Cornell University’s College Scholars Program Approved for First Bitcoin-Focused Degree

Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences’ University Scholars Program officially approved the first independent study focused on Bitcoin on January 11. The pioneer behind this academic milestone is Ella Hough, a Cornell University student who is about to embark on a unique academic journey centered around Bitcoin.

“The last 15 months have been long, but it has been very worthwhile to get approval,” Hough told Bitcoin Magazine. “I continue to believe that investing time and energy studying Bitcoin is the most valuable academic endeavor. I am especially grateful to be able to study this in the College of Arts and Sciences and at Cornell University, which champions the ideals that Bitcoin embodies, warns of the dangers of fiat inflation, and supports the development of railroads to transfer knowledge bases and monetary wealth. do.”

Ella’s majors encompass a variety of topics, including cognitive science, psychology, philosophy, information science, government, economics, anthropology, and history. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the multifaceted nature of Bitcoin, exploring its cognitive and game-theoretic components as well as its implications for adoption and social structure.

“If you were to ask, ‘What is my college scholarship major?’ my answer would be Bitcoin,” she added. She “highlights the cognitive and game-theoretic components involved in Bitcoin adoption and why Bitcoin’s implications are so important.”

As part of the University Scholars Program requirements, Ella will be tasked with writing and presenting an honors thesis through oral argument in May 2025. Her thesis will adapt and evolve with new information over time, but Ella anticipates: The core focus of her thesis will center on the global adoption and revolutionary implications of Bitcoin as a network and asset. Her final thesis will be on display at the university in Klarman Hall and housed in the program’s permanent library, she told Bitcoin Magazine.

One feature of Ella’s new academic journey is the ability to choose the title that will appear on her diploma and transcript. Pending approval from the Program Director, Bitcoin will be featured prominently on the official credentials, symbolizing her commitment to exploring the importance of this decentralized technology.

Ella’s dedication to Bitcoin research extends beyond academia. She led the effort in establishing Cornell’s first official Bitcoin Club. The club joins Bitcoin Generation’s Bitcoin Student Network – a Gen Z-focused community that supports and inspires college and high school students to get involved in Bitcoin.

“Researching all aspects of Bitcoin and ensuring students are validated for their efforts has a humanitarian imperative that impacts current and future generations,” Hough said. “I hope this precedent will encourage, empower, and facilitate the journey of other students to think outside of our current systems and build a more inclusive, truthful, and honest world.”

Cornell University’s approval of Ella Hough’s Bitcoin-focused degree is an important step in recognizing the relevance and importance of Bitcoin within traditional academic institutions. As Bitcoin continues to shape the global financial landscape, Ella’s pioneering work to formally increase understanding of Bitcoin at prestigious universities opens the door to further exploration and understanding of this burgeoning technology.