Integrated Degrees at CSU: Computer Science + Ethics

Cleveland State University became the first institution of higher education in Northeast Ohio to offer new interdisciplinary degrees designed to empower undergraduate students with the skills, versatility and adaptability they need to work at the intersection of multiple disciplines or fields. They are each a purposefully designed blend of curriculum for students whose paths require expertise in several disciplines.

The university’s combined majors developed not only from faculty members’ proposals, but also from collaboration with local employers, who weighed in on which of the proposed programs might meet the area’s workforce needs.

“As a regional public, as an institution that seeks to serve this community, we said, what do our employers need?” said CSU Provost Nigamanth Sridhar, who is spearheading the initiative.

Today, we are highlighting the Computer Science + Ethics Bachelor of Science degree.

As technology evolves rapidly, so do questions about its responsible use. At CSU, those questions inspired a new academic pathway that blends technical skills with moral responsibility.

For Stefan Andrei, chair of the Department of Computer Science, the creation of the computer science and ethics integrated degree is both timely and necessary. 

“At the core of this program is a simple idea,” said Andrei. “If you’re building technology, you need to understand the ethical impact of what you’re creating.”

The rise of generative artificial intelligence played a major role in shaping the program. As tools become more powerful and accessible, questions about authorship, responsibility and misuse are becoming increasingly urgent. 

“If you go to Giant Eagle, for example, and you do a self-checkout, the software that you interact with in the system is based on the ethical way of the customer, as well as the one who designed the software,” said Andrei. “Students need to be aware of how to design these software tools ethically, especially as they enter the workforce.”

But the need for ethical awareness in computing isn’t new. Andrei said that while hacking culture may have once been seen as innovative or even admirable, today’s digital landscape demands accountability. 

“Years ago, it might have been seen as ‘cool’ to break into systems,” he said. “Now, we understand the consequences. When you build software, you’re not building it to harm people.”

The computer science and ethics program is designed as a true integration of disciplines. Students complete core computer science coursework aligned with national accreditation standards while also engaging deeply with ethical theory and application through courses offered by partnering departments. 

"It’s essentially a 50-50 structure,” Andrei explained. “We still maintain our core computer science courses, and students take ethics classes as well.”

The program builds on Cleveland State’s existing ABET-accredited computer science curriculum, ensuring students receive a rigorous, industry-aligned education. Over time, the integrated degree will seek its own accreditation once its first cohort of students graduates.

CAREER OUTLOOK

The integrated degree aims to fill a growing tech industry gap by preparing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also ethically aware, understanding that the software they create reflects both themselves and their company and has real impacts on users. 

“We actually live in a society where ethics should be on the first level,” he said. “Ethics is already embedded in the technology we use daily. Now we’re including it in education.”

In addition to coursework, students will have opportunities to work on industry-sponsored senior design projects, real-world experiences that often involve collaboration with external partners. 

“I would say 40 percent of the projects are sponsored by the industry, which is awesome and we will continue,” said Andrei. “We will ask industry partners ‘are you willing to sponsor the design?’ If not, the departments will sponsor, my department and the ethics department.”

As a newly launched program, the computer science and ethics degree is still in its early stages. But Andrei anticipates steady growth over the next several years, emphasizing the importance of outreach, student support and industry connections. 

“New programs take time,” he said. “We expect to see growth within two to five years. We need to retain and convince students to stay and graduate and connect them to industry. That's an essential point.”

Learn more about CSU’s integrated degree programs.