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Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems ,Certificate

Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems

Computer, Language, Mind, Psychology, logic, math, philosophy

The logic of mathematics and computing is combined with the deep-thinking process of philosophy in this program that challenges your right and left brain, preparing you for future goals with skills in language, theory and logic.

Program description

The certificate program in symbolic, cognitive and linguistic systems takes a transdisciplinary approach to the symbolic representation and processing of information in human cognition, natural languages, and formal mathematical, logical and computing systems.

Coursework covers three areas: human cognition and theories of mind, philosophy of language and linguistics, and computing and logic.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Degree requirements

The certificate requires completion of 18 credit hours from the approved course list below, of which at least 12 hours must be upper-division. Six upper-division credits must be taken through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses used toward the certificate. Within the 18 required hours, students must meet the following requirements

    1. completion of at least one CSE course from approved course list
    2. completion of at least one PHI course from approved course list, preferably PHI 319 Philosophy, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, CS (3), PHI 331 Philosophy of Language, HU (3) or PHI 333 Symbolic Logic (3)
    3. completion of at least one course from each area in approved course list

Cognitive Systems:

PHI 313 Probability, Evidence and Decision (3)
PHI 330 Theory of Knowledge, HU (3)
PHI 334 Philosophy of Mind, HU (3)
PHI 401 Rationalism(3)**
PHI 402 Empiricism, HU (3)**
PSY 323 Sensation and Perception (3)*
PSY 324 Memory and Cognition (3)*
PSY 434 Cognitive Psychology, L (3)*
PSY 437 Human Factors, L (3)*

Linguistic Systems:

ASB 480 Principles of Linguistics (3)
ASB 483 Sociolinguistics and the Ethnography of Communication, SB (3)
ENG 213 Introduction to the Study of Language (3)
ENG 312 English in its Social Setting, L or HU or SB (3)*
ENG 313 Phonology and Morphology (3)*
ENG 314 Modern Grammar (3)*
PHI 331 Philosophy of Language, HU (3)

Symbolic Systems:
CSE 110 Principles of Programming, CS (3)
CSE 205 Object-oriented Programming and Data Structures, CS (3)*
CSE 240 Introduction to Programming Languages (3)*
MAT 243 Discrete Mathematical Structures (3)
MAT 300 Mathematical Structures, L (3)*
MAT 420 Scientific Computing (3)*
PHI 319 Philosophy, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, CS (3)
PHI 333 Symbolic Logic (3)
PHI 413 Advanced Symbolic Logic (3)**

*Course has prerequisites which must be completed or in progress prior to enrollment. To determine prerequisites, please check the course description in class search.

**If not a philosophy major with 56 credit hours of completed course work, permission is required. Please meet with an academic advisor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.

With the approval of the director of undergraduate studies, students may substitute one course not on approved course list. Please obtain approval prior to enrolling in any course not on the approved list.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Evaluate arguments for formal validity and construct formal proofs. Students will be able to capture the logical form of English sentences.
  • Explain and apply key philosophical concepts or theories in the study of human cognition, including techniques and challenges for modeling human cognition using formal or programming languages.
Career opportunities

Graduates who have complemented their major with this specialization in symbolic, cognitive and linguistic systems can advance their career options and may be more marketable to employers. The analytical and reasoning skills they have gained, particularly reasoning with computer programming languages and other symbolic systems, enhance their employment opportunities.

Graduates with this undergraduate certificate often pursue employment in business, engineering, information systems or psychology. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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