The Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) seeks academic excellence by providing high-quality instruction and research in computer and information science. The CIS Department is dedicated to the founding principles of Temple University and committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student body. The educational mission of the CIS Department is met by offering a current curriculum that incorporates both fundamental principles and recent discoveries in computer science and information technology. The research mission of the department is pursued through sustained efforts to recruit outstanding new faculty, aggressively develop promising research initiatives and to provide facilities that fully support cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
Our History
1965
Temple University developed computer facilities and education in computing and hired Leonard Garrett as Director of Computer Research and Education.
1966
The University Computer Center used for administration, faculty research and support for students was established.
1968
The CIS Department established in the School of Business Administration, with Leonard Garrett as inaugural chair in the School of Business Administration. Two academic programs were introduced: BBA in Management Information Systems (MIS) and an MIS concentration for the MBA program.
1970
Undergraduate program in Computer Science (CS) was established in the College of Liberal Arts with classes taught by faculty from the CIS Department.
1973
Master's in Computer Science program established.
1979
Concentration in MIS added to PhD program in the School of Business Administration.
1980
PhD in Computer Science program established.
1986
The CIS Department moves to the new College of Engineering, Computer Sciences and Architecture
1992
The CIS Department moves to the College of Arts and Sciences.
1998
The College of Arts and Sciences splits into the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Technology (CST), the new home of the CIS Department.
2000
The School of Business Management created a new MIS Department, with faculty from CIS, offering undergraduate, master's and PhD programs.
2001
The CIS Department starts the Information Science and Technology BA, BS and MS degree programs.
2009
Jie Wu becomes the first chair of the CIS Department appointed following a national search.
2014
The CIS Department moves to the new Science Education and Research Center (SERC) building.
2015
CIS celebrates 50th anniversary.
2016
The CIS Department starts a new Professional Science Master's program in Cyber Defense and Information Assurance and new BS and MS in Computational Data Science.
2018
Jamie Payton becomes the first woman appointed as chair of the CIS Department.
2019
OwlHacks, a student-organized weekend hackathon, is held for the first time in the SERC lobby. The CIS Department starts a new Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction for K-12 Teachers.
2019
Online Master's in Information Science and Technology program established.