Introducing A New Set of Interdisciplinary Degrees in CS
Announcing new interdisciplinary emphases in computer science designed to help you make a difference in the fields of study that are changing society. The new Bachelor of Arts (BA) program emphases focus on computing as a way to impact diverse areas, such as biology and geography, in an education that truly crosses boundaries. Computing means teamwork, collaboration, and the interdisciplinary skills that modern careers require. Whether you are passionate about music, medicine, social issues, biology, or something else entirely, almost everything we do has been affected in some way by computers. Computers change the world - come help us change it for the better.
In fall 2006, we introduced two new BA emphases that focus on the use of computing in the areas of biology and geography, with more options likely to come (let us know what you want!). The course requirements cross traditional boundaries and multiple departments at UCSB to ensure a mix of classes that keep you interested, excited, and challenged. Being fluent in the language of multiple disciplines helps you build the collaborative, social, and technical skills that today's employers demand. While you learn the foundations of a cooperating field, the BA program draws from the same programming curriculum that has resulted in the success of technology companies such as Google, Ask.com, and Citrix Online.
We expect that the program will be especially attractive to students who wish to pursue careers in physical or social sciences with a computational specialization. "There is a growing demand for such professionals as algorithmic and computational approaches have become an essential tool in scientific investigations and management of complexity," adds Professor Subhash Suri. Some notable examples of such interdisciplinary efforts are Google Earth, Quantum Computing, the Media Arts and Technology Program, and the mapping of the Human Genome.
Get Involved.
To give you an idea of the things that are possible when computing and other fields co-operate, you can take a look at some of the interdisciplinary research labs, centers, and activities that are already going on at UCSB today (the figures on the left).
Additional Information
Feel free to browse the course requirements, catalog descriptions, or suggested study plans. If you would like more information don't hesitate to contact the Undergraduate Advisor.
