Drexel Announces New College of Computing and Informatics

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Drexel University has created a new College of Computing & Informatics that will combine the strengths and assets of Drexel's many existing undergraduate, graduate and professional computing and informatics programs. It will begin enrolling new students in the Fall of 2014.

"The creation of this new college builds on Drexel's technological strengths, and ensures the University will continue to lead in a fast-evolving suite of fields," Drexel President John A. Fry said. "The College of Computing & Informatics will be an important locus for innovation—from big data to software development to cybersecurity and much more—that allows Drexel's talented community of researchers and scholars to address global challenges through their research, learning and socio-technical innovations."

The College will serve as a central hub for multi-disciplinary computing and informatics activities by uniting the faculty, staff and students from the iSchool, College of Information Science and Technology; the Department of Computer Science formerly housed within the College of Engineering; and the Department of Computing and Security Technology formerly housed in the Goodwin College of Professional Studies.

Dr. David E. Fenske, Isaac L. Auerbach Professor of Information Science and dean of the iSchool, will continue his service at Drexel as the founding dean of the new college. 

"The creation of the College of Computing & Informatics not only positions Drexel as an academic leader in computing, but also enhances interdisciplinary learning for students in the vastly growing fields of computing and informatics," Fenske said.

The College will enroll more than 2,200 students in its inaugural year and projects to increase its enrollment by 15 percent annually to help bridge the persistent gap between computing graduates and the number of jobs in the field.

In addition to its undergraduate programs, the College of Computing & Informatics will continue to offer a Master of Science degree in library and information science, as well as master's degree programs in computing, software engineering, health care informatics and related areas. It will also provide a number of professional development opportunities in diverse areas ranging from archival studies to cybersecurity and homeland security management. The college will also offer a Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science and one in information studies.

SOURCE Drexel University