The B.S. degree is the most technical undergraduate degree in computer science. The A.B. degree has fewer requirements than the B.S. degree, and so it can be ideal for combining computer science with another rigorous course of study. The CSES major integrates technical training in computer science with study in digital ethics, law, and policy. The Concentration in Technology, Ethics, and Society provides a pathway for B.S. and A.B. students to obtain exposure to and literacy in the ethical, legal, and social implications of their field. Finally, the Minor lets students studying fields other than CS develop technical expertise in computer science. Like most universities, Georgetown designs its undergraduate programs in computer science to conform with the ACM-IEEE guidelines on undergraduate computer science education.
The A.B. in Computer Science, Ethics, & Society (CSES) combines strong, A.B.-level technical training in CS with deep study of the ethical and policy challenges relevant to CS, as well as tools and frameworks to build responsible practices and governance. Students interested in this major might include, for example, those who want to go on to Law School to specialize in Technology Law, master's programs in Public Policy to specialize in Tech Policy, or simply have a deep interest in understanding the technical, social, and ethical issues at the heart of computer science developments that are reshaping society. A key commitment of this major is attention to integration and application of ethical considerations within CS work. The CSES major is a modified version of the A.B. that: reduces the number of CS electives, adds electives specifically related to digital ethics, changes the required math course from Calculus to Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040), and adds a required Introduction to Tech, Ethics, and Society course, Digital Law & Policy course, and a project-based Senior Capstone course.
