USF to launch new majors integrating computer science and AI across business, criminology and social sciences

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.