Interdisciplinary Computing
Use computing to solve the problems you're most passionate about.
The future belongs to people who can combine technology with expertise in another field.
Whether you're interested in improving healthcare, designing better technology, understanding human behavior, building smarter cities, advancing artificial intelligence, or protecting our environment, solving today's biggest challenges requires more than computing alone. It requires people who understand both the technology and the world where it's applied.
The Interdisciplinary Computing major at the University of Minnesota prepares you to become that kind of problem solver. You'll build a rigorous foundation in computer science while developing deep expertise in another discipline, giving you the skills to create computational solutions, collaborate across fields, and make an impact where it matters most.
What Is 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.
Why Choose Interdisciplinary Computing?
Computer Science focuses on designing and advancing computing technologies, whereas Interdisciplinary Computing focuses on applying computing to solve problems in another field.
If you know you want computing to be part of your future but you also want to pursue another passion, Interdisciplinary Computing gives you the opportunity to develop expertise in both.
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.
Choose Your Path
Every student completes a shared computing foundation before specializing in an interdisciplinary pathway.
Current pathways include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Design
- Geography
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Linguistics
- Psychology
Within each pathway, you'll combine coursework from both disciplines and complete projects that bring them together. Electives allow you to explore areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, databases, and data science while tailoring your degree to your interests.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Computing program develop the ability to:
- Design and develop software and computational solutions.
- Analyze and interpret complex data.
- Apply artificial intelligence and emerging technologies responsibly.
- Solve problems using computational thinking.
- Work across technical and non-technical disciplines.
- Design solutions that consider both technology and human needs.
- Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Solve Problems That Matter
Interdisciplinary Computing prepares you to use technology to improve the world around you.
Depending on your pathway, you might:
- Apply artificial intelligence to improve healthcare.
- Design technologies that are more intuitive and accessible.
- Use data to better understand human behavior.
- Develop smarter transportation and infrastructure systems.
- Analyze geographic data to address environmental challenges.
- Create language technologies that improve communication.
Your education won't just teach you how computing works—it will prepare you to use computing where it matters most.
Learn by Doing
Learning extends beyond the classroom.
Through project-based coursework, you'll work on authentic challenges that combine computing with your chosen field. You'll collaborate with faculty across multiple colleges and gain experience solving the kinds of interdisciplinary problems you'll encounter in industry, research, and graduate school.
What Can You Do with an Interdisciplinary Computing Degree?
Graduates are prepared for careers wherever computing intersects with another field. Career paths may include:
- Data Scientist
- Software Developer
- User Experience (UX) Researcher or Designer
- Human-Computer Interaction Specialist
- Healthcare Technology Professional
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Product Manager
- Research Scientist
- Technology Consultant
The degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in computer science or your interdisciplinary field.
Interested in Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every discipline, and Interdisciplinary Computing is designed to help you apply AI in the context of your chosen field.
Students can further deepen their knowledge through the Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Minor, which includes coursework in topics such as:
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
- Robotics
- Data Mining
- Responsible AI and Ethics
Whether you want to use AI in healthcare, design, engineering, business, or the social sciences, the combination of Interdisciplinary Computing and the AI & ML Minor provides powerful preparation for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Are combined degree programs the same as a double major?
Double majors at the UofM are generally very difficult to complete in four years without students transferring in substantial credits and/or taking on larger than normal course loads per semester. The Interdisciplinary Computing subplans are designed explicitly to be completed within four years. Also, each subplan consists of a unique set of courses that blend the two disciplines together, which provides students with a more integrated education than a double-major experience.
Can I study artificial intelligence?
Yes. Depending on your pathway and electives, you can explore areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, databases, and data science. Students can further deepen their knowledge by adding the Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Minor.
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.
What careers does this degree prepare me for?
Graduates pursue careers in technology, healthcare, engineering, design, government, research, consulting, and many other industries where computing and domain expertise intersect.
Is this degree good preparation for graduate school?
Absolutely. The program prepares students for graduate study in computer science as well as in their interdisciplinary field.
