Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems, Certificate
Sharpen analytical and symbolic-reasoning skills that make you more versatile and marketable, whether you study computer science, psychology, linguistics, engineering or philosophy. Learn alongside scholars in a school known for rigorous, boundary-crossing inquiry.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Symbolic, Cognitive and Linguistic Systems certificate 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.
You cover coursework in three areas: human cognition and theories of mind, philosophy of language and linguistics, and computing and logic.
Why earn a symbolic cognitive and linguistic systems undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Few universities offer a single credential that genuinely weaves together philosophy of mind, philosophy of language and linguistics, and computing and logic, making this certificate a rare, unified path through those connected fields.
Additional details
As a certificate student, you're welcome in the lively community of the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, including the Philosophy Club, which gathers weekly in the Philosophy Lounge on the Tempe campus to discuss and debate a wide range of topics. All students are invited, and each week faculty advisor and professor Thad Botham prepares a home-cooked meal for attendees.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
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The certificate in Symbolic, Cognitive, and Linguistic Systems 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. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for all courses used toward the certificate. |
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CSE 110 Principles of Programming
or
CSE 205 Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
or
CSE 240 Introduction to Programming Languages
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 3 |
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3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Students must complete at least one course each from the cognitive, linguistic and symbolic systems electives lists to earn the certificate.
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The required CSE course above also satisfies the requirement in the symbolic systems category, but students must complete at least one course from the two other categories. Once all three categories are satisfied, students may choose any courses from the cognitive, linguistic and symbolic systems lists for the remaining electives.
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Cognitive Systems Linguistic Systems Symbolic Systems
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Cognitive Systems Linguistic Systems Symbolic Systems
9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Not all courses for this program are available every term. Students should consult the class schedule prior to each term to confirm course availability.
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What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Evaluate arguments for formal validity and construct formal proofs. Students will be able to capture the logical form of English sentences.Enrollment 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.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this symbolic cognitive and linguistic systems certificate prepares you for
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
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch
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COOR 4591
SHPRSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8364
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
