Topeka ? Higher education officials Thursday hit the send button for Kansas University’s proposal for a new computer science degree program.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved the bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary computing. KU officials said the program is needed for students who want to integrate computing with other subjects.

The program will offer five areas of specialization: astronomy, chemistry, biology, geography and physics.

KU officials say the program can be established at no additional cost because current faculty, academic support services, facilities and equipment already are in place.