The growing demand for complex and minimally invasive surgical interventions is driving the search for ways to use computer-based information technology as a link between the pre-operative plan and the tools utilized by the surgeon. Computers, used in conjunction with advanced surgical assist devices, will fundamentally alter 21st-century operating rooms. Computer Integrated Surgery systems will  make surgeries safer and more effective by providing surgeons enhanced dexterity, visual feedback cues, and information integration.

The Department of Computer Science offers a Minor in Computer Integrated Surgery (CIS) for full-time undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins. The minor is particularly well suited for students interested in CIS who are majoring in a variety of disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.