Department of Information Sciences and Technology

Professor
Joette Stefl-Mabry, Ph.D., Long Island University

Associate Professors
Carol Anne Germain, Ph.D., University at Albany
Jason Corace, M.F.A., Parsons School of Design
Hemalata Iyer, Ph.D., University of Mysore, India
Donghee Sinn, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Abdulhamit Subasi, Ph.D., Sakarya University
Xiaojun (Jenny) Yuan Ph.D., Rutgers University

Assistant Professors
Kimberly Cornell, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
M. Abdullah Canbaz, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Angela Y. (Angel) Ford, Ed.D., Liberty University
M. Nour Houssain, Ph.D., McMaster University
Dakota Murray, Ph.D., Indiana University Bloomington

Visiting Assistant Professors
Jill Cofield, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Sarah Lauser, M.B.A., University at Albany, SUNY
Frank Peris, Ph.D., Liberty University
Mahdi Ahmadi, Ph.D., University of North Texas

Professors of Practice
Norman Gervais, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Michael Leczinsky, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Administrative Manager
Stephanie Xie, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Director, Information Science School Library, M.S. Program
Erica Shudt, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Graduate Academic Advisor, MS Information Science Program
Andrew Nagle, M.S., Excelsior College

Adjuncts (estimated): 35
Teaching Assistants (estimated): 4

Bachelor of Science in Informatics Requirements:

The B.S. in Informatics is a unique opportunity for students to study the creation, presentation, and use of data and technology across disciplines. The degree is a combined major and minor, requiring a total of 57 credits. This includes 36 credits of required core courses that focus on the relationship between technology and society, the use of various technologies across platforms, and programming fundamentals. Emphasis is also placed on providing students with various opportunities to gain real-world experience. As part of the 57 credits, students are required to complete 12 credits in a concentration. Students electing the Information Technology, Data Analytics, Social Media, Interactive User Experience, Health Informatics, Library and Information Services, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concentrations can complete the entire degree online.

The concentrations are:

Interactive User Experience (Fully online option)
Social Media (Fully online option)
Data Analytics (Fully online option)
Software Development
Information Technology (Fully online option)
Game Design and Development
Health Informatics (Fully online option)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (Fully online option)
Library and Information Services (Fully online option)
Self-Designed

Required Core (36 Credits):

CINF 100X Information in the 21st Century (3)
CINF 108 Programming for Problem Solving or ICSI 201 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
CINF 200 Research Methods for Informatics or ASOC 310 Introduction to Social Research (3)
CINF 201 Introduction to Web Technologies (3)
CINF 202 Introduction to Data and Databases (3)
CINF 203 Introduction to Network and Systems (3)
CINF 281 Mathematics for Informatics (3)
CINF 301 Emerging Trends in Information and Technology (3)
CINF 305 Digital Project Management (3)
CINF 308 Programming for Informatics (3)
CINF 499 Senior Seminar in Informatics (3)
AMAT 108 Elementary Statistics or ASOC 221 Statistics for Sociologists (3)

Experiential Learning (6 Credits):

Students will be advised into course-related experiences that complement their chosen concentration. Some classes may be repeated to count for a total of 6 credits toward this requirement.

CINF 395 Peer Education Practicum (3)
CINF 398 Field Experience in Informatics (3)
CINF 465 Senior Capstone in Informatics (3)
CINF 466 Independent Research (3)
CINF 467 Technology-Based Community Support (3)
CINF 468 Undergraduate Internship (3)
CINF 469 Undergraduate Internship for Fully Online Students (3)
CINF/CEHC 495 Special Topics in Research, Applied, and Experiential Learning (3)
CEHC 390 External Internship in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (3)
CEHC 391 Research Internship in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (3)
CEHC 410 Capstone Project in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (3)
RSSW 390 Community and Public Service Program II (3)
UUNI 390 Internships for Juniors and Seniors (3)

Elective (3 Credits):

Ant course not required for the INF BS major within CINF, CGDD, CYBR, CEHC, or ICSI prefix.

Concentrations (Minimum of 12 Credits):

Select one concentration. A minimum of 6 of the 12 credits must be at the upper-division level.

Interactive User Experience:

CINF 302 Human-Computer Interactive Design (3)
CINF 362 Intermediate Interactive Design (3)

Select Two Courses from the Following:

ADOC/AJRL 324 Introduction to Documentary Photography (3)
ADOC/AHIS 330 Digital Methods for Historians (3)
ADOC/AHIS 406 Video Edits for Historical Documents (4)
ADOC/AHIS 407 Readings and Practicum in Digital History and Hypermedia (4)
CINF 324 Information Systems Security and Protection (3)
CINF 363 Digital Design (3)
CINF 401 Case Studies in Digital Citizenship (3)
CINF 462 Current Technologies in Interactive Design (3)
CINF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (3) (as appropriate)

Social Media:

CINF 131 Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation (3)
CINF 307 Social Media and Society (3)
CINF 363 Digital Design (3)
CINF 411 Social Media Technology (3)

Data Analytics:

CINF 131 Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation (3)
CINF 300 Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics (3)
CINF 481 Advanced Data Analytics: Tools and Applications (3)

Select One Course from the Following:

CEHC 399 Selected Topics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (3) (as appropriate)
CINF 320 Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence (3)
CINF 407 Modern Issues in Databases (3)
CINF 428 Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics (3)
CINF 451 Bayesian Data Analysis and Signal Processing (3)
CINF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (3)
ICSI 431 Data Mining (3)
ICSI 432 Network Science (3)
CIST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval (3)

Software Development:

CINF 381 Cloud Computing and Software Engineering (3)
CINF 405 Advanced Concepts in Software Development (3)
ICSI/IECE 201 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
ICSI/IECE 213 Data Structures (4)

Information Technology:

CINF 302 Human-Computer Interactive Design (3)
CINF 303 Intermediate Networking (3)
CINF 324 Information Systems Security and Protection or CINF/CYBR 306 Information Security and Assurance (3)
CINF 382 Programming for IT/Network Administration (3)

Game Design & Development:

CINF 371 Digital Game Design and Development I or CGDD 271 Digital Gamecraft: Fundamentals of Game Design and Development (3)
CINF 471 Digital Game Design and Development 2 or CGDD 471 Elevating Game Design and Development: Advanced Approaches (3)

Choose Two Courses from the Following:

CINF 171 eSports and the Digital Gaming Ecosystem (3)
CINF 363 Digital Design (3)
CINF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (3) (as appropriate)
ETAP 534 Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice (3)
ETAP 535 Introduction to Game Design for Educators (3)
ETAP 540 Learning and Teaching Computer Science Principles (3)
Any CGDD 300-499 course except CGDD 456

Health Informatics:

CINF 241 Foundations of Health Informatics (3)
CINF 341 Information Management in Health Informatics (3)
CINF 441 Information Technologies and Systems in Health Informatics (3)

Choose One Course from the Following:

CINF 443 Data Analytics for Health Informatics (3)
CINF 428 Analysis, Visualization, and Predication in Analytics (3)
CINF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (3) (as appropriate)

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

CINF 135 Concepts of Artificial Intelligence (3)
CINF 300 Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics (3)
CINF 320 Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence (3)

Choose One Course from the Following:

CINF 428 Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics (3)
CINF 438 Applied Machine Learning (3)
CINF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (3) (as appropriate)

Library and Information Services:

CINF 211 Information Wizards: Mastering the Magic of Libraries, Archives, and Information Centers (3)
CINF 212 Information Centers as Community Innovators (3)
CIST 402 History of Recorded Information (3)
CIST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval (3)

Self-Designed:

Students may propose a self-designed concentration by submitting a plan of study that outlines a cohesive set of courses supporting the proposed area of study. The proposal must include a minimum of four courses, with at least 9 credits completed while enrolled in the INF B.S. program. The proposal requires approval from INF faculty prior to declaring the concentration.

Informatics Honors Program

The INF Honors Program is designed to provide qualified undergraduate students with the opportunity for a more advanced educational experience than is normally available in the general undergraduate program, including immersive research and writing. It is designed to allow strong INF majors to engage in independent undergraduate research as members of a vibrant intellectual community.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science with Honors Degree in INF (a university designation) is a 57-credit program that will introduce students to the tools and strategies needed to complete an independent and original thesis project.

For students who enroll in Fall 2023 and thereafter, the program consists of four courses for a total of 12-credits:

Honors Thesis Preparation (C INF 311, 1-credit), followed by
Honors Thesis Proposal Seminar (C INF 475, 4-credits), followed by
a minimum of one semester of Honors Thesis project work (C INF 476, 4-credits)
Additionally, students must complete Senior Seminar in Informatics (C INF 499, 3-credits) in their senior year.

To remain in the Honors Program, a student must:

Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 and an INF GPA of 3.5. The Honors Director may remove students from the program who fall below these GPA thresholds.
Complete their honors thesis by either November 15th (for Fall) or April 15th (for Spring) of the senior year. The thesis will be reviewed and approved by the thesis advisor and the Departmental Thesis Committee, and
Present their research (either in-person or virtually) at the College of Emergency Preparedness Homeland Security and Cybersecurity or the University Showcase in either the Fall or Spring semesters in which they completed their thesis. Students are also encouraged to present their research at other professional venues, including academic conferences and the Annual Undergraduate Research Conference for UAlbany (Showcase).

Application for Admission

Space permitting, select majors may be invited to apply for admission into the Informatics (INF) Honors program in the second semester of the sophomore year or the first semester of the junior year, and after completing 12 credits of core courses in the INF major. These courses may include C INF 100X, C INF 108, A MAT 108, C INF 200, C INF 201, C INF 202, C INF 203.

Transfer students and other students who arrive to the major later in their academic career and are interested in the program should contact the Honors Program Director to learn more about exceptions to these admission criteria.

Applications are reviewed by faculty members on the Honors Committee in coordination with the Honors Program Director. Minimum requirements for admission include INF as a declared major, an overall University GPA not lower than 3.25 and an INF GPA not lower than 3.50.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development:

58 Required Credits:

Required Core Courses (31 Credits):

CGDD 100 Level Up: Introduction to Game Design (3)
CGDD 101 Gaming for All: Inclusivity, Representation, and Accessibility in Games (3)
CGDD 109 CodeCraft: Introduction to Game Development Programming (3)
CGDD 214 World Building for Games (3)
CGDD 271 Digital Gamecraft: Fundamentals of Game Design and Development (3)
CGDD 314 Game Plan: Project Management in Game Design (3)
AART 215 Game Art and Animation Foundations (4)
AMAT 108 Elementary Statistics (3)
AMUS 201 Harmony in Pixels: Introduction to Game Music and Sound Design (3)
CINF 281 Mathematics for Informatics (3)

Experiential Learning (6 Credits):

CGDD 456 Portfolio & Professional Development (3)

Choose One of the Following:

CGDD 455 Independent Research in Game Design (3)
CGDD 457 Internship in Game Design and Development (3)
CGDD 458 Capstone in Game Design and Development (3)

Electives (9 Credits a minimum of which 6 must be upper-division credits):

Any Courses with prefix CGDD or CINF not already required or advised or

AART 105 Drawing Foundations (4)
AART 110 Two-Dimensional Foundations (4)
AART 115 Three-Dimensional Design Foundations (4)
AART 114 Photography and Related Media Foundations (4)
AART 344 Photography and Digital Imaging Experiments (4)
AART 349 Animation Experiments (4)
AART 383 Video Art Experiments (4)
AART 398 Art Topics (Varies) (4)
AART 444 Photography and Digital Imaging Workshop (4)
AART 446 Photography Topics: AI (4)
AENG 102Z Introduction to Creative Writing (3)
AENG 272 Media, Culture, and Technology (3)
AENG 302Z Creative Writing (3)
AMUS 381 Introduction to Synthesizer Programming and Sound Design (3)
AMUS 382 Electronic Music: Creativity and Sound (3)
AMUS 383 Sound Design for Visual Media (3)
AMUS/AWSS 385 Music, Power, and Digital Tech (3)
CYBR 101 Foundations of Cybersecurity (3)
CYBER 203 Introduction to Systems and Security (3)
CYBR 306 Information Security Compliance Auditing (3)
CYBR 436 Information Security Compliance Auditing (3)
CYBR 445 Prevention and Practices of Cybersecurity (3)
Cyber 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3)

Concentrations (12 Credits, a Minimum of 9 Credits at the Upper-Division Level):

Innovative Narrative in Game Design:

Choose Four Courses from the Following:

CGDD 212 Deal, Dice, and Strategy: Introduction to Board and Card Game Development or CGDD 213 Roleplay Realms: Exploring Interactive Narratives in Games (3)
CGDD 411 Narrative Craftsmanship: Storytelling in Game Design (3)
CGDD 417 Game Development Through Time: A Historical Journey (3)
CGDD 421 Games for Change: Exploring Social Justice in Game Design (3)
CGDD 422 Narrative in Worlds: Intermediate Interactive Storytelling in Game Design (3)
CGDD 427 Plot Progression and Level Design: Crafting Game Worlds (3)
CGDD 428 Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gamming (3)
CGDD 430 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
AMUS 337 Sonic Storyweaving: Crafting Audio Narratives (3)
CINF 363 Digital Design (3)

Game Programming:

CGDD 310 Advanced Games: Intermediate Programming and Game Development (3)

Choose Three Courses from the Following:

CGDD 418 AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences (3)
CGDD 423 Game Scripting Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Code in Game Development (3)
CGDD 424 UX Texting for Games: Optimizing Player Experience (3)
CGDD 429 Immersive Realities: Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Exploration (3)
CGDD 430 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
CINF 135 Concepts in Artificial Intelligence (3)

Simulation and Serious Games:

CGDD 419 Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose (3)
CGDD 428 Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gaming (3)

Choose Two of the Following:

CGDD 212 Deal, Dice, and Strategy: Introduction to Board and Card Game Development (3) or CGDD 213 Roleplay Realms: Exploring Interactive Narrative in Games (3)
CGDD 321 Strategic Play: Board Games and Simulations in Learning and Design (3)
CGDD 425 Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications (3)
CGDD 430 Gamming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
AMUS 337 Sonic Storyweaving: Crafting Audio Narratives (3)
ETAP 534 Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practices (3)
ETAP 535 Introduction to Game Design for Educators (3)
ETAP 540 Learning and Teaching Computer Science Principles (3)

Music Technology:

Choose Four Courses from the Following:

AMUS 381 Introduction to Synthesizer Programming and Sound Design (3)
AMUS 382 Electronic Music: Creativity and Sound (3)
AMUS 383 Sound Design for Visual Media (3)
AMUS/AWSS 385 Music, Power, and Digital Tech (3)
AMUS 337 Sonic Storyweaving: Crafting Audio Narrative (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)

Networking & Security:

CGDD 203 Connected Realms: Introduction to Networked Gaming Technologies (3)
CGDD 303 Advanced Strategies in Game Networking: Mastering Multiplayer Dynamics (3)
CGDD 324 Information Systems Security and Protection (3)

Choose One of from the Following:

CGDD 430 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 433 The Gamming Industry and the Monetization of Games (Gacha Games) (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
CYBR 436 Information Security Compliance Auditing (3)
CYBR 445 Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity (3)
CYBR 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3)

Design and Animation:

Minimum of 12 Credits Required from the Following:

AART 344 Photography and Digital Imaging (4)
AART 444 Photography and Digital Imaging Workshop (4)
AART 446 Photography Topics: AI (4)
AMUS/AWSS 385 Music, Power, and Digital Tech (3)
AMUS 337 Sonic Storyweaving: Crating Audio Narratives (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)

Emerging Technology in Games:

Choose Four Courses from the Following:

CGDD 416 Maker Movement and Game Development from Creation to Play (3)
CGDD 418 AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences (3)
CGDD 419 Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose (3)
CGDD 421 Games for Change: Exploring Social Justice in Game Design (3)
CGDD 429 Immersive Realities: Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Exploration (3)
CGDD 430 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 433 The Gaming Industry and the Monetization of Games (Gacha Games) (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)

AI & Game Design & Development:

CINF 135 Concepts of Artificial Intelligence (3)
CGDD 418 AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences (3)
CGDD 425 Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications (3)

Choose One Course from the Following:

CGDD 310 Advancing Games: Intermediate Programming and Game Development (3)
CGDD 421 Games for Change: Exploring Social Justice in Game Design (3)
CGDD 430 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
CGDD 496 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
CINF 320 Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence (3)

Self-Designated Concentration:

Self-Designed Concentration would also include a minimum of 12 credits, with a minimum of 9 of the credits within the concentration must be upper-division. The Self-Designed Concentration is the only concentration currently offered completely online. If a student is interested in this concentration option, please speak to the Game Design and Development Program Director at [email protected].

Combined B.S. Informatics with M.S. Information Science

The 4+1 combined degree program of a Bachelor’s in Informatics (INF) with a Master of Science in Information Science (M.S.I.S.) is designed to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to receive a graduate degree at an accelerated pace.

One of the unique and central elements of the combined program is the ability to count 12 graduate credits toward the requirements of the undergraduate degree (see below). During the senior year, students will begin their graduate coursework while still paying undergraduate tuition, saving both time and money in the completion of the Master’s degree.

Students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA, and have completed at least 56 credits at the undergraduate level to apply for admission to the combined program. Applications should be submitted in the first semester of the junior year, and must include three letters of recommendation and a statement of goals. The GRE is not required for applicants.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to ensure that participation in the program will not affect their financial aid.

Students in the combined-degree program must complete all requirements for the M.S.I.S. and may substitute:

C IST 601 for C INF 499 (INF majors)
C IST 608 for one undergraduate experiential learning requirement (C INF 466 for INF major)
Any other two M.S.I.S. courses for undergraduate major, minor, or elective credit, as appropriate

Working with graduate and undergraduate faculty advisors, students will assemble a set of M.S.I.S. courses that make the most sense for their individual career goals.

View application instructions and apply online.

At the graduate level, students take a total of at least 36 credits (including the 12 graduate credits completed in their undergraduate education) in core courses and a concentration, with the consultation of their advisor.

Concentrations include:

Archives & Records Administration
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
Information Management & Technology
Library & Information Services

More information, including the curriculum for the M.S. Information Science, can be found in the Graduate Bulletin. Apply online here.

Combined B.S./M.S.I.S. Program

The combined B.S./M.S.I.S. program in Information Science provides a unique opportunity for capable, highly motivated students to pursue any undergraduate liberal arts major while at the same time beginning their professional preparation for a career in the rapidly expanding fields of information management and curation. A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the stress placed upon user and human as well as technological factors. Toward the end of their program of study, students will be expected to combine academic study with internship experience in locations such as: corporations; New York State government agencies; archives; or academic, public or special libraries.

Graduates will be prepared for employment in a wide variety of public and private sector settings within business, industry, law, humanities, health and human services, and education where they will function as librarians, archivists, records managers, information systems specialists, information analysts, or information officers and managers.

The program is especially strong in: (1) artificial intelligence and data analytics, (2) library & information science, (3) archives & records administration, and (4) information management & technology.

Students may be admitted to the combined program at the beginning of their junior year or after successful completion of 56 credits. A carefully designed program can enable the student to earn the B.S. and M.S.I.S. within 10 semesters. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation are required. The Graduate Record Exam is not required for admission. In qualifying for the baccalaureate, students will meet all University and school requirements, including existing major and minor requirements, general education requirements, minimum liberal arts and sciences requirements, and residency requirements.

Additionally, students will complete a minor in Information Science including, as a minimum, the following courses: C INF 108; C INF 202; C IST 601; C IST 602; C IST 614, and C IST 506 or C IST 533 or C IST 546 or C EHC 557 or C IST 603.

In qualifying for the master’s degree, students will meet all University and school requirements, including completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits, and any conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, or other professional experience, and residency requirements. The combined program allows students to complete 12 graduate credits as an undergraduate that are applied to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Please see the list of combined programs for a full list of majors that are eligible to complete a combined undergraduate degree with the MS Information Science.