The Scholars Program at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences officially approved the first independent study focusing on Bitcoin on January 11. The pioneer behind this academic achievement is Ella Hough, a student at Cornell University, who is set to embark on a unique academic journey centered around Bitcoin.
“The last 15 months have been a long but incredibly worthwhile road to approval,” Hough told Bitcoin Magazine. “I continue to believe that spending my time and energy studying Bitcoin is a most valuable academic endeavor. I am especially grateful for its study within the College of Arts and Sciences and at Cornell University, whose founders championed the ideals embodied by Bitcoin, warning of the dangers of the inflation of fiat money and supporting the development of rails for the transfer of wealth.” Based on knowledge and monetary wealth.
Ella's major will include a variety of subjects, 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 societal structures.
“When I was asked: What is my major in college?” I further explained that my response would be Bitcoin. “Cognitive and game theoretic components of Bitcoin adoption and implications for Bitcoin to underscore why it is important.”
As part of the requirements for the College Scholar program, Ella will undertake the assignment to write and present an honors thesis with an oral defense in May 2025. While her thesis is set to adapt and evolve with new information over time, Ella expects the primary focus of her thesis will be around the global adoption and revolutionary implications of the Bitcoin network and its origins. She told Bitcoin Magazine that her final thesis will be displayed at the university in Klarman Hall and will be kept in the program's permanent library.
One of the defining features of Ella's new academic journey is her ability to choose the title that will appear on her degree and transcript. Pending approval by the program administrator, Bitcoin will appear prominently in its official credentials, symbolizing its dedication to exploring the importance of this decentralized technology.
Ella's commitment to studying Bitcoin extends beyond academia; I took the initiative to found the first official Bitcoin club at Cornell. The club will join Generation Bitcoin's Bitcoin Student Network – a Gen Z-focused community created to support and inspire college-age and high school students to get involved in Bitcoin.
“There is a human imperative affecting generations, both present and future, to study all aspects of Bitcoin and for students to be validated in their efforts,” Hough stated. “I hope this precedent will encourage, empower and facilitate the journey of other students to think outside our current systems and build a more inclusive, honest and truthful world.”
Cornell University's approval of Ella Hogg's Bitcoin-focused degree represents an important step toward recognizing the importance and importance of Bitcoin within traditional academic institutions. As Bitcoin continues to shape the global financial landscape, Ella's pioneering work to formally advance her understanding of Bitcoin at a prestigious university opens doors to further exploration and understanding of this burgeoning technology.
