Integrated majors combine two existing higher education majors (degrees) into one. The aim is typically to increase diversity and skill sets that are well-suited to 21st century workforce needs. Many integrated majors combine computer science with another major. Examples of integrated majors: computer science and English, design and psychology, and journalism and sociology.

Drivers of this movement:

• In every industry and academic discipline, there are increasingly computer science roles and opportunities—every field needs people who can understand the discipline and also know how to create the software and tools needed for a digital world.
• Combined majors may encourage students who might not be otherwise interested in computer science—and especially those who are underrepresented in the field, including women and Black and Hispanic students—to consider studying it.

The development of combined curricula has developed at many higher education institutions from faculty members—and collaboration with local employers weighing in on which programs proposed by faculty might meet the area’s workforce needs.