Department Mission Statement
The IIT Department of Computer Science will be an exciting place to perform high-impact research and to learn about the latest developments in the constantly developing field of Computer Science. The department will ensure that students graduate knowing the fundamentals of Computer Science. We will be an excellent department as measured by the:
- Quality, breadth, and impact of our research.
- Quality of our teaching.
- Excellent preparation of our graduates for leadership in the profession and in higher education.
- Dedication of our department staff to outstanding service and our commitment to recognize everyone's contribution to our success.
Department Objectives
We will achieve these goals by:
- Housing laboratories, such as our next generation search lab, that are unique in the United States in their singular focus on a specific, high impact area research area.
- Constantly updating our curriculum to incorporate innovations in ever-changing CS technology.
- Hiring, nurturing, and retaining outstanding and energetic faculty who strengthen our existing expertise, while positioning us to lead in the important emerging research areas of the discipline in the 21st Century.
- Maintaining high selectivity in our graduate programs by choosing students with the potential to be leaders in the fields as determined by their evidence both of academic achievement and diversity of life experiences.
- Attracting the best undergraduate students on the IIT campus, while continuously reinvigorating our undergraduate program with the latest developments in the field.
Faculty members should:
- Share the results of their scholarship with the computing or computing education community.
- Keep current in the field and in areas related to normal teaching assignments in particular.
- Continue to improve in effective teaching.
- Serve as mentors and advisors to students throughout their time at IIT.
- Take an active role in curriculum and program development.
- Participate in professional organizations relevant to their interests.
Objectives for the BS in Computer Science Program
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program has been offered at IIT since 1971. In addition to the Department Objectives, our goal has been and continues to be to offer a high-quality degree program that produces Computer Science graduates students who are prepared to:
- Enter professional careers and/or graduate programs and make intellectual contributions to it.
- Embark on lifelong learning for personal and professional growth.
Expected Outcomes for the BS in Computer Science Program
Each graduate of the program should:
- Have a strong theoretical as well as practical background in Computer Science including recognizing the importance of abstraction.
- Be able to analyze, design, implement, and test an object-oriented software solution to "real world" problems including appreciating the value of efficient design created to meet clearly developed requirements.
- Be able to write technical documents such as specifications, design and users manuals in appropriate formats.
- Be able to orally present deliverables related to Computer Science.
- Be prepared to enter a top-ranked graduate program in Computer Science.
- Have an appreciation of human behavior, culture, interaction and organization through studies in the humanities and social sciences.
- Have a basic understanding of science and engineering and their linkages to key technologies.
- Have an enthusiasm for the educational process and for professional practices.
- Be able to work in interdisciplinary groups consisting of non-technical and technical members.
Objectives for the BS in Computer Information Systems Program
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program emphasizes the use of computers as sophisticated problem-solving tools. In addition to the Department Objectives, our goal has been and continues to be to offer a high-quality degree program that produces computer information systems graduates students who are prepared to:
- Enter professional careers and make intellectual contributions to it.
- Embark on lifelong learning for personal and professional growth.
Expected Outcomes for the BS in Computer Information Systems
Each graduate of the program should:
- Have a strong practical background in Computer Science with a focus in another discipline.
- Be able to analyze, design, implement, and test an object-oriented software solution to "real world" problems including appreciating the value of efficient design created to meet clearly developed requirements.
- Be able to write technical documents such as specifications, design and users manuals in appropriate formats.
- Be able to orally present deliverables related to Computer Science.
- Blend their Computer Science abilities with skills specific to another domain to solve problems in that domain.
- Have an appreciation of human behavior, culture, interaction and organization through studies in the humanities and social sciences.
- Have a basic understanding of science and engineering and their linkages to key technologies.
- Have an enthusiasm for the educational process and for professional practices.
- Be able to work in interdisciplinary groups consisting of non-technical and technical members.
Bachelor's programs objectives and outcomes last updated Spring 2005.
Graduate Program Objectives
Through its graduate programs, the Computer Science department seeks to provide MS and MAS students with:
- A breadth of knowledge in core areas of Computer Science which include theoretical foundations and fundamentals of systems and software.
- Advanced knowledge to establish a foundation for graduate studies as well as prepare students with fundamental knowledge useful in the rapidly changing software and computing industry.
In addition, the department seeks to provide PhD students with:
- An understanding of the processes of research and an in-depth study of an area of study which will enable the student to independently advance the frontiers of knowledge in computing sciences.
Graduate Program Expected Outcomes
Each graduate of the programs should:
- Have a theoretical knowledge and competence in the fundamental areas of Computer Science, which include algorithm design and analysis, computation theory, computer systems, and software systems.
- Have a breadth of knowledge in a choice of application areas in Computer Science, including databases, networks, artificial intelligence, graphics, information security.
- Be well-prepared for research and development in Computer Science in industry or academia.
- Be able to design and develop software systems, computer systems and algorithm approaches.
- Be able to analyze and evaluate the relative merits of software and computer systems and algorithmic approaches.
In addition, the PhD students are required to:
- Have an in-depth knowledge of a sub-area of Computer Science.
- Demonstrate their ability to further the frontier of knowledge in at least one sub-area of Computer Science.
- Develop abilities for effective communication as researchers and educators.
Computer Science