Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
The logic of mathematics and computing is combined with the deep-thinking process of philosophy in this program that challenges both 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.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires 18 credit hours, of which at least 12 must be upper-division. At least six upper-division credit hours must be taken through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for all courses used toward the certificate.
Required Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Upper Division Philosophy Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Electives -- 12 credit hours
Elective (3)
Upper Division Electives (9)
Students must complete at least one course each from the cognitive, linguistic and symbolic systems course lists below to earn the certificate. The required CSE course above also satisfies the requirement for a symbolic systems course, but students must cover the other two categories within the electives and upper division PHI course requirement. Once all three categories are satisfied, students may choose any courses from the cognitive, linguistic and symbolic systems lists for the remaining electives.
Cognitive Systems
Linguistic Systems
Symbolic Systems
With the approval of the director of undergraduate studies, students may substitute one course not on the approved course lists. Please obtain approval prior to enrolling in any course not on the approved list.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning 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 Outlook

Students become more marketable to employers and advance their career options when they have complemented their major with this specialization in symbolic, cognitive and linguistic systems, which develops their analytical and reasoning skills, particularly reasoning with computer programming languages and other symbolic systems.

Students who complete 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.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Business Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 35.2%
  • Median Salary*: 103500
  Bright Outlook

Computer Programmers


  • Growth: -11.2%
  • Median Salary*: 97800

Computer and Information Research Scientists


  • Growth: 22.7%
  • Median Salary*: 136620
  Bright Outlook

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.2%
  • Median Salary*: 74280

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists


  • Growth: 11.4%
  • Median Salary*: 90130
  Bright Outlook

Speech-Language Pathologists


  • Growth: 19.3%
  • Median Salary*: 84140
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76030

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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