Mission Statement

The Department of Computer Science at IIT 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. Our goal has been and continues to be a high quality degree program that ensures that students will be able to integrate theory and practice, recognize the importance of abstraction and appreciate the value of efficient design created to meet clearly developed requirements. The program is intended to prepare students for lifelong learning as they undertake professional careers in computing.

Students will be able to solve problems using algorithms and techniques. They will have sufficient understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Computer Science such that learning a new programming language, operating system, or information system will be viewed as a routine matter — something that can be done in 2 – 3 days. Additionally, students will graduate with the ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Students will graduate with the ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary environment. Finally, students will graduate with an understanding of the context of their skills within a broader academic and applied environment.

Specifically, the core objectives are to ensure that students graduate with:

Robust problem-solving skills.
Substantial knowledge of a broad class of problem-solving techniques (e.g.; this includes Algorithms, heuristics, and design techniques).
Substantial understanding of the fundamentals of Computer Science.
Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts both orally and in writing.
Ability to readily work with other disciplines.
Appropriate, occasional innovation of our curriculum so it incorporates ever-changing Computer Science technology.

Expected Outcomes for the BS in Computer Science Program

The department concurs with the all of the outcomes suggested in the ABET criteria.

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.
Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development.
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices..
An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity..
Be prepared to enter a top-ranked graduate program in Computer Science.

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 2008.)

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.