Interdisciplinary Computing Curriculum

Combine computer science with another field and graduate in four years

The University of Minnesota’s Interdisciplinary Computing major is a four-year bachelor’s degree that combines a strong computer science foundation with focused study in another discipline. Students learn the fundamentals of both fields, then bring them together through advanced courses, electives, and interdisciplinary projects.

Each subplan is carefully designed to account for prerequisite requirements in both disciplines while keeping students on track to graduate in four years.

All Interdisciplinary Computing students complete a shared computing foundation before specializing in one of six subplans.

Computer Science + Linguistics
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Computational Linguistics

Computer Science + Geography
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Geographic Information Science

Computer Science + Biomedical Engineering
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Neural Engineering

Computer Science + Industrial and Systems Engineering
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Operations and Information Engineering

Computer Science + Psychology
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Psychology and Computing
Offered in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts

Computer Science + Design
Listed on the application as: Interdisciplinary Computing: Retail Data Science
Offered in partnership with the College of Design

Can I complete an Interdisciplinary Computing degree in four years?
Yes. Each subplan is designed as a four-year degree, with courses sequenced to account for prerequisites in computer science and the partner discipline.

Is Interdisciplinary Computing a double major?
No. It is one integrated bachelor’s degree that combines computer science with a carefully designed course of study in another field.

When do I choose my subplan?
Students complete an introductory course associated with their intended subplan before applying for admission to the major. An academic advisor can help students explore the options and plan their coursework.

Do all Interdisciplinary Computing students take the same courses?
Students share foundational mathematics and computer science requirements. Other requirements vary by subplan and focus on the intersection of computing and the selected discipline.

What name should I look for on the University of Minnesota application?
Look for the official Interdisciplinary Computing subplan name. For example, students interested in Computer Science + Psychology should select "Interdisciplinary Computing: Psychology and Computing."

Every Interdisciplinary Computing subplan includes:

• Four to six foundational computer science courses
• Two required mathematics courses
• Four to six foundational courses in the partner discipline
• Shared computer science courses in algorithms and ethics
• Upper-level courses connecting computer science with the partner discipline
• Electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, databases, and software engineering
• University of Minnesota liberal education requirements

Approximately half of the required coursework differs from what students would complete in a traditional degree in either field. The result is a genuinely integrated program, not simply a computer science major with a few added electives.

High school students first apply to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering. After enrolling at the University, students complete five prerequisite courses before applying for admission to an Interdisciplinary Computing major:

1. Calculus I
2. Discrete Structures of Computer Science
3. Two introductory computer science courses
4. One introductory course connected to the intended subplan

These courses establish the mathematics, programming, and disciplinary knowledge students need to succeed in the major.

Mathematics requirements
Students complete Calculus I and Discrete Structures of Computer Science.

Calculus I

Complete at least four credits from one of the following:

• MATH 1271: Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 1371: CSE Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 1571H: Honors Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 1471: UM Talented Youth Mathematics Program—Calculus I, First Semester, 2 credits

MATH 1471 carries two credits. Students who complete this course should work with an advisor to determine how to satisfy the remaining credit requirement.

Discrete Structures of Computer Science

Complete one of the following:

• CSCI 2011: Discrete Structures of Computer Science, 4 credits
• CSCI 2011H: Honors Discrete Structures of Computer Science, 4 credits

Introductory computer science requirements

Students complete one of three approved introductory course sequences.

Option 1: Preferred sequence

Complete at least eight credits:

• CSCI 1133 or CSCI 1133H: Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts
• CSCI 1933 or CSCI 1933H: Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures

Option 2

Complete at least eight credits:

• CSCI 1103: Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
  or CSCI 1113: Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers
• CSCI 1913: Introduction to Algorithms, Data Structures, and Program Development

Option 3

Complete at least nine credits:

• CSCI 1103: Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
  or CSCI 1113: Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers
• CSCI 1933 or CSCI 1933H: Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
• CSCI 1923: Python as a Second Programming Language

Introductory subplan requirement

Before applying to the major, students also complete at least three credits in the field connected to their intended subplan.

Shared computer science core

All Interdisciplinary Computing students complete at least two shared computer science courses totaling at least five credits.

Algorithms and Data Structures

Complete at least four credits from one of the following:

• CSCI 4041: Algorithms and Data Structures
• CSCI 4041H: Honors Algorithms and Data Structures, if available
• MADR 4041: Algorithms and Data Structures

Ethics in Computing

Complete at least one credit from one of the following:

• CSCI 3923: Ethics in Computing
• CSCI 3921W: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing

After completing the foundational requirements, students take upper-level courses from computer science and their partner discipline. These courses focus on the places where the two fields intersect.

Depending on the subplan and their interests, students may also explore:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Data science and data analysis
• Databases and information systems
• Software engineering
• Human-centered technology
• Computational modeling
• Discipline-specific applications of computing

Projects and advanced coursework give students opportunities to apply what they have learned across both fields.

Interdisciplinary Computing students must also:

• Complete the University of Minnesota’s liberal education requirements
• Complete CSE 1001: First-Year Experience
• Complete all requirements for their selected subplan
• Earn at least 32 upper-division credits in the major at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities