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
Computer Programmers
- Growth: -11.2%
- Median Salary*: 97800
Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Growth: 22.7%
- Median Salary*: 136620
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
Speech-Language Pathologists
- Growth: 19.3%
- Median Salary*: 84140
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
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
