Interdepartmental Majors (IDM) in Computer Science

What is an Interdepartmental Major (IDM) and why consider one?

If your academic interests encompass two academic disciplines in Trinity College, you may wish to consider declaring an interdepartmental major (IDM). The IDM combines half of one major with half of another major from two Trinity College departments or programs that offer a major. The IDM degree requires successful completion of 7 courses from both areas for a total of 14 courses.

There are two types of Interdepartmental Majors in Trinity College. The Department of Computer Science offers both:

  • Department-originated IDMs - These are pre-defined interdisciplinary programs of study, established by two departments. Students can declare these IDMs in a similar way to any other single major.
  • Student-originated IDMs - These are individualized programs of study, which incorporate two disciplines, designed and proposed by a student in collaboration with DUSes from those respective departments.

Spring semester of your sophomore year is considered the ideal time to apply. Students have until the Friday before Spring Break to declare an IDM major. After that deadline, students must declare a traditional major first, which can potentially be switched to an IDM major.

Declaring a Department-Originated IDM

To declare a department-originated IDM, you do not fill out the IDM application form. Students declare these IDMs in a similar way to any other single major by selecting the pre-defined IDM in Stellic when you declare your major.

Declaring a Student-Originated IDM

Complete the IDM application form and worksheet found via the link below, in collaboration with the DUSes from your two areas of study. Then, submit the signed and completed form and worksheet to Academic Dean Heather Settle in 011 Allen Building for final approval and processing.

IDM Application Form

IDM Course Plan Requirements
  • The interdepartmental major must consist of a minimum of 14 courses, split evenly between the two departments (e.g. seven course credits in each).
  • At least 10 of the courses must be at the 200-level or above.
  • At least 4 of the 7 courses required by each department must be taught within the department.
  • All courses taken for credit must be among those normally accepted for a major in the two departments.
  • Both Directors of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) must agree to the initial list of courses that you will take in the two departments and they must jointly approve any subsequent changes to your course of study.

NOTE: Students and departments should keep in mind that the IDM requirements as stated above and in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction are considered a minimum set of requirements.  At the discretion of the Directors of Undergraduate Studies and departments may set more stringent and/or more specific requirements.

IDM Policies
  • An IDM must be planned early in your undergraduate career; an IDM will not be approved in your senior year.
  • An IDM functions as a single major and as such, can be combined with a second major.  Whether such a decision is appropriate or feasible should be carefully evaluated. Please note that IDM can only be the primary major but not a secondary major.
  • An IDM cannot be combined with a major or minor in either of the two departments comprising the IDM.
  • Students can request an IDM to be a BS only if both departments offer a BS.
  • You will have an advisor in each department.  However, one of the departments must be identified as your primary department. Your advisor in this department will be responsible for advising your program, but both advisors can make you eligible to enroll each semester.
More Info and Resources

Questions?

If you would like to explore whether an IDM is right for you, you can talk with your Quad Advisor, faculty in the areas in which you might study, or the Directors of Undergraduate Studies in the Departments you are considering.

NOTE: One of the questions to consider is whether completing an IDM is a better choice for you than declaring a regular major and a minor.

If you have questions about the Computer Science part of your IDM plan, please reach out to the CompSci DUS Susan Rodger for more info and general advice. Email her at dus@cs.duke.edu. 

Or alternatively, you can arrange to meet with Dr. Rodger during her drop-in office hours. She holds both virtual and in-person office hours. You can find her advsing times on this page (requires authentication).

For any further specific questions regarding interdepartmental majors or any other related assistance, please contact the Dean for Special Academic Programs, Heather Settle at heather.settle@duke.edu.