Computer Science + Psychology
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Psychology and Computing
Combine computational power with human insight
The field of psychology studies human thought, behavior, and emotion, while computer science offers the computational tools to measure, analyze, and simulate these processes. Students pursuing this combined degree will gain the ability to bridge human insight with technological innovation.
For example, students learn to apply computational methods directly to human behavior and cognitive science. For example, you might design adaptive learning platforms that respond to student engagement, build algorithms to detect mental health patterns in digital data, or develop AI systems that account for human decision-making biases.
This degree provides a strong foundation for work in human–computer interaction, where understanding cognition is crucial for creating intuitive interfaces—as well as digital health technology, where software enables new modes of care.
Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles such as UX/UI researchers and designers, educational technology specialists, behavioral data analysts, and AI ethics consultants, as well as advanced research in cognitive science and neuroscience.
What makes this program distinctive?
Several key areas of research and teaching at the University of Minnesota set the Computer Science + Psychology subplan apart from traditional computer science or psychology degrees:
- Pioneering Human-Computer Interaction: The University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering is home to world-renowned research labs that invented early recommender systems and continue to lead human-centered AI, social computing, and digital wellbeing studies.
- Data-Driven Behavioral Science: Students leverage Minnesota’s top-ranked psychology research infrastructure to analyze complex behavioral datasets, measure cognitive states, and evaluate user experiences using computational methods.
- Interdisciplinary AI & Ethics Focus: The curriculum combines machine learning and natural language processing with psychological principles, training students to design accessible, unbiased, and responsible AI systems.
Expand your studies with the AI and Machine Learning minor
Students may also be able to complement this degree with the University of Minnesota’s new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning minor beginning in 2027.
The seven-course minor explores areas such as machine learning, data mining, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing. Eligibility and course-planning requirements apply. Students interested in the minor should work with an academic advisor to determine how it can fit with their degree.
Explore the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning minor.
Is Computer Science + Psychology right for me?
This subplan may be a good fit if you are interested in questions such as:
- How can we build AI systems and algorithms that better understand human decision-making and cognitive biases?
- How do researchers use computational tools and data to detect mental health patterns and support digital care?
- Why do users interact with digital interfaces in specific ways, and how can we design technology that is more intuitive and accessible?
- How do voice assistants, recommender systems, and adaptive learning platforms adapt to human behavior in real time?
- How can computer science and psychological research combine to ensure emerging technologies are ethical, responsible, and human-centered?
You do not need to choose between an interest in psychology and an interest in technology. This program is designed for students who want to study both—and use them together.
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers and advanced study in areas including:
- Behavioral Data Analyst
- User Research Coordinator
- UX Research Assistant
- Human Factors Analyst
- Consumer Insights Analyst
- Product Analyst
- Learning Analytics Analyst
- Workforce Insights Analyst
- AI Evaluation Analyst
- Behavioral Research Assistant
Explore the curriculum
Learn more about admission requirements, required courses, and the recommended four-year plan for Interdisciplinary Computing: Psychology and Computing.
