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Combine Computer Science with other programs

One of the reasons CS is such an exciting field is because of the ways that it interacts with other fields. Many fields benefit from applying CS approaches to questions in that field — for example, by applying machine learning to diagnostic imaging in healthcare. There are opportunities to explore these combinations whether your primary focus is in Computer Science or Data Science, or whether your primary focus is in another field while you complete a CS Minor or a few CS courses. 

Below is a framework for thinking about these combinations, and finding opportunities to develop relevant, targeted skills in both Computer Science or Data Science and a complementary field. Some of these opportunities will be in courses and programs, but co-curricular learning opportunities, like work placements, summer jobs and internships, and clubs and student organizations also offer important opportunities to develop skills and explore the intersection of your CS and non-CS interests. 

Here's how you might want to think about planning your academic and co-curricular activities to make the most of combining CS with other fields: 

Combine CS courses or programs... 

  • 200-level courses: programming, theory – appropriate for many jobs or programs

  • Advanced: use job ads or grad program admissions information to identify advanced fields or skills

...with programs or courses in other areas... 

  • In fields that will help you build CS-related skills (math, stats)

  • In fields that apply CS concepts (bioinformatics, cognitive science, digital humanities, geographic information systems, linguistics, philosophy, and others)

  • In unexpected areas where you see a connection (music, sociology, art history, and others)

...and relevant co-curricular and work experience 

  • Seek out opportunities that allow you to combine or apply skills, or to expand your skillset

Sample pathways

Here are some examples of how you can build your own pathways to CS-related careers or grad programs that build on interest and expertise in other fields by combining those interests with carefully-chosen CS courses and other relevant co-curricular and work experience:

CS & Healthcare

Combine introductory programming & theory CS courses, and upper-level courses in...

  • machine learning

  • human computer interaction

  • scientific computing

...with programs or courses in other areas...

  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CSB)

  • Quantitative Biology (EEB)

  • Biology/Human Biology

  • Health Studies

...and relevant co-curricular and work experience

CS & Game Design

Combine introductory programming & theory CS courses, and upper-level courses in...

  • computer graphics and visual computing

  • video game design

  • human computer interaction

...with programs or courses in other areas...

  • Creative Expression and Society

  • Digital Humanities

  • Cinema Studies

...and relevant co-curricular and work experience

CS & Urban Planning/Geography

Combine introductory programming & theory CS courses, and upper-level courses in...

  • databases

  • scientific computing

  • web programming

...with programs or courses in other areas...

  • Geographical Information Systems

  • Human Geography / Urban Studies

  • Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity

  • Economics – Focus in Data Analytics

...and relevant co-curricular and work experience

CS & Ethics

Combine introductory programming & theory CS courses, and upper-level courses in...

  • machine learning

  • computing and society

  • human computer interaction

...with programs or courses in other areas...

  • Cognitive Science/ Psychology

  • History and Philosophy of Science and Technology

  • Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity

  • Philosophy

...and relevant co-curricular and work experience

Build your own pathway

Finding inspiration: It's always helpful to have an example or model to demonstrate the possibilities and pathways available to you. Explore potential options by considering the following questions:

  • In university so far or in high school, what are some areas where you've excelled, whether academically, or in your co-curricular activities?

  • What are the companies or organizations (CS or non-CS) that are doing things you're especially interested in? What are those things?

  • What are some of the most exciting inventions, startups, or organizations you've heard about recently?

  • Who are some U of T alumni, public figures, or friends or family members who have careers that inspire you?

LinkedIn and Career Navigator are tools that can help you identify job titles and descriptions that you might not have even known existed. Start your search with CS alumni, or consider how roles held by graduates in your other fields of interest could be enhanced by combining those roles with CS skills or approaches, then see if you can find examples of people combining those areas. 

Once you have an idea of the kinds of pathways you'd like to explore, look for relevant upper-level CS courses, programs and courses in other areas, and co-curricular opportunities, using the following approaches:

Identify relevant upper-level courses

  • Use LinkedIn profiles of people working in your areas of interest to identify the advanced CS skills and CS subfields they use in their work

  • Review job ads or grad school admission requirements for keywords indicating the kinds of skills required in your areas of interest

  • Use Courseography & the requirements of CS Focuses (even if you don't plan to complete the Focus) to identify relevant courses associated with different subfields

  • When you find relevant upper-level courses, check for pre-reqs and co-reqs

Find great complementary programs

  • Use the Calendar and the Sidney Smith Commons programs toolkit to explore the over 300 programs available to Arts & Science students

  • Even if you don't enrol in a program, you can use program descriptions and requirements to identify relevant and interesting courses

  • Remember that you can add or change programs throughout your degree. Talk to an academic advisor at your college to make a plan to add or complete a program

Choose meaningful co-curricular experiences