Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, University of South Florida’s Bellini College
of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will launch three new interdisciplinary
computing majors that will pair computer science and AI with social sciences, business
and criminology.
These new programs reflect the Bellini College’s hub-and-spoke model that connects
it with disciplines across the university and prepares students for careers in a technology-driven
world.
“By partnering with other colleges, we’re expanding how students see technology and
helping them see how technology applies to a specific field, one that they are interested
in,” said Bellini College Launch Dean Sudeep Sarkar. “The courses these students will
take in these new programs will give them the tools to shape their careers in their
respective fields as well as in AI and computer science.”
The interdisciplinary programs will not be taught on parallel tracks. The single curriculum
of each program merges the core required courses in the respective discipline with
core required courses in computer science to provide a seamless experience and aligning
its coursework in both areas. All the 3 majors are 120 credit hours in total, unlike
a dual degree program.
Registration for the fall semester to take advantage of these programs begins March
30.
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
USF’s College of Arts and Sciences has partnered with the Bellini College to develop
a new type of professional development path for undergraduates, one that connects
computer code and culture to serve society.
In the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
program, students study programming, AI and data analysis combine with social psychology,
ethical issues, sociology and research methods to reinforce the idea that innovation
requires understanding of both algorithms and the human experience they influence.
“New technology exists and thrives in human contexts,” said Elizabeth Spiller, dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This partnership brings together two disciplines
– computer science and interdisciplinary social sciences – to ensure that our graduates
will have both real technological expertise and a deep understanding of the human
dimensions that are inseparable from that technology.”
Responsibility and reflection will be at the core of the curriculum as students learn
to design technology that is ethical, transparent and aligned with human values.
Business
The ability to combine the technical aspects of computer science with a strategic
business mindset is a skillset possessed by few and highly valued by employers. The
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business will allow students to choose
from one of five business concentrations: accountancy and analytics, fintech, business
analytics and information systems, digital marketing and analytics, and supply chain
management.
This joint program with USF’s Muma College of Business will help graduates stand out
in the professional field by translating technical ideas into business results. Students
in this program will be given the resources to develop strong foundations in programming,
AI and computing while also building fundamental business skills and strategy.
“Today’s organizations run on data fueled by digital systems, and computing professionals
who understand business will be able to distinguish themselves in a constantly evolving
workplace,” said David Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger Dean for the Muma College of
Business. “We are proud to partner with the Bellini College in preparing students
with this knowledge.”
The benefits of both colleges also will be at their fingertips. That includes access
to the business school’s talent development center, participation in student organizations
of both colleges and access to computer science labs that business students normally
can’t access.
Graduates completing the joint program will be prepared to tackle roles such marketing
systems analyst, corporate accounting systems analyst, fintech analyst, blockchain
developer, financial software engineer, supply chain analyst and more. Computer science
and business graduates are among the top-paid majors. The major also provides graduate
program options. Graduates of the program would qualify for master’s degrees in computer
science or business.
Criminology
Whether it’s a ransomware attack, identity theft, phishing, malware or hacking, cybercrime
is one of the largest looming threats facing the public today. USF’s new degree program
will prepare graduates with the right combination of computer science skills and understanding
of human behavior that are in demand from government, law enforcement agencies and
private sector companies providing cybersecurity services.
Through the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Criminology program with the
Bellini College and the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, students will
be trained to think like both technologists and investigators to design secure systems,
analyze digital evidence and gain understanding about the motives and methods behind
cyber threats. Classes that tackle ethics, data structures, AI, secure coding, criminal
justice research methods and theories of criminal behavior reinforce how computing
and criminology intersect to serve public safety.
“As digital threats expand, so does the need for cybercrime professionals who can
tackle the latest technologies to protect the public,” said Julie Serovich, dean of
USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. “Our partnerships with leading
cybersecurity firms and law enforcement help us tailor the classes to what is relevant
in the industry.”
Graduates of the program will be prepared for a range of careers cybercrime investigation,
digital forensics, data-driven crime analysis, cybersecurity policy and risk intelligence.
Students in the three programs also participate in interdisciplinary capstone projects
where they will be able to tackle real-world challenges. Combined with internship
opportunities, these experiences give students valuable, practical insight into how
computer science technology supports each of the disciplines.
The interdisciplinary computing majors are made possible with funding from the Northeastern
University CIC and the U.S. National Science Foundation.
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