This minor is designed to equip students to tackle the moral complexity of AI-enabled technologies. It provides students with core competencies for thinking critically about the impact of AI in social and global contexts and allows them to apply their knowledge and skills via case studies, debates, and individual or team projects. The minor seeks to make ethical and social considerations a forethought in the design, development, deployment, and use of AI-related technologies. Given the role of AI-enabled technologies in our increasingly digital society, the minor is of relevance to all Mason students as engaged citizens and offers vital competencies to those planning for careers in such areas as computing and technology, government, public policy, health, law, education, and the media.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and 9 credits must be at the 300-level or above. Students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: ETAI

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 15

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Required Coursework

Foundation Course
PHIL 241Foundations of Ethics and AI3
Core Area 1: Computing and Technology
Students select one from the following:3
Essentials of Computer Science (CS and Applied CS students only)
Introduction to Computing (Mason Core)
Topics in Philosophy of Technology
Philosophy of Mind
Core Area 2: Ethics
Students select one of the following:3
Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional (Mason Core) (CS and Applied CS students only)
Introduction to Ethics
Theories of Ethics
Ethics and International Politics
Core Area 3: AI in Society
Students select one of the following:3
Media and Society
New Media and Democracy
The Digital Past (Mason Core)
Big Data, Technology, and Society
Data Analysis for Comparative and International Politics
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
IT in the Global Economy
Digital Literacy (Mason Core)
Digital Futures
Capstone
PHIL 441Ethics and AI: Practice and Projects3
Total Credits15