Explore Interdisciplinary Computing
Interdisciplinary Computing combines the technical foundations of computer science with in-depth study in another field. Rather than choosing between computing and another passion, you'll study both. You'll learn computational thinking, programming, software development, and algorithms, while developing expertise in a complementary discipline such as psychology, design, geography, biomedical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, or linguistics.
The result is a degree that prepares you to solve complex, data-intensive problems by bringing together technical expertise and real-world understanding.
Computer scientists often work on a more abstract level than other computer professionals. Positions are not limited to traditional technology fields either. More and more computer science is becoming necessary in every job category, while the computer technology industry is emerging as a new creative field.
Computer Science focuses on designing and advancing computing technologies, whereas Interdisciplinary Computing focuses on applying computing to solve problems in another field — see our current pathways.
* Offered by the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and College of Design.
New major for 2027
Interdisciplinary Computing graduates are prepared for careers wherever computing intersects with another field.
You'll graduate with:
- A strong foundation in computer science.
- Deep knowledge in another discipline.
- Experience applying computing to real-world challenges.
- Project-based learning that connects both fields.
- The flexibility to tailor your degree around your interests and career goals.
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What can I do with a major in Interdisciplinary Computing?
Computer Science + Biomedical Engineering
- Medical-Device Software Engineer
- Associate Test Engineer
- Software Verification Engineer
- R&D Engineer
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Medical Imaging Software Engineer
- Clinical Informatics Analyst
Digital Health Software Engineer
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Neural Engineering
Computer Science + Design
- Consumer Insights Analyst
- Merchandising Data Analyst
- Retail Data Analyst
- Omni-Channel Insights Analyst
- E-commerce Data Analyst
- Product Analyst
- Pricing Analyst
- Retail Media & Data Analyst
- Customer Analytics Analyst
- Retail Technology Analyst
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Retail Data Science
Computer Science + Geography
- GIS Analyst
- Junior Geospatial Analyst
- GIS Specialist
- Spatial Data Analyst
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- GIS Application Developer
- Geospatial Software Developer
- Location Intelligence Analyst
- Spatial Data Engineer
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Geographic Information Science
Computer Science + Industry & Systems Engineering
- Operations Research Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Methods Process Analyst
- Supply Chain Management Analyst
- Optimization Analyst
- Decision Science Analyst
- Simulation Engineer
- Manufacturing Systems Engineer
- Logistics Analyst
- Revenue Management Analyst
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Operations and Information Engineering
Computer Science + Linguistics
- Language Engineer
- AI Language Engineer
- Linguistic Data Analyst
- AI Evaluation Analyst
- Conversational AI Analyst
- Search Relevance Analyst
- Computational Linguist
- NLP Engineer
- Language Technology Specialist
- Machine Translation Analyst
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Computational Linguistics
Computer Science + Psychology
- 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
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Psychology and Computing
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Is Interdisciplinary Computing the same as Computer Science?
No. Both degrees share a strong foundation in computing, but Interdisciplinary Computing is designed for students who want to combine computer science with another field of expertise. It's a Computer Science degree + X (the field of study you choose — see the current pathways here).
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Are these combined degree programs the same as earning a CS Minor?
Students in the Interdisciplinary Computing degree program take substantially more computer science curriculum than a typical student minoring in CS. A CS minor requires five 3- or 4-credit CS courses, while for these programs, students will take six foundational CS courses plus ~2-3 additional higher-level courses aligned with the applied focus of interest.
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Can I customize the degree?
Yes. Students choose an interdisciplinary pathway and have flexibility through electives and project-based learning to tailor the program to their interests.