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

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 are often employed with political considerations in mind and can influence political activity. 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 Undergraduate Economics Program (UEP) and the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Security and Technology (CMIST). Students are equal members of both academic units and receive advising from both units. The major will appeal to any student interested in the design, evaluation, and political implementation of 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 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. It will enable students to understand economic statecraft from a broad perspective. This major 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 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

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses taken in the Department of Economics (73-xxx).

Mathematics

Students must complete all of the following courses.

21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10
or 21-112 Calculus II
21-256Multivariate Analysis9
or 21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions
Foundations (36 units)

Students must complete all of the following courses.

73-102Principles of Microeconomics *9
or 73-104 Principles of Microeconomics Accelerated
73-103Principles of Macroeconomics9
84-104Decision Processes in American Political Institutions9
84-275Comparative Politics9
*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 
Core (63 units)

Students must complete all of the following courses.

73-230Intermediate Microeconomics9
73-240Intermediate Macroeconomics9
73-265Economics and Data Science9
73-274Econometrics I9
84-226International Relations9
84-266Research Design for Political Science9
84-310International Political Economy9
Communication (9 units)

Students must complete one course from the following list.

73-270Professional Communication for Economists9
84-250Writing for Political Science and Policy9
Electives (27 units)

Majors are required to take 27 units (three courses) from the elective lists below.  At least one course (9 units) must be taken from Economics (73-xxx) and at least one course (9 units) must be taken from the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Security and Technology (84-xxx).  Students may complete electives through coursework in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP).

Economics Electives
73-328Health Economics12
73-332Political Economy9
73-338Financial Crises and Risk9
73-352Public Economics9
73-353Financial Regulation in the Digital Age9
73-359Benefit-Cost Analysis9
73-365Firms, Market Structures, and Strategy9
73-421Emerging Markets9
73-427Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental Economics9
International Relations and Political Science Electives
84-200Security War Game Simulation6
84-252Briefing in the Policy World6
84-303International Human Rights6
84-304In the News: Analysis of Current National Security Priorities6
84-306Latin American Politics9
84-307Economic and Political History of Contemporary China9
84-312Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa6
84-313International Organizations and Law Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-315Political Economy of International Migration9
84-316Political Economy of Transatlantic Partnership9
84-317Defense Resourcing: From Strategy to Execution6
84-318Politics of Developing Nations9
84-319Civil-Military Relations9
84-322Nonviolent Conflict and Revolution9
84-323War and Peace in the Contemporary Middle East9
84-324The Future of Democracy9
84-325Contemporary American Foreign Policy9
84-327Repression and Control in Dictatorships9
84-328Military Strategy and Doctrine9
84-329Asian Strategies6
84-330The Shading of Democracy: The Influence of Race on American Politics Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-331Money, Media, and the Power of Data in Decisionmaking Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-334The History and Practice of Economic Statecraft Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-335US China Relations Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-336Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea To Reality Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP12
84-337Biomedical Science Research, Policy, and Governance Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-339Seminar in Public Policy Research Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP12
84-340Making Change: How Organized Interests Work in Washington Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP12
84-348Advocacy, Policy and Practice Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP6
84-352Representation and Voting Rights9
84-354The American Experiment: Unravelling the US Electoral System6
84-360CMU/WSP: Internship Seminar Taught in Washington, DC, through CMU/WSP12
84-362Diplomacy and Statecraft9
84-365The Politics of Fake News and Misinformation9
84-369Decision Science for International Relations9
84-370Nuclear Security & Arms Control9
84-372Space and National Security9
84-373Emerging Technologies and International Law9
84-374Technology, Weapons, and International Conflict9
84-380US Grand Strategy9
84-383Cyber Policy as National Policy6
84-386The Privatization of Force9
84-387Remote Systems and the Cyber Domain in Conflict9
84-388Concepts of War and Cyber War6
84-389Terrorism and Insurgency9
84-390Social Media, Technology, and Conflict9
84-393Legislative Decision Making: US Congress9
84-402Judicial Politics and Behavior9
84-405The Future of Warfare9
84-421Advanced Topics in American Politics9
84-440Collaborative Research in Political ScienceVar.
Additional Electives
19-411Science and Innovation Leadership for the 21st Century: Firms, Nations, and Tech9
19-425Sustainable Energy for the Developing World9
70-365International Trade and International Law9
70-430International Management9
79-280Coffee and Capitalism9
79-318Sustainable Social Change: History and Practice9
80-135Introduction to Political Philosophy9
80-136Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics9
80-321Causation, Law, and Social Policy9
80-335Social and Political Philosophy9
80-348Health, Human Rights, and International Development9
80-447Global Justice9
88-323Policy in a Global Economy9
88-366Behavioral Economics of Poverty and Development9
88-419International Negotiation9
88-444Public Policy and Regulations9
CAPSTONE (15-21 units)

Students must complete all of the following courses.

84-450Policy Seminar6
73-497Senior Project
or Senior Honors Thesis
9
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-YearSecond-Year
FallSpringFallSpring
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus21-256 Multivariate Analysis73-230 Intermediate Microeconomics73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics
36-200 Reasoning with Data73-103 Principles of Macroeconomics73-265 Economics and Data Science73-274 Econometrics I
73-102 Principles of Microeconomics84-275 Comparative Politics84-226 International RelationsCommunication Course (84-250 or 73-270)
84-104 Decision Processes in American Political InstitutionsFirst-Year Writing84-266 Research Design for Political ScienceGeneral Education
Grand Challenge SeminarDisciplinary Perspectives: Humanities84-310 International Political EconomyGeneral Education
99-101 Computing @ Carnegie Mellon

Third-YearFourth-Year
FallSpringFallSpring
General EducationCMU/WSP or Study Abroad73-497 Senior Project84-450 Policy Seminar
General EducationExploreGeneral EducationGeneral Education
General EducationExploreEconomics & Politics ElectiveExplore
General EducationExploreEconomics & Politics ElectiveExplore
Economics & Politics ElectiveExploreExploreExplore

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

21-111Calculus I10
21-112Calculus II10

and one of the following:

21-256Multivariate Analysis9
21-259Calculus in Three Dimensions10
21-268Multidimensional Calculus11

Sequence 2

21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10

and one of the following:

21-256Multivariate Analysis9
21-259Calculus in Three Dimensions10
21-268Multidimensional Calculus11

NOTES:


  • Passing the MSC 21-120 assessment test is an acceptable alternative to completing 21-120.

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:

21-240Matrix Algebra with Applications10
21-241Matrices and Linear Transformations11
21-242Matrix Theory11

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:
73-102Principles of Microeconomics *9
73-104Principles of Microeconomics Accelerated **9
Take the following course:
73-103Principles of Macroeconomics9

 *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:

36-200Reasoning with Data *9
36-220Engineering Statistics and Quality Control9

*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:

36-202Methods for Statistics & Data Science **9
36-290Introduction to Statistical Research Methodology9
36-309Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences9
*

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:

36-303Sampling, Survey and Society9
36-311Statistical Analysis of Networks9
36-313Statistics of Inequality and Discrimination9
36-315Statistical Graphics and Visualization9
36-318Introduction to Causal Inference9
36-460Special Topics: Sports Analytics9
36-461Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology9
36-462Special Topics: Methods of Statistical Learning9
36-463Special Topics: Multilevel and Hierarchical Models9
36-464Special Topics: Psychometrics: A Statistical Modeling Approach9
36-465Special Topics: Conceptual Foundations of Statistical Learning9
36-466Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Finance9
36-467Special Topics: Data over Space & Time9
36-468Special Topics: Text Analysis9
36-469Special Topics: Statistical Genomics and High Dimensional Inference9
36-490Undergraduate Research9
36-493Sports Analytics Capstone9
36-497Corporate Capstone Project9
Sequence 2 (For students beginning later in their college career)

Advanced Statistics Electives
Choose three of the following courses:

36-303Sampling, Survey and Society9
36-311Statistical Analysis of Networks9
36-313Statistics of Inequality and Discrimination9
36-315Statistical Graphics and Visualization9
36-318Introduction to Causal Inference9
36-460Special Topics: Sports Analytics9
36-461Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology9
36-462Special Topics: Methods of Statistical Learning9
36-463Special Topics: Multilevel and Hierarchical Models9
36-464Special Topics: Psychometrics: A Statistical Modeling Approach9
36-465Special Topics: Conceptual Foundations of Statistical Learning9
36-466Special Topics: Statistical Methods in Finance9
36-467Special Topics: Data over Space & Time9
36-468Special Topics: Text Analysis9
36-469Special Topics: Statistical Genomics and High Dimensional Inference9
36-490Undergraduate Research9
36-493Sports Analytics Capstone9
36-497Corporate Capstone Project9

**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
73-230Intermediate Microeconomics9
73-240Intermediate Macroeconomics9
73-270Professional Communication for Economists9
73-265Economics and Data Science9
73-274Econometrics I9
73-374Econometrics II9
2. Statistics Core36 UNITS
Take one of the following courses:
36-235Probability and Statistical Inference I *#9
36-225Introduction to Probability Theory9
Take one of the following courses:
36-236Probability and Statistical Inference II **9
36-226Introduction to Statistical Inference9
36-326Mathematical Statistics (Honors)9
Take both of the following courses:
36-401Modern Regression9
36-402Advanced Methods for Data Analysis9

 *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 36-23536-235  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 36-23636-236 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:
15-110Principles of Computing10
15-112Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science12
Complete the following course:
36-350Statistical Computing9
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, 36-31136-313,  36-315, 36-318, 36-46x, 36-490, 36-493 or 36-497).

Total number of units for the major219-235 Units
Total number of units for the degree360 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-YearSecond-Year
FallSpringFallSpring
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus36-202 Methods for Statistics & Data Science36-235 Probability and Statistical Inference I36-236 Probability and Statistical Inference II
36-200 Reasoning with Data21-256 Multivariate Analysis73-230 Intermediate Microeconomics21-240 Matrix Algebra with Applications
73-102 Principles of Microeconomics73-103 Principles of Macroeconomics 73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics
15-110 Principles of Computing-----73-265 Economics and Data Science73-274 Econometrics I
---------------
-----

Third-YearFourth-Year
FallSpringFallSpring
36-350 Statistical Computing36-402 Advanced Methods for Data Analysis36-3xx or 36-4xx Advanced Data Analysis Elective36-3xx or 36-4xx Advanced Data Analysis Elective
36-401 Modern Regression73-270 Professional Communication for EconomistsEconomics ElectiveEconomics 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

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:

79-189Democracy and History: Thinking Beyond the Self9
79-248U.S. Constitution & the Presidency9

Choose one of the following two courses:

80-130Introduction to Ethics9
80-330Ethical Theory9
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.

80-135Introduction to Political Philosophy9
80-136Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics9
80-208Critical Thinking9
80-221Philosophy of Social Science9
80-234Race, Gender, and Justice9
80-244Environmental Ethics9
80-245Medical Ethics9
80-249AI, Society, and Humanity9
80-305Game Theory9
80-306Decision Theory9
80-321Causation, Law, and Social Policy9
80-324Philosophy of Economics9
80-330Ethical Theory9
80-335Social and Political Philosophy9
80-336Philosophy of Law9
80-348Health, Human Rights, and International Development9
80-447Global Justice9
III. History and Policy Core36 units

Choose four of the courses below:

79-175Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life9
79-204American Environmental History9
79-212Jim Crow America9
79-215Environmental Justice from Conservation to Climate Change9
79-234Technology and Society9
79-242African American History: Reconstruction to the Present9
79-248U.S. Constitution & the Presidency9
79-250Voting Rights: An Introduction9
79-278How (Not) to Change the World9
79-300History of American Public Policy9
79-320Women, Politics, and Protest9
79-321Documenting Human Rights9
79-330Medicine and Society: Health, Healers, and Hospitals9
79-343Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights9
79-360Crime, Policing, and the Law: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives9
79-370Technology in the United States9
79-380Hostile Environments: The Politics of Pollution in Global Perspective9
IV. Foundation Courses in Law and Social Science18 units

 Choose two of the courses below:

17-200Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing9
19-101Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy12
70-332Business, Society and Ethics9
73-102Principles of Microeconomics9
73-103Principles of Macroeconomics9
84-104Decision Processes in American Political Institutions9
84-110Foundations of Political Economy9
84-352Representation and Voting Rights9
84-393Legislative Decision Making: US Congress9
84-402Judicial Politics and Behavior9
88-281Topics in Law: 1st Amendment9
88-284Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights9
EHPP students will also be able to complete the Foundations of Law and Social Science category by participating in the Washington Semester Program. Students are encouraged to pursue additional policy-relevant courses in law and social science, along lines consistent with their career ambitions.
 
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. 

79-449EHPP Capstone Course
[cross-listed]
12
80-449EHPP 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.

21-257Models and Methods for Optimization9
36-202Methods for Statistics & Data Science9
or 70-208 Regression Analysis
36-303Sampling, Survey and Society9
36-309Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences9
70-257Optimization for Business9
80-305Game Theory9
80-306Decision Theory9
88-221Markets, Democracy, and Public Policy9
88-223Decision Analysis12
88-251Empirical Research Methods9
88-300Programming and Data Analysis for Social Scientists9

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-YearFourth-Year
FallSpringFallSpring
Foundations Course in History Foundations Course in Law and Social SciencesEHPP Capstone CourseEthics and Policy Core Course
Foundations Course in PhilosophyFoundations Course in Law and Social SciencesEthics and Policy Core CourseHistory and Policy Core Course
Ethics and Policy Core CourseEthics and Policy Core CourseHistory and Policy Core CourseThird Course (open)
History and Policy Core CourseHistory and Policy Core CourseFourth Course (open)Fourth Course (open)
Fifth Course OpenFifth 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.

80-180Nature of Language9
80-282Phonetics and Phonology I9
80-280Linguistic Analysis9
or 80-285 Natural Language Syntax
80-381Meaning in Language9
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.

80-283It Matters How You Say It9
80-284Invented Languages9
80-286Words and Word Formation: Introduction to Morphology9
80-287Language Variation and Change9
80-288Intonation: Transcription and Analysis9
80-382Phonetics and Phonology II9
80-384Linguistics of Turkic Languages9
80-385Linguistics of Germanic Languages9
80-388Linguistic Typology: Diversity and Universals9
80-488Acoustics of Human Speech: Theory, Data, and Analysis9

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
80-380Philosophy of Language9
80-484Language and Thought9
English
76-318Communicating in the Global Marketplace9
76-325Intertextuality9
76-385Introduction to Discourse Analysis9
76-386Language & Culture9
76-388Coding for Humanists9
76-389Rhetorical Grammar9
Modern Languages
82-239Crazy Linguistically Rich Asian Languages9
82-304French & Francophone Sociolinguistics9
82-305French in its Social Contexts9
82-334Structure of Chinese9
82-585Topics in Second Language Acquisition9
82-373Structure of the Japanese Language9
82-383Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research9
82-388Topics in Second Language Acquisition9
Psychology
85-354Infant Language Development9
85-421Language and Thought9
Language Technologies Institute
11-411Natural Language Processing12
11-423ConLanging: Lrng. Ling. & Lang Tech via Constru Artif. Lang.12
11-492Speech Processing12
11-422Grammar Formalisims12
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
36-468Special Topics: Text Analysis9

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.

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