College of Connected Computing

To provide more students with the skills and credentials needed in a society shaped by technology, Vanderbilt is establishing the College of Connected Computing, the university’s first new college in 40 years. The new, interdisciplinary college will advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education for every one of our students through a “computing for all” approach.

The future doesn't belong to those who code. It belongs to those who connect computing to every human endeavor.

Dean Matthew Johnson-Roberson Matthew Johnson-Roberson
Inaugural Dean of the College of Connected Computing

Get to know Vanderbilt University's College of Connected Computing

Vanderbilt's College of Connected Computing, the university's newest college in more than 40 years, specializes in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems/Internet of things, robotics, and data science. This highly interdisciplinary College takes a "Computing for All" approach to improve lives through the power of digital technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the College of Connected Computing?

    The CCC is Vanderbilt’s groundbreaking interdisciplinary college, designed to foster radical collaboration at the intersection of computing and other disciplines. By uniting scholars, students and industry, the CCC is committed to tackling society's most pressing problems through technology and collaboration.

  • What makes Vanderbilt’s CCC unique?

    The CCC is built on a university-wide culture of radical collaboration and interdisciplinary excellence. Key features include:

    • Collaborative faculty appointments that catalyze research across multiple schools and colleges
    • Cross-college academic programs that bridge disciplinary boundaries
    • Deep connections with all Vanderbilt schools—from Engineering, Arts and Science and Law to Blair, Peabody and Divinity

    Current areas of strength include:

    • Cyber-Physical Systems
    • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    • Cybersecurity and Fault Tolerance
    • Robotics and Automation
    • Digital Humanities
    • Education and Technology
    • Brain and Behavioral Science
    • Computational Social Sciences
    • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • What programs will CCC offer?

    At launch, the CCC will offer degrees and minors in computer science and data science, with additional interdisciplinary programs under development.

  • Who will lead the college?

    Professor Matthew Johnson-Roberson, a visionary scholar in robotics and AI and an accomplished academic leader, will serve as the inaugural dean of the CCC.

  • Will CCC have its own departments?

    Yes. Starting in fall 2025, the Department of Computer Science will move into the CCC. More departments will be added as the college grows.

  • When will I begin seeing CCC courses in the catalog?

    Beginning in fall 2025, undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Science (CS) and Data Science (DS) will be listed under the CCC. This is an administrative update—your academic requirements remain unchanged.

  • Will my degree now be awarded by the CCC?

    If you’re already enrolled:

    • Undergraduate students will continue to receive their degrees from their home college.
    • Graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) will still receive their degrees from the Graduate School.
  • How will the CCC impact me as a current student?

    While your degree path stays the same, you’ll benefit from:

    • Expanded course offerings
    • Over a dozen new faculty hires in spring 2025
    • New research and innovation opportunities
    • Co-curricular programming and enhanced industry partnerships

    Expect new majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs as the CCC evolves.

  • If I have a minor in data science, will that be awarded by the CCC?

    The first undergraduate class will enter the CCC in fall 2027. Applications open for the first CCC undergraduate class Aug. 1, 2026. Therefore, the first undergraduates are projected to earn degrees from the CCC in spring 2031.

  • When can undergraduates begin earning degrees from the CCC?

    The first undergraduate class will enter the CCC in fall 2027. Applications open for the first CCC undergraduate class Aug. 1, 2026. Therefore, the first undergraduates are projected to earn degrees from the CCC in spring 2031.

  • When will graduate students be able to enroll in CCC programs?

    Graduate programs will begin in fall 2026, with applications opening Aug. 1, 2025. Initial offerings include:

    • Master of Science in Computer Science
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
    • Master of Science in Data Science
  • When will the CCC award its first graduate degrees?

    The CCC expects to confer its first master’s degrees in 2028.

  • Will there be a minor in Generative Artificial Intelligence?

    Yes, a generative AI minor is in development and is tentatively expected to launch in spring 2026. More details will be shared closer to launch.

  • Will the CCC be part of Vanderbilt’s West Palm Beach campus?

    Plans for the West Palm Beach campus are in development. Once finalized, we’ll share updates with the Vanderbilt community.

Explore Connected Computing at Vanderbilt

Digital technology is reshaping the world, shifting paradigms in fields ranging from divinity, law and education to business, medicine and engineering. Vanderbilt has long been a pioneer in computer innovation and continues to explore new horizons in this ever-expanding realm of technology. The foundation of Vanderbilt's education and research is concentrated in the renowned Department of Computer Science and the Vanderbilt Data Science Institute, both of which will become part of the College of Connected Computing.

Explore other Connected Computing Resources at Vanderbilt: