Computing Across Disciplines is a three-part series on cross-campus programs combining computer science with other fields of study at UT Austin. In our final installment, we’re highlighting a program designed for students who excel in computer science and have a passion for business.
Texas Honors Computer Science Business
Texas Honors Computer Science Business (Texas CSB) is an honors program between the Canfield Business Honors Program and Computer Science. It offers a top-notch education for students interested in combining computer science and business.
For the first two years in the program, students take foundational core classes in both fields. From there, students get the flexibility to choose what Business and Computer Science electives they want to focus on.
Sarah Shields, Director of Enrollment Management and Strategic Partnerships for the Canfield Business Honors Program, explained how being a Texas CSB differs from double majoring in Computer Science and Business, “Students are taking CS coursework and business honors coursework all at the same time, but they get a lot more flexibility. [They] can go study abroad. They can maybe take some time to do a co-op or a startup if they want to.”
Kevin Qi, a Texas CSB first cohort and 2021 alumnus, chose this program because it was an opportunity to go deeper in Computer Science and Business.
“This was the perfect opportunity for me to learn something new and stretch myself,” Qi said. “Being able to learn more, grow more, and expand the opportunities that I could get out of college was one reason.”
Qi is now an Associate Product Manager at Salesforce. He credits many of the skills he uses in his everyday life to Texas CSB.
“From both sides—business and CS—the amount of group projects that you get involved in does help after college, where you have to work with a team,” Qi said. “It's important how UT and the two programs heavily emphasize group dynamics and group projects because that is what has still stayed constant even after college.”
Texas CSB provides students with the knowledge to pursue a wide range of careers such as software engineering, product management, fintech, or entrepreneurship.
“We're at a really pivotal time for technology and business together, especially for students who have the hard skills of a CS honors background with the understanding and the language behind business,” Shields said.
Miss the previous article? Explore how undergraduate students can get hands-on robotics experience right from the start through Texas Robotics.