Ethics + Computer Science B.S.
How can we design artificial intelligence to protect and not harm humanity? Should we use algorithms to decide criminal cases? Can AI be designed to be fair to everyone in society? Examine critical questions like these through an exploration of moral and political philosophy while learning the fundamentals of computing, data structures and systems programming.
With this dynamic program, students will gain a deep understanding of human values, principles and computer technology needed to evaluate, communicate about and design technology that goes beyond functionality to positively shape our world.
Take Action
JOB OUTLOOK
Graduates of this program are uniquely suited for roles at the intersection of technology and human interest across virtually any industry. Careers can include software development, data science, information security, video game design, technology journalism, social research, nonprofit work and emerging fields like AI prompt engineering. Graduates can continue their studies at the graduate level with philosophy, exploring AI, machine learning and algorithms, or pursue copyright or cybersecurity law.
Annual Wage Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are forecasted to grow faster than all occupations from 2024 to 2034. The national median pay for this group is $105,990 per year (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024). Below are a few positions with salary estimates according to 2024 Ohio Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
| Position | Ohio Median Wage | Ohio Entry Level Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analyst | $98,990 | $66,290 |
| Computer Programmer | $99,520 | $60,140 |
| Data Scientist | $98,620 | $60,500 |
| Software Developer | $107,690 | $77,070 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $88,170 | $52,970 |
CURRICULUM
Core Required Courses (9–10 credit hours)
- PHL 140: Logical Reasoning
- PHL 216: AI & Data Ethics
- MTH 148: Mathematics for Business Majors I OR MTH 181: Calculus I
Philosophy & Ethics Required Courses (21 credit hours)
- PHL 215: Technology Ethics
- PHL 300: Philosophical Methods
- PHL 345: Philosophy of Science
- PHL 411: Ethics
- PHL 450: Minds & Machines
- PHL 451: What is Justice?
- PHL 471: How Do We Know?
Philosophy & Ethics Electives (6 credit hours)
- Choose one History of Philosophy Elective:
- PHL 351: Foundations of Western Thought
- PHL 352: Modern Philosophy & Beyond
- Choose one Social Philosophy Elective:
- PHL 341: Philosophy of Law
- PHL 364: Foundations of Political Thought
- PHL 365: Modern Political Thought
Computer Science Required Courses (29 credit hours)
- CIS 151: Invitation to Computing
- CIS 260: Introduction to Programming
- CIS 265: Data Structures & Algorithms
- CIS 340: Systems Programming
- CIS 390: Introduction to Algorithms
- CIS 430: Database Concepts
- CIS 467: Artificial Intelligence
- DSA 469: Big Data Processing Systems
- CIS 475: Computer Security
Cognate Required Courses (9 credit hours)
- MTH 149: Mathematics for Business Majors II OR MTH 182: Calculus II
- MTH 220: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
- EEC 414: Technical Communication