Computer Science + Philosophy, BS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Philosophy

The CS + Philosophy blended bachelor's degree is a partnership between the  Department of Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Department of Computer Science in The Grainger College of Engineering. Philosophy uses the tools of logic and reason to analyze how humans experience the world. Students studying CS + Philosophy are prepared to tackle modern questions related to ethics, logic, and privacy in the digital age, which are increasingly crucial to areas like artificial intelligence and security.

Requirements:

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office by the beginning of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see the computer science advisor as well as the philosophy advisor.

General education: 

Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.

Minimum required major and supporting course work: 

Normally equates to 71-73 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level Philosophy courses must be taken on this campus.

Minimum hours required for graduation:

120 hours

CS + PHIL Major Sequence Sample 

Degree Requirements
Course List
Code Title Hours
Required Computer Science Courses (32-33 hours):  
CS 100 Freshman Orientation (recommended) 1 1
CS 125 Intro to Computer Science 4
CS 126 Software Design Studio 3
CS 173 Discrete Structures 3
CS 225 Data Structures 4
CS 233 Computer Architecture 4
CS 241 System Programming 4
Choose one of the following: 3

STAT 200

 Statistical Analysis  

STAT 212

 Biostatistics  

CS 361

 Probability & Statistics for Computer Science  
CS 374 Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation 4
CS 421 Programming Languages & Compilers 3
Mathematics (may also fulfill the General Education Quantitative Reasoning I and II requirements)  
MATH 220 Calculus 4-5
or MATH 221 Calculus I
MATH 225 Introductory Matrix Theory 2
MATH 231 Calculus II 3
Required Philosophy coursework:  
PHIL 222 Philosophical Foundations of Computer Science 3
PHIL 223 Minds & Machines 3
PHIL 421 Ethical Theories 3
Choose one of the following: 3

PHIL 426

 Metaphysics  

PHIL 430

 Theory of Knowledge  
Choose one of the following: 3

PHIL 425

 Philosophy of Mind  

PHIL 438

 Philosophy of Language  

PHIL 439

 Philosophy of Mathematics  

PHIL 477

 Philosophy of Psychology  
PHIL 454 Advanced Symbolic Logic 3
PHIL 499 Capstone Seminar 3
In consultation with an advisor, choose at least 9 additional hours of coursework in philosophy, with at least 6 of those hours being at the 300- or 400-level. 9
Total Hours 71-73
1

 CS 100 is an orientation course aimed at first-year students, so students who declare the major after the freshman year are not required to complete it.