 84-351 | Bias, Objectivity, and the Media's Role in Politics | 6 |
| 84-352 | Representation and Voting Rights | 9 |
| 84-354 | The American Experiment: Unravelling the US Electoral System | 6 |
| 84-355 | Democracy's Data: Analytics and Insights into American Elections | 9 |
| 84-360 | CMU/WSP: Internship Seminar Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP | 24 |
| 84-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
| 84-363 | Click. Hack. Rule: Understanding the Power & Peril of Cyber Conflict | 9 |
| 84-365 | The Politics of Fake News and Misinformation | 9 |
| 84-367 | The Politics of Antisemitism | 9 |
| 84-369 | Decision Science for International Relations | 9 |
| 84-370 | Nuclear Security & Arms Control | 9 |
| 84-372 | Space and National Security | 9 |
| 84-373 | Emerging Technologies and International Law | 9 |
| 84-380 | US Grand Strategy | 9 |
| 84-383 | Cyber Policy as National Policy | 6 |
| 84-386 | The Privatization of Force | 9 |
| 84-387 | Remote Systems and the Cyber Domain in Conflict | 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 | 9 |
| 84-402 | Judicial Politics and Behavior | 9 |
| 84-405 | The Future of Warfare | 9 |
| 84-440 | Collaborative Research in Political Science | Var. |
| Additional Electives | ||
| 19-411 | Science and Innovation Leadership for the 21st Century: Firms, Nations, and Tech | 9 |
| 19-425 | Sustainable Energy for the Developing World | 9 |
| 70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
| 70-430 | International Management | 9 |
| 79-280 | Coffee and Capitalism | 9 |
| 79-318 | Sustainable Social Change: History and Practice | 9 |
| 80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
| 80-335 | Social and Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-348 | Health, Human Rights, and International Development | 9 |
| 80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
| 88-366 | Behavioral Economics of Poverty and Development | 9 |
| 88-411 | Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
CAPSTONE (18-30 units)
Students must complete all of the following courses.
| 84-450 | Policy Seminar | 6-12 |
| or 84-336 | Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea To Reality | |
| or 84-339 | Seminar in Public Policy Research | |
| 73-497 | Senior Project or Senior Honors Thesis in Dietrich or Tepper (18 units total) | 12 |
| Note: Students in the BS in Economics and Politics who complete a Dietrich or Tepper Honors Thesis in economics may use 73-497 (Senior Project) as an economics elective. | ||
DOUBLE-COUNTING RESTRICTION
A maximum of four courses may double count with another major or minor.
Sample four-year plan
These sample curricula represent a plan for completing the requirements for the B.S. in Economics and Politics. Economics and Politics students are encouraged to spend a semester studying and interning in Washington, DC, through the CMU/WSP, and/or study abroad. The plan below demonstrates that a semester off-campus fits well into the curriculum. Students may declare the BS in Economics and Politics as early as the second semester of the freshman year and should consult frequently with the Economics and Politics advisors about their course of study. Please note that this is only a sample plan of study and not the only possible plan of study. The Economics and Politics major and Dietrich College General Education curricula provide a high degree of flexibility in sequencing and coursework. Double counting between the major and General Education requirements is unlimited. The plan below shows a very conservative view of double counting.
| First-Year | Second-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus | 21-256 Multivariate Analysis | 73-230 Intermediate Microeconomics | 73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics |
| 36-200 Reasoning with Data | 73-103 Principles of Macroeconomics | 73-265 Economics and Data Science | 73-274 Econometrics I |
| 73-102 Principles of Microeconomics | 84-275 Comparative Politics | 84-226 International Relations | 84-250 Writing for Political Science and Policy |
| 84-104 Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | First-Year Writing | 84-266 Research Design for Political Science | 84-310 Policy in a Global Economy 1: International Trade and Trade Policy |
| Grand Challenge Seminar | Disciplinary Perspectives: Humanities | General Education | 84-311 Policy in a Global Economy 2: International Macroeconomics and Finance |
| 99-101 Core@CMU | General Education | ||
| Third-Year | Fourth-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| General Education | CMU/WSP or Study Abroad | 73-497 Senior Project | 84-450 Policy Seminar (if student does not participate in CMU/WSP) |
| General Education | Explore | General Education | General Education |
| General Education | Explore | Economics & Politics Elective | Explore |
| General Education | Explore | Economics & Politics Elective | Explore |
| Economics & Politics Elective | Explore | Explore | Explore |
The Major in Economics and Statistics
Amanda Mitchell, Statistics & Data Science Academic Program Manager
Stephen Pajewski, Economics Senior Academic Advisor and Program Manager
Statistics & Data Science Location: Baker Hall 129
statadvising@andrew.cmu.edu
Economics Location: Tepper 2400
econprog@andrew.cmu.edu
The B.S. in Economics and Statistics is jointly advised by the Department of Statistics and Data Science and the Undergraduate Economics Program.
The Major in Economics and Statistics provides an interdisciplinary course of study aimed at students with a strong interest in the empirical analysis of economic data. With joint curriculum from the Department of Statistics and Data Science and the Undergraduate Economics Program, the major provides students with a solid foundation in the theories and methods of both fields. Students in this major are trained to advance the understanding of economic issues through the analysis, synthesis and reporting of data using the advanced empirical research methods of statistics and econometrics. Graduates are well positioned for admission to competitive graduate programs, including those in statistics, economics and management, as well as for employment in positions requiring strong analytic and conceptual skills - especially those in economics, finance, education, and public policy.
All economics courses counting towards an economics degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Curriculum
The requirements for the B.S. in Economics and Statistics are the following:
1. MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS (PREREQUISITES)29-42 UNITS
Mathematics is the language in which statistical models are described and analyzed, so some experience with basic calculus and linear algebra is an important component for anyone pursuing a program of study in Economics and Statistics.
Calculus
Complete one of the two following sequences of mathematics courses at Carnegie Mellon, each of which provides sufficient preparation in calculus:
Sequence 1
| 21-111 | Calculus I | 10 |
| 21-112 | Calculus II | 10 |
and one of the following:
| 21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
| 21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | 10 |
| 21-268 | Multidimensional Calculus | 11 |
Sequence 2
| 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
and one of the following:
| 21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | 9 |
| 21-259 | Calculus in Three Dimensions | 10 |
| 21-268 | Multidimensional Calculus | 11 |
NOTES:
Note: Taking/having credit for both 21-111 and 21-112 is equivalent to 21-120. The Mathematical Foundations total is then 48-49 units. The Economics and Statistics major would then total 201-211 units.
Linear Algebra
One of the following three courses:
| 21-240 | Matrix Algebra with Applications | 10 |
| 21-241 | Matrices and Linear Transformations | 11 |
| 21-242 | Matrix Theory | 11 |
Note: 21-241 and 21-242 are intended only for students with a very strong mathematical background.
II. Foundations54 units
2. Economics Foundations18 UNITS
| Take one of the following courses: | ||
| 73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics * | 9 |
| 73-104 | Principles of Microeconomics Accelerated ** | 9 |
| Take the following course: | ||
| 73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 9 |
*Students who place out of 73-102 based on the economics placement exam will receive a pre-req waiver for 73-102 and are waived from taking 73-102
**This course requires students to complete a 4 or 5 on the AP Microeconomics exam or qualifying score on the IB/Cambridge Exams. 73-104 will substitute for any 73-102 prerequisite requirement in other courses. 73-104 is a more rigorous introduction to microeconomics, is taught at a faster pace than 73-102, and dives a bit deeper into key topics. It is designed for students who have prior knowledge to fundamental economic concepts through AP/IB/Cambridge coursework. Enrollment in 73-104 requires special permission. Students who wish to take this course should add themselves to the 73-104 waitlist once registration opens. The Tepper School will verify the advancement placement scores and will enroll students in 73-104
3. Statistical Foundations36 UNITS
DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis is the art and science of extracting insight from data. The art lies in knowing which displays or techniques will reveal the most interesting features of a complicated data set. The science lies in understanding the various techniques and the assumptions on which they rely. Both aspects require practice to master.
The Beginning Data Analysis courses give a hands-on introduction to the art and science of data analysis. The courses cover similar topics but differ slightly in the examples they emphasize. 36-200 draws examples from many fields and satisfy the DC College Core Requirement in Statistical Reasoning. This course is therefore recommended for students in the college. (Note: a score of 5 on the Advanced Placement [AP] Exam in Statistics may be used to waive this requirement). 36-220 emphasizes examples in engineering.
The Intermediate Data Analysis courses build on the principles and methods covered in the introductory course, and more fully explore specific types of data analysis methods in more depth.
The Advanced Data Analysis courses draw on students' previous experience with data analysis and understanding of statistical theory to develop advanced, more sophisticated methods. These core courses involve extensive analysis of real data with emphasis on developing the oral and writing skills needed for communicating results.
Sequence 1 (For students beginning their freshman or sophomore year)
Beginning*
Choose one of the following courses:
| 36-200 | Reasoning with Data * | 9 |
| 36-220 | Engineering Statistics and Quality Control | 9 |
*A score of 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in Statistics may be used to waive this requirement. 36-220 emphasizes examples in engineering and Architecture.
Note: Students who enter the program with 36-235 or 36-236 should discuss options with an advisor. Any 36-300 or 36-400 level course in Data Analysis that does not satisfy any other requirement for the Economics and Statistics Major may be counted as a Statistical Elective.
Intermediate*
Choose one of the following courses:
| 36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science ** | 9 |
| 36-290 | Introduction to Statistical Research Methodology | 9 |
| 36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | 9 |
- *
Or extra data analysis course in Statistics
- **
Must take prior to 36-401 Modern Regression, if not, an additional Advanced Statistics Elective is required.
Advanced Statistics Elective
Choose two of the following courses:
| 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 |
| 36-318 | Introduction to Causal Inference | 9 |
| 36-460 | Special Topics: Sports Analytics | 9 |
| 36-461 | Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology | 9 |
| 36-462 | Special Topics: Statistical Machine Learning | 9 |
| 36-463 | Special Topics: Multilevel and Hierarchical Models | 9 |
| 36-464 | Special Topics: Psychometrics: A Statistical Modeling Approach | 9 |
| 36-465 | Special Topics: Conceptual Foundations of Statistical Learning | 9 |
| 36-466 | Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Finance | 9 |
| 36-467 | Special Topics: Data over Space & Time | 9 |
| 36-468 | Special Topics: Text Analysis | 9 |
| 36-469 | Special Topics: Statistical Genomics and High Dimensional Inference | 9 |
| 36-490 | Undergraduate Research | 9 |
| 36-497 | Corporate Capstone Project | 9 |
Sequence 2 (For students beginning later in their college career)
Advanced Statistics Electives
Choose three of the following courses:
| 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 |
| 36-318 | Introduction to Causal Inference | 9 |
| 36-460 | Special Topics: Sports Analytics | 9 |
| 36-461 | Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology | 9 |
| 36-462 | Special Topics: Statistical Machine Learning | 9 |
| 36-463 | Special Topics: Multilevel and Hierarchical Models | 9 |
| 36-464 | Special Topics: Psychometrics: A Statistical Modeling Approach | 9 |
| 36-465 | Special Topics: Conceptual Foundations of Statistical Learning | 9 |
| 36-466 | Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Finance | 9 |
| 36-467 | Special Topics: Data over Space & Time | 9 |
| 36-468 | Special Topics: Text Analysis | 9 |
| 36-469 | Special Topics: Statistical Genomics and High Dimensional Inference | 9 |
| 36-490 | Undergraduate Research | 9 |
| 36-497 | Corporate Capstone Project | 9 |
**All Special Topics are not offered every semester, and new Special Topics are regularly added. See section 5 for details.
III. Disciplinary Core136-139 units
1. Economics Core45 UNITS
| 73-230 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 9 |
| 73-240 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 9 |
| 73-265 | Economics and Data Science | 9 |
| 73-274 | Econometrics I | 9 |
| 73-374 | Econometrics II | 9 |
2. Statistics Core36 UNITS
| Take one of the following courses: | ||
| 36-235 | Probability and Statistical Inference I *# | 9 |
| 36-225 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 9 |
| Take one of the following courses: | ||
| 36-236 | Probability and Statistical Inference II ** | 9 |
| 36-226 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 9 |
| 36-326 | Mathematical Statistics (Honors) | 9 |
| Take both of the following courses: | ||
| 36-401 | Modern Regression | 9 |
| 36-402 | Advanced Methods for Data Analysis | 9 |
*In order meet the prerequisite requirements for the major, a grade of C or better is required in 36-235 (or equivalents), 36-236 or 36-326 and 36-401.
#It is possible to substitute 36-218, 36-219, 36-225or 21-325 for 36-235. 36-235 is the standard introduction to probability, 36-219 is tailored for engineers and computer scientists, 36-218 is a more mathematically rigorous class for Computer Science students and more mathematically advanced Statistics students (Statistics students need advisor approval to enroll), and 21-325 is a rigorous Probability Theory course offered by the Department of Mathematics.
**It is possible to substitute 36-226 or 36-326 for 36-236. 36-236 is the standard introduction to statistical inference.
Please note that students who complete 36-235 are expected to take 36-236 to fulfill their theory requirements. Students who choose to take 36-225 instead will be required to take 36-226 afterward, they will not be eligible to take 36-236.
3. Statistical Computing19-21 UNITS
| Take one of the following two courses: | ||
| 15-110 | Principles of Computing | 10 |
| 15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
| Complete the following course: | ||
| 36-350 | Statistical Computing | 9 |
4. Advanced Electives36 units
Students must take two advanced Economics elective courses (numbered 73-300 through 73-495, excluding 73-374 ) and two (or three - depending on previous coursework, see Section 3) advanced Statistics elective courses (numbered 36-303, 36-311, 36-313, 36-315, 36-318, 36-46x, 36-490, or 36-497).
| Total number of units for the major | 219-235 Units |
| Total number of units for the degree | 360 Units |
Professional Development
While not required, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of professional development opportunities and/or coursework. One option is , a fall-only course that provides information about careers in Economics, job search strategies, and research opportunities. The Department of Statistics and Data Science also offers a series of workshops pertaining to resume preparation, graduate school applications, careers in the field, among other topics. Students should also take advantage of the Career and Professional Development Center.
Additional Major in Economics and Statistics
Students who elect Economics and Statistics as an additional major must fulfill all Economics and Statistics degree requirements. Majors in many other programs would naturally complement an Economics and Statistics Major, including Tepper's undergraduate business program, Social and Decision Sciences, Policy and Management, and Psychology.
With respect to double-counting courses, it is departmental policy that students must have at least six courses [three Economics (73-xxx) and three Statistics (36-xxx)] that do not count for their primary major. If students do not have at least three ECON and three STA classes, they will need to take additional advanced data analysis or economics electives, depending on where the double-counting issue is.
Students are advised to begin planning their curriculum (with appropriate advisors) as soon as possible. This is particularly true if the other major has a complex set of requirements and prerequisites or when many of the other major's requirements overlap with the requirements for a Major in Economics and Statistics.
Substitutions and Waivers
Many departments require Statistics courses as part of their Major or Minor programs. Students seeking transfer credit for those requirements from substitute courses (at Carnegie Mellon or elsewhere) should seek permission from their advisor in the department setting the requirement. The final authority in such decisions rests there. The Department of Statistics and Data Science does not provide approval or permission for substitution or waiver of another department's requirements.
If a waiver or substitution is made in the home department, it is not automatically approved in the Department of Statistics and Data Science. In many of these cases, the student will need to take additional courses to satisfy the Economics and Statistics major requirements. Students should discuss this with a Statistics advisor when deciding whether to add an additional major in Economics and Statistics.
Sample Program
The following sample program illustrates one way to satisfy the requirements of the Economics and Statistics Major. Keep in mind that the program is flexible and can support other possible schedules (see footnotes below the schedule).
| First-Year | Second-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus | 36-202 Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 36-235 Probability and Statistical Inference I | 36-236 Probability and Statistical Inference II |
| 36-200 Reasoning with Data | 21-256 Multivariate Analysis | 73-230 Intermediate Microeconomics | 21-240 Matrix Algebra with Applications |
| 73-102 Principles of Microeconomics | 73-103 Principles of Macroeconomics | 73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics | |
| 15-110 Principles of Computing | ----- | 73-265 Economics and Data Science | 73-274 Econometrics I |
| ----- | ----- | ----- | |
| ----- | |||
| Third-Year | Fourth-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 36-350 Statistical Computing | 36-402 Advanced Methods for Data Analysis | 36-3xx or 36-4xx Advanced Data Analysis Elective | 36-3xx or 36-4xx Advanced Data Analysis Elective |
| 36-401 Modern Regression | Economics Elective | Economics Elective | |
| 73-374 Econometrics II | ----- | ----- | ----- |
| ----- | ----- | ----- | ----- |
| ----- | ----- | ----- | |
*In each semester, ----- represents other courses (not related to the major) which are needed in order to complete the 360 units that the degree requires.
Prospective PhD students are advised to add 21-127 fall of sophomore year, replace 21-240 with 21-241, add 21-260 in spring of junior year and 21-355 in fall of senior year.
The Major in Ethics, History, and Public Policy
Professor Steven Schlossman, Director of Ethics, History, and Public Policy, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 236A, 412-268-2880
sls@andrew.cmu.edu
Dr. Alexandra Garnhart-Bushakra, Academic Program Manager, History Department
Location: Baker Hall 240, 412-268-2880
agarnhar@andrew.cmu.edu
https://go.oncehub.com/AlexGarnhartBushakra
Patrick Doyle, Academic Program Manager, Philosophy Department
Location: Baker Hall 161G, 412-268-3704
pdoyle2@andrew.cmu.edu
https://go.oncehub.com/PatDoyle
The B.A./B.S. in Ethics, History, and Public Policy (EHPP) is an interdepartmental major offered jointly by the Departments of History and Philosophy.
Preparing students to be leaders is a vital goal of colleges and universities in every democratic society. The intellectual challenges facing public and private sector leaders have expanded dramatically since the pioneering EHPP program began in 1996, but the need remains as great as ever for broadly educated, ethically sensitive, and technically skilled leaders.
EHPP prepares students to demonstrate sophistication and flexibility in their command of interdisciplinary knowledge; deep historical understanding of how modern-day policy problems have emerged and evolved; and clear, rational criteria for ethical and socially just decision making. The curriculum provides students with a strong humanistic foundation for developing such high-level, historically grounded, and ethically attuned leadership capacities. It also offers ample room for specialization in a wide range of policy areas in which the History and Philosophy departments have special expertise, e.g., medicine and public health, criminal justice, environment, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), gender, civil rights, immigration, and education.
Curriculum
Students seeking a primary major in Ethics, History, and Public Policy may elect to receive either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree (additional requirements apply; see below). Basic requirements include 120 units encompassing 45 units in History, 45 units in Philosophy, 18 units in Law and Social Science, and a 12-unit EHPP Capstone Course. This program may also be taken as an additional (i.e., second) major. All courses toward the major must be taken for a letter grade and must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. Students can double count any course for the major with another major or minor, with the exception of Social and Political History, for which a student can double count a maximum of two courses.
I. Foundation Courses in History and Philosophy18 units
Choose one of the following two courses:
| 79-189 | Democracy and History: Thinking Beyond the Self | 9 |
| 79-248 | U.S. Constitution & the Presidency | 9 |
Choose one of the following two courses:
| 80-130 | Introduction to Ethics | 9 |
| 80-330 | Ethical Theory | 9 |
II. Ethics and Policy Core36 units
Choose four of the courses below:
No more than one course may be taken at the 100 level and at least one course must be taken at the 300 level or above.
| 80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
| 80-208 | Critical Thinking | 9 |
| 80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
| 80-234 | Race, Gender, and Justice | 9 |
| 80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
| 80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
| 80-249 | AI, Society, and Humanity | 9 |
| 80-305 | Game Theory | 9 |
| 80-306 | Decision Theory | 9 |
| 80-324 | Philosophy of Economics | 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 |
| 80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
III. History and Policy Core36 units
Choose four of the courses below:
| 79-175 | Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life | 9 |
| 79-204 | American Environmental History | 9 |
| 79-212 | Jim Crow America | 9 |
| 79-215 | Environmental Justice from Conservation to Climate Change | 9 |
| 79-234 | Technology and Society | 9 |
| 79-242 | African American History: Reconstruction to the Present | 9 |
| 79-248 | U.S. Constitution & the Presidency | 9 |
| 79-250 | Voting Rights: An Introduction | 9 |
| 79-278 | How (Not) to Change the World | 9 |
| 79-300 | Controversial Topics in the History of American Public Policy | 9 |
| 79-320 | Women, Politics, and Protest | 9 |
| 79-321 | Documenting Human Rights | 9 |
| 79-330 | Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals | 9 |
| 79-343 | Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights | 9 |
| 79-360 | Crime, Policing, and the Law: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives | 9 |
| 79-370 | Technology in the United States | 9 |
| 79-380 | Hostile Environments: The Politics of Pollution in Global Perspective | 9 |
IV. Foundation Courses in Law and Social Science18 units
Choose two of the courses below:
| 17-200 | Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing | 9 |
| 19-101 | Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy | 12 |
| 70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 73-102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 9 |
| 73-103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 9 |
| 84-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
| 84-110 | The Economics of Politics, Policy, and Technology | 9 |
| 84-352 | Representation and Voting Rights | 9 |
| 84-393 | Legislative Decision Making: US Congress | 9 |
| 84-402 | Judicial Politics and Behavior | 9 |
| 88-281 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment | 9 |
| 88-284 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | 9 |
V. EHPP Capstone Course12 units
In Fall semester of senior year, EHPP students will participate in an interdisciplinary capstone course that asks students to integrate their studies in Ethics and History by addressing a policy topic of contemporary national urgency (e.g., climate change, immigration, infrastructure, abortion, hate speech, reparations, law enforcement and policing, charter schools, affirmative action, vaccination, taxation, voting rights, global justice). The Departments of History and Philosophy will alternate teaching the EHPP Capstone Course.
| 79-449 | EHPP Capstone Course [cross-listed] | 12 |
| 80-449 | EHPP Capstone Course [cross-listed] | 12 |
VI. Bachelor of Science Option
Students may elect to earn a Bachelor of Science rather than a Bachelor of Arts degree by completing two courses from the list below, or by petitioning the Director of EHPP to accept equivalent courses as substitutions.
| 21-257 | Models and Methods for Optimization | 9 |
| 36-202 | Methods for Statistics & Data Science | 9 |
| or 70-208 | Regression Analysis | |
| 36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
| 36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | 9 |
| 70-257 | Optimization for Business | 9 |
| 80-305 | Game Theory | 9 |
| 80-306 | Decision Theory | 9 |
| 88-221 | Markets, Democracy, and Public Policy | 9 |
| 88-223 | Decision Analysis | 12 |
| 88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
| 88-300 | Programming and Data Analysis for Social Scientists | 9 |
Additional Major
The B.A./B.S. in Ethics, History, and Public Policy may be scheduled as an additional major in consultation with the Director of Ethics, History, and Public Policy.
Ethics, History, and Public Policy Sample Curriculum
| Third-Year | Fourth-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Foundations Course in History | Foundations Course in Law and Social Sciences | EHPP Capstone Course | Ethics and Policy Core Course |
| Foundations Course in Philosophy | Foundations Course in Law and Social Sciences | Ethics and Policy Core Course | History and Policy Core Course |
| Ethics and Policy Core Course | Ethics and Policy Core Course | History and Policy Core Course | Third Course (open) |
| History and Policy Core Course | History and Policy Core Course | Fourth Course (open) | Fourth Course (open) |
| Fifth Course Open | Fifth Course (open) | Fifth Course (open) | Fifth Course (open) |
The above sample program is presented as a two-year (junior-senior year) plan for completing EHPP major requirements. Its purpose is to show that this program can be completed in as few as two years; not that it must be.
Students may enter the EHPP major, and begin major course requirements, as early as they wish. Students should consult their advisor when planning their program.
The Major in Information Systems
Joseph S. Mertz, Jr., Faculty Program Director
Location: Hamburg Hall 3028, JoeMertz@cmu.edu
Artificial intelligence. Machine learning. Deep learning. Big data. Social networks. Neural networks. Robotics. Automated voice assistants. Blockchain. Driverless vehicles. Web design. Carnegie Mellon University's Information Systems (IS) program will help you do just that. At CMU, Information Systems is a joint degree program between Heinz College and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and is strongly technical, drawing from Carnegie Mellon’s leadership in computer science, human-centered design, business management, and software engineering. It is deeply rooted in the humanities and social sciences, allowing students the lifelong benefits of a rich liberal arts education. And it provides pathways for students to find their own Information Systems niche through advanced study and exploration with leading researchers.
In addition to General Education Requirements and basic prerequisites in Mathematics and Computer Science, The IS program curriculum includes a broad grounding in humanities and social sciences to promote critical thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, an Information Systems Core to provide business-facing skills needed to design and build effective real-world systems solutions, an Information Systems Breadth focused on professional communications, quantitative analysis, and how technology functions in society, and a concentration that gives you the flexibility and agency to gain expertise in a supporting area and define your own niche in IS.
The IS major is the perfect place for you if you are passionate about using technology for positive gains across society, both economic and humanistic.
For full program information, go to The Major in Information Systems.
The Major in Linguistics
Patrick Doyle, Academic Program Manager
Location: Baker Hall 161G
pdoyle2@andrew.cmu.edu
https://go.oncehub.com/PatDoyle
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. The central goal of the Linguistics Major is to provide students with the analytical skills and linguistic concepts needed to understand language scientifically, whether formally, as researchers, or informally, as participants in daily linguistic interactions. The foundation of the Linguistics Major is a set of rigorous core courses, informed by contemporary approaches to the study of linguistic form and meaning.
The Core courses cover the principal domains of linguistic analysis: phonetics and phonology, syntax and meaning.
Students then move on to the Extended Core, which includes more advanced courses as well as courses on a wider range of topics, such as intonation and language variation. These courses are supplemented by a wide-ranging set of electives including linguistically relevant courses taught in other departments.
Primary majors complete their course of study with a Senior Thesis, a semester-long research project carried out independently with one-on-one guidance from a member of the linguistics faculty.
Curriculum
The Linguistics primary major requires a total of 12 courses plus a senior thesis. The Linguistics additional major requires a total of 13 courses (senior thesis not required). This includes 2 semesters of sequential language study for all majors. At least three courses (not including specific language courses) must be at the 300-level or higher. All courses counted towards the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of "C" or above. Students may double count any course for the major simultaneously with another major or minor.
Linguistics Core (36 units)
Complete the following requirements.
| 80-180 | Nature of Language: An Introduction to Linguistics | 9 |
| 80-282 | Phonetics and Phonology I | 9 |
| 80-280 | Linguistic Analysis | 9 |
| or 80-285 | Natural Language Syntax | |
| 80-381 | Meaning in Language | 9 |
| or 80-383 | Language in Use | |
Extended Core (27 units)
Choose three courses (27 units) from Extended Core and/or additional courses from Linguistics Core.
| 80-283 | It Matters How You Say It | 9 |
| 80-286 | Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology | 9 |
| 80-287 | Language Variation and Change | 9 |
| 80-288 | Intonation: The Meaning of Linguistic Tunes | 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 |
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Students must successfully complete 2 semesters of foreign language study in a single language (e.g. 100 & 200 level).
Electives
Primary majors choose three additional electives (27 or more units). Additional majors choose four additional electives (36 or more units). Primary majors: see thesis requirement below.
These Electives can be additional courses from the Core or Extended Core courses listed above, the electives list below, or any other course which is approved by the Academic Program Manager 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 Academic Program Manager will provide students with a list of possible electives each semester, and will assist students in selecting electives which are consistent with their goals and interests.
| Philosophy | ||
| 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 |
| 76-388 | Coding for Humanists | 9 |
| 76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
| Modern Languages | ||
| 82-239 | Crazy Linguistically Rich Asian Languages | 9 |
| 82-304 | French & Francophone Sociolinguistics | 9 |
| 82-305 | French in its Social Contexts | 9 |
| 82-334 | Structure of Chinese | 9 |
| 82-585 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 9 |
| 82-373 | Structure of the Japanese Language | 9 |
| 82-383 | Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research | 9 |
| 82-388 | Topics in Second Language Acquisition | 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 Technology for Conversational AI | 12 |
| 11-422 | Grammar Formalisims | 12 |
| Note: all 11-xxx courses have significant Computer Science prerequisites. Interested students should check with the course instructor and with the Linguistics Academic Program Manager before registering. | ||
| Statistics and Data Science | ||
| 36-468 | Special Topics: Text Analysis | 9 |
SENIOR THESIS [PRIMARY MAJORS ONLY]
Primary majors must complete a senior thesis (a workload equivalent to a 12-unit course) 80-595 Senior Thesis. Topics must be approved by an advisor, who will work with the student and guide the thesis project. Students are responsible for identifying their topic and securing their thesis advisor. Students should work with the Academic Program Manager of the major to begin the process of identifying their thesis topic and advisor during the fall of their senior year at the latest. Students will be required to submit a written proposal of their thesis project, signed by their thesis faculty advisor, before the end of the semester preceding that in which the thesis research will be conducted..
Additional Major in Linguistics
The Linguistics additional major requires a total of 13 courses. This includes 2 semesters of language study for all majors. At least three courses (not including specific language courses) must be at the 300-level or higher. Additional majors are not required to write a thesis but must take four electives (36 or more units). All courses counted towards the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of "C" or above. Students may double count any course for the major simultaneously with another major or minor. If you are interested in obtaining an additional major in Linguistics, please reach out to the Academic Program Manager, Philosophy Department.
The Major in Psychology and Biological Sciences
This unified major is intended to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of our current research in the fields of psychology and biology, as well as the national trend in some professions to seek individuals broadly trained in both the social and natural sciences. Students entering from the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences will earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Sciences. Students entering from the Mellon College of Sciences receive a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Psychology.
Pre-Major Requirements
The unified major specifies particular pre-major requirements in the areas of mathematical sciences and statistics, natural science, and computational reasoning. Particular courses are specified in these areas because they are prerequisites for courses required in the major and therefore they are the most efficient way to complete the general education requirements for either Dietrich College or SHS. All other general education categories can be filled in any way that satisfies the requirements of the student’s college or of the SHS program.
The major in Psychology and Biological Sciences is offered only as a B.S. degree. Full curriculum requirements can be viewed under the Department of Psychology section of the Catalog.
Student-Defined Major Program
Joseph E. Devine, Director and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Location: Baker Hall 154F
jd0x@andrew.cmu.edu
www.cmu.edu/dietrich/academics/degrees-majors-minors/student-defined-majors.html
For Dietrich College students whose educational goals cannot be as adequately served by the curricula of existing majors, the college offers the opportunity to self-define a major. The procedure for establishing such a major centers on a written proposal, submitted to the Dietrich College Dean's Office. This proposal consists of two parts:
Major Description and Rationale
A description of the components of the proposed program of study; a presentation of the objectives of the program of study, how it represents a coherent and (given available faculty, courses, and other resources) viable course of study, and the reason(s) why these objectives cannot be accomplished within one or more of the college's existing majors.
Curriculum
Presentation of a complete outline of all courses that will comprise the requirements for the major. These courses should be categorized in two ways: first, according to that component of the major program to which each belongs (e.g., mathematical prerequisites; research methods; theoretical perspectives; etc.); and second, a semester-by-semester outline that indicates when each course is to be taken (or, for any already taken, when taken and grade received). In addition to courses taken at Carnegie Mellon, the major's curriculum may include courses taken (or to be taken) at other schools, related projects or internships, or programs of study abroad. The minimum requirements for graduation is, as with all majors in the college, 360 units of credit and completion of the Dietrich College general education program.
Proposals and curricula are evaluated for clarity of focus, coherence and depth in related areas, and viability. Proposals should generally be developed no later than the sophomore year, and approved majors begin their program generally no later than the junior year.
The student-defined option is also possible to propose as an additional major or minor. These options extend to undergraduates from all Carnegie Mellon colleges.