Interdisciplinary Computer Science, B.A.

Why major in interdisciplinary computer science at Whitworth?

• Gain a holistic perspective. Computer science is not just about making machines work or advancing software solutions; it blends critical thinking, art, ethics, mathematics, logic and a range of other skills to identify and solve problems – sometimes even problems that haven't been identified yet!
• Start from the beginning. You don't need a background in computer science to take the first course. Students from all skill levels are welcome to start learning computational skills, and we don't require an application process to pursue a CS degree.
• Benefit from supportive and collaborative professors who keep their office doors open and are happy to assist any student in the department. Professors regularly teach introductory through advanced courses, meaning they get to know all computer science students on an individual basis.
• Explore service-learning and the ethical dimensions of computing, with courses and extracurriculars designed to deepen your understanding of technology's impact on society.
• Gain hands-on experience through a senior capstone project that involves working with real clients.
• Connect your faith or worldview to your learning through classroom discussions of social and ethical issues.
• Have fun and build community with peers through department-hosted events like the Christmas party, Pi Day, Community Building Week and final project presentations, where you can showcase your work.
• Become who you're meant to be.

Ask our faculty

Our interdisciplinary computer science grads make a difference (and get jobs)

The interdisciplinary computer science major is ultimately designed to equip you for a career in developing software solutions, but no matter what career you choose to pursue, this major will revolutionize how you pursue it.

Recent job placements of department alumni include:

• Leo Barry, software engineer, Bungie
• Madi Binyon, software engineer, F5
• Aaron Borjas, software engineer, Microsoft
• Adam Cassidy, process control engineer, Sedron Technologies
• Kat Duarte, technical program manager, Google
• Kelsey Glynn, associate product manager, Nike
• Jose Oronia, software engineer, T-Mobile
• Brady Simmelink, senior principal engineer, Slalom Consulting

Our recent computer science grads further their studies in top programs at institutions including:

• The University of Edinburgh
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University
• University Washington
• University of Massachusetts
• Washington State University
• Arizona State University
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Opportunities outside the classroom

• Gain internship-like experience by working on projects for Whitworth departments and local organizations through the computer science program’s Innovation Incubator. Projects may include website and app development, data analytics and user experience analyses.
• Join Career Treks to connect with employees from leading companies such as F5, Vega Cloud and Two Barrels in Spokane and Microsoft, Google and Remitly in Seattle.
• Work on projects with CS faculty over the summer through Whitworth’s summer STEM research program.
• Partner with high school computer science programs to provide mentorship and guidance to aspiring young coders.
• Teach coding to local schoolchildren during the math & computer science department’s annual STEMplosion event.

Pack your bags!

Computer science faculty lead study abroad programs every other Jan Term. In previous years, students have gone to mainland Europe to reflect on the intersection between math and history/culture there, to the United Kingdom to develop educational games introducing people to Welsh culture, and to both China and Southeast Asia to learn about how the tech sector there is booming in ways that are reshaping the global economy.

What related majors can I explore?

• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction