Academic Programs
The Science of Computing is investigated from complex mathematical algorithms, through mnemonic code, translated to binary base and realized in real-world applications. In the Department of Computer and Information Science at IUPUI, these applications range from bioinformatics to biometric, involving every aspect of life from homeland security to the archiving of our cultural heritage, such as the archeological site Chitzen Itza.
As part of the Purdue School of Science, the Computer and Information Science Department is committed to quality learning opportunities for all students, whether they are attending middle or high school, earning a degree, advanced degree, certificate, or pursuing other goals. After earning a Computer Science degree or certificate, students enter the workplace armed with the technical proficiency, project management skills, communication expertise, and high-thinking skills needed to develop working solutions for computing challenges into the future.
Certificate in Applied Computer Science
The Computer and Information Science Department isn't just for Computer Science majors. The Computer Science program helped spearhead the development of a sequence of courses from which all students at the eight Indiana University campuses can chose various modules according to their interests and time constraints. These efforts have resulted in the creation of the Certificate in Applied Computer Science Program where students may choose to supplement and enhance a primary degree program or working professionals may wish to enhance their marketability and expand their professional skills. The program introduces computer science principles, develops practical skills in market-driven software applications, and prepares participants to be successful with emerging technologies. Many of the courses can be accessed from Distance Learning through an innovative program using Streaming Media.
Bachelor of Science Degree
Our B.S. Program follows state-of-the-art curriculum keeping current with the ACM Curriculum Guidelines. Students have an excellent opportunity to compliment their academics by engaging in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Computer Science major Jeff Rogers began his undergraduate studies and got involved in research in the Advanced Visualization Lab (AVL) in the Computer Science Department and, after earning his degree, became a full time AVL programmer. Given Rogers' love for visualization and computer graphics, working in the high-tech lab of virtual reality devices, teleconferencing units, 3-D scanning technology, and high-resolution displays proved a perfect match for his skills and interests.
"I think I've come to the right place at the right time," said Rogers. His AVL research projects include providing technical assistance for a fetal alcohol syndrome study conducted by the Center of Excellence for Visual Information Sensing and Computing (VISC).
Graduate Certificate Program
Overview: A graduate certificate will be issued when a student has completed 12 graduate credit hours in one of the specialization areas. After finishing the requirements for the graduate certificate, the student may opt to finish the remaining requirements towards a MS degree.
Admission Criteria: The admission criteria are the same as those for the MS degree program. For students who do not have a degree in Computer Science or related field, CSCI 362 (Data Structures) or an equivalent course is required with a grade of B+ or better.
Specializations: Five specialization areas are offered: (1) Databases and Data Mining; (2) Computer Security; (3) Software Engineering; (4) Biocomputing; and (5) Biometrics.
Course Requirements: 12 graduate credit hours are required. These include:
-One core course (3 credits), as defined in the MS program. -Three specialization courses (9 credits).
The Department is pleased to offer five Graduate Certificates in Computer Science. A Graduate Certificate can be earned by completing 12 graduate credit hours in a specialization area. The areas are:
- Biocomputing
- Biometrics
- Computer Security
- Databases & Datamining
- Software Engineering
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate program are well positioned to transfer into the IT industry from other fields. For those already working in the field, graduates can transition from their positions into another area of computer science and IT.
Each Certificate requires one core course from the Master of Science program, and three specialization courses.
Upon successful completion of a Graduate Certificate, students may apply for the Master of Science program. All twelve credit hours taken in the Certificate program can apply toward the Master of Science program requirements.
Master of Science
The department's Master of Science Degree program, in addition to teaching fundamentals, emphasizes research in network security, databases, bioinformatics, biometrics, and distributed computing. The program is designed to meet the research, education and industrial needs of the state of Indiana, the nation, and the global community.
For Zhiseng Huang, the Computer Science Department was a stepping stone to a career with Microsoft. The software industry giant hired Huang immediately after he received a Master of Science degree in Distributed Computing. "The graduate education at the Department of Computer and Information Science has been a turning point and great experience in my life. It helped me realize my potential as a good computer professional," Huang said. "What I have learned from them involved not only knowledge, but also problem-solving skills, much more important for my career." As a student researcher, Huang worked on a U.S. Office of Naval Research project that focused on creating a distributed computing system by seamlessly integrating heterogeneous software components. Huang states, "Computer Science is a department that cares about students' futures and makes every effort to prepare them for success."
Undergraduate senior Vera Vavinskiy echoed Huang's appreciation and assessment of CS faculty. Vavinskiy's first research project involved compiling background information for the development of a computer model of a human cell. "The instructors are excellent, just awesome; they are very knowledgeable. They know how to teach, mentor, and communicate", Vavinskiy said.
Learn MoreDoctor of Philosophy
By offering a PhD in Computer Science, the highest earned degree conferred by Purdue University, the Computer Science Department is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in educating not only traditional students, but also practicing professionals as well. Located in the northwest corridor of downtown Indianapolis, the IUPUI campus is easily accessible to hundreds of professionals who want to earn an advanced degree while attending classes close to home and work.
"The Computer and Information Science Department PhD degree program is the only such program within 40 miles of downtown Indianapolis," said Professor Mathew Palakal, "The degree program focuses on specialized research in bioinformatics, computer networks, graphics and visualization, database systems and distributing computing... all areas pertinent to the Indiana Life Sciences Initiative, which requires highly educated people. The program's students, faculty and staff will impact the world in the future and beyond."