Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
students studying in the lounge in Gates Hall

Undergraduate Opportunities

Interested in computing and its impact on society?

Cornell Bowers CIS offers multiple, flexible paths to a degree that will prepare you for a leadership role in the data-driven information economy.

What is the Cornell Bowers CIS model (video)?

The Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science offer majors in the colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences and Agriculture and Life Sciences. Students wishing to major in Computer Science, Information Science or Statistics must first apply and be accepted to one of these three colleges. In addition, students in all seven of Cornell's undergraduate schools and colleges have the option of completing a Minor/Concentration in Computer Science or a Minor in Information Science. Minors are also available in Computing in the Arts and Game Design.

Explore the many options for how you can engage as an undergraduate.

 

Graphic to explain admitting colleges for Bowers CIS majors
Cornell Bowers CIS offers multiple, flexible paths to a degree that will prepare you for a leadership role in the data-driven information economy.

 

Computer Science

https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad


B.A. in Computer Science from the College of Arts and Sciences

As a computer science major, you’ll learn algorithmic ways of thinking and study the elements of computing and information technology such as system design, problem specification, programming, and the modeling, analysis and evaluation of complex systems. You’ll also learn the many applications of computing in science, engineering and business, and have the opportunity to take classes and do research in such areas as artificial intelligence, robotics, computational logic, computer architecture, computer graphics, computer vision, computing systems, databases and digital libraries, machine learning, natural language processing, networks, programming languages and compilation, scientific computing, security and theory of computation.


B.S. in Computer Science from the College of Engineering

The computer science curriculum covers both the theory of algorithms and computing and their many applications in science, engineering, and business. The program is broad and rigorous, but it is structured in a way that supports in-depth study of outside areas. Computer Science majors learn about algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, and the theory of computation, and can explore many different areas of interest, including artificial intelligence, scientific computing, computational biology, computer graphics, computer vision, databases, and networks. A wide variety of exciting professional and academic opportunities exist for graduates, including software engineering, computational finance, modeling, game design, computer graphics, robotics, artificial intelligence, internet systems and technology, security, hardware development, animation, medicine, biotechnology, business management and consulting, as well as masters and doctoral studies in computing-related fields. While major requirements for the B.A. and B.S. are the same, the sponsoring colleges may have different supplemental requirements. Please visit the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Engineering for more information.

 

Information Science

For more information about the major, please contact Information Science by phone, 607.255.9837, email, or visit the undergraduate program office located in 520 Rhodes Hall.


B.S. in Information Science, Systems and Technology from the College of Engineering

The major in Information Science, Systems, and Technology (ISST) studies the design and management of complex information systems. The core courses in the field provide students with grounding in operations research modeling techniques of probability, statistics, and optimization; computer science; economics; and the social and organizational contexts in which transformative information systems exist. Students then choose one of two options: Management Science (MS) or Information Science (IS).


B.S. in Information Science from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The BS in Information Science (IS) allows students to study the design and use of information systems in a social context. The field studies the creation, representation, organization, application, and analysis of information in digital form. The focus of Information Science is on technological systems and their use, approached through an interdisciplinary approach with a variety of methodologies. The Information Science major organizes its courses into three area-based tracks: human-centered systems, information systems and social systems.


B.A. in Information Science from the College of Arts and Sciences

The BA in Information Science (IS) allows students to study the design and use of information systems in a social context. The field studies the creation, representation, organization, application, and analysis of information in digital form. The focus of Information Science is on technological systems and their use, approached through an interdisciplinary approach with a variety of methodologies. The Information Science major organizes its courses into three area-based tracks: human-centered systems, information systems and social systems.

 

Statistical Science

https://stat.cornell.edu/academics/undergraduate

 

B.A. in Statistical Science from the College of Arts and Sciences

The Statistical Science major provides an interdisciplinary academic program in the study of empirical quantitative reasoning in its scientific and social context. The major integrates the study of the three major themes in Statistical Science:mathematical statistics, applied statistics and computational statistics. The Statistical Science major has been designed to ensure that students have a firm grounding in both the major area as well as substantial depth in a particular applied area. In addition, it has been designed to support and encourage double majors through the requirement of an external specialization.


Biometry and Statistics

https://stat.cornell.edu/academics/undergraduate

B.S. in Biometry and Statistics from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Biometry is the application of statistics, mathematics, computing and other quantitative methods to phenomena and problems in the life sciences. Statistics is concerned with many aspects of scientific investigations: developing and studying the design and measurement aspects of investigations, executing investigations and collecting numerical information, summarizing the data obtained, and making inferences from the data.

Students learn how to use statistics, mathematics, computing, and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.

Students enter the Biometry and Statistics major as freshmen or as transfer students. A strong background in mathematics is highly recommended for students considering a major in Biometry and Statistics. Students currently enrolled as freshmen or sophomores at other institutions who are considering transferring to the Biometry and Statistics program are encouraged to satisfy as many of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) distribution requirements as possible before transferring.