Choosing Your Pathway to Success

CCI is home to three departments, all with unique offerings and requirements

• If you’re interested primarily in developing new programs and applications, Computer Science is the best fit.
• If you want to apply technology and information science to a discipline outside those fields, Informatics can provide the knowledge and skills you will need.
• If your goal is to work with users to meet their information needs, Information Studies is preferable.

By visiting each department’s Web page, you can see how to best meet your goals often through the many special programs that are available.

Computer Science

This discipline involves the scientific study of algorithms (rules for a computation) and the problems they might solve. The Department of Computer Science offers a B.A. degree, two B.S. degrees, a combined B.S./M.S. degree, and a computer science minor. Computer science leads to careers in programming, systems analysis, network administration, database development, security analysis, IT, software engineering, and more.

Informatics

Informatics looks at how technology is applied to specific disciplines, with targeted programs in government, education, business, the sciences and the humanities. The Department offers a general option minor that may be combined with most majors.

Informatics courses complement all disciplines at UAlbany by introducing an IT perspective and skills to any field. Because technology affects virtually all disciplines and careers, the Informatics minor is available to students interested in the role of computing and information and the application of technology in their primary fields of study.

Information Studies

This field of study involves originating, representing, organizing, retrieving and using information. Information Science offers a faculty-initiated interdisciplinary major leading to a B.A. with a concentration in Information Science.

In preparing students to interact with the users of information, the interdisciplinary Information Studies degree educates them for such careers as information technology specialist, records manager, Web developer, database administrator, and others. Some students enter graduate programs in library science, information science, business, and others. The combined B.A./M.S.I.S. and B.S./M.S.I.S. degrees provide unique opportunities for capable, highly motivated students to pursue any undergraduate major while also preparing for a career in the rapidly expanding information management fields.

Applying for Admission

UAlbany welcomes incoming freshmen and students who are transferring from community colleges or other institutions. To apply, see the Undergraduate Admission page.