Exploring Interdisciplinary Opportunities at CMU

When I first came to CMU as a nervous freshman two years ago, I never would have anticipated the incredible people I would get to meet or the opportunities I would experience. Moreover, I would have never expected the journey I’ve experienced exploring all of the interdisciplinary opportunities here. I originally came to CMU as a fine arts major. I loved the idea of immersing myself in the talented and vibrant arts community, but I found myself wanting a broader perspective and wanting to explore other subjects I was interested in during high school. 

That’s when I discovered the BXA program at CMU.(opens in new window) The BXA is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to integrate their studies in fine arts with studies in the humanities, sciences, computer science or engineering. I was initially worried that it would be difficult for me to get into the classes I wanted or to transfer into the program; but, it was as easy as talking to my advisor, learning about the decision science program and getting put on that track almost immediately.

In decision science, I’ve built upon my interests in psychology and statistics, without having to sacrifice my art practice. CMU’s emphasis on collaboration has helped me work with peers from various disciplines to discover new connections between creativity and analytics. The combination of decision science and fine arts has inspired me to continually innovate and create, as well as open opportunities where I can to impact both the analytical and creative realms. 

Exploring interdisciplinary programs at CMU is not just about merging fields; it’s about redefining how we think, create and connect. For anyone considering a path in the BXA program, I encourage you to embrace the challenge and discover the magic that happens when different worlds collide!