College of Computing & Informatics
3675 Market Street
10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States
Contact
Degrees/Certificates Offered
- Master of Science in Information - Library & Information Science
Programs Offered
Program Philosophy
Drexel University’s new College of Computing & Informatics (CCI), founded in 2013, serves as a hub for multi-disciplinary computing and informatics activities by uniting the faculty, professional staff, and students from Drexel’s former College of Information Science and Technology (the iSchool), the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering and the Department of Computing and Security Technology in Goodwin College of Professional Studies. CCI's Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MS) is one of just 59 programs accredited by the American Library Association, and is ranked 10th nationally in U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools" (2014). CCI also achieved national ranking in 2014 in specialties such as Health Librarianship (first); Information Systems (third); and Digital Librarianship (sixth); Services for Children and Youth (ninth); School Library Media (10th); and Archives and Preservation (12th). Within the MS degree program, students may choose to specialize their studies through elective courses or through the Archival Studies concentration (one of six optional concentrations within the MS). The concentration in Archival Studies focuses on the practice and theory of managing collections of records and papers in a variety of archival settings. This concentration meets the needs of students planning archival careers in government agencies, libraries, historical societies, corporations, not-for-profit organizations, museums, and religious institutions. It also provides the educational component required for post-graduate certification as a Certified Archivist. Students may complete their degree online or on campus. Drexel's 60-acre University City Campus is located in the University City district of Philadelphia, PA, about a 10-minute walk from Center City, Philadelphia. As one of the nation's oldest and largest cities, Philadelphia is rich in cultural, historic, and academic institutions and is a leading center for business, industry, and government. These resources provide ample opportunities for Library and Information Science students to pursue pre-professional employment, internships, and permanent employment. Students have held archives-focused internships at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Zoo Library and Archive, Campbell's Soup Co., Delaware Art Museum's Helen Farr Sloan Library, and at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Facilities
The College’s iCommons is an open lab and collaborative work environment for students. It features desktop computers, a wireless/laptop area, free black and white printing, more collaborative space for its students and a furnished common area. There is a fully equipped conference room for student use with a 42” display and videoconferencing capabilities. The iCommons provides technical support to students, faculty, and administrative staff. In addition, the staff provides audio-visual support for all presentation classrooms within the Rush Building. Use of the iCommons is reserved for all students taking CCI courses. The computers for general use are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OSX machines with appropriate applications which include the Microsoft Office suite, various database management systems, modeling tools, and statistical analysis software. Library related resources may be accessed at the iCommons and through the W.W. Hagerty Library. The College is a member of the Rational SEED Program which provides cutting-edge CASE and project management software for usage in the iCommons and CCI classrooms. The College is also a member of the Microsoft Academic Alliance known also as “DreamSpark” which allows students free access to a wide array of Microsoft software titles and operating systems. CCI students can access Drexel’s mail server from within the iCommons. The iCommons, student labs, and classrooms have access to networked databases, print and file resources within the College, and the Internet via the University’s network. Email accounts, Internet and BannerWeb access are available through the Office of Information Resources and Technology.
Drexel University Libraries is a learning enterprise, advancing the University’s academic mission through serving as educators, supporting education and research, collaborating with researchers, and fostering intentional learning outside of the classroom. Drexel University Libraries engages with Drexel communities through four physical locations, including W. W. Hagerty Library, Hahnemann Library, Queen Lane Library and the Library Learning Terrace, as well as a vibrant online presence which sees, on average, over 8,000 visits per day. In the W.W. Hagerty Library location, College of Computing & Informatics students have access to private study rooms and nearly half a million books, periodicals, DVDs, videos and University Archives. All fields of inquiry are covered, including: library and information science, computer science, systems engineering, health informatics, information systems, and technology. Resources are available online at library.drexel.edu or in-person at W. W. Hagerty Library. The Libraries also make available laptop and desktop PC and Mac computers, printers and scanners, spaces for quiet work or group projects and designated 24/7 spaces. Librarians and library staff — including a liaison librarian for computing and informatics — are available for individual research consultations and to answer questions about materials or services.
Practicum/Internships/Assistantships Offered?
Drexel's College of Computing & Informatics offers a Practicum that provides students the opportunity to gain credit for work experience along with associated academic coursework. This online course enables a student to use his or her current job or obtain a job or internship within his or her field of study to earn three elective credits. Students are responsible for obtaining their practicum jobs; however, CCI maintains a Job Postings site that lists pre-professional opportunities. The course requires 120 hours of work over the 10-week quarter along with online class participation.
Research
The College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) is regarded worldwide as an innovative, multidisciplinary College that educates outstanding information and computer science professionals, conducts applied information and computing research of major substance, and leads in adapting its activities to changing societal and marketplace needs. CCI comprises 69 faculty members, including 11 recipients of prestigious CAREER awards from the National Science Foundation, and is recognized internationally for research. The PhD in Information Studies comprises advanced coursework, research apprenticeships, a portfolio, journal club, and a dissertation. The program requires a minimum of three consecutive terms of full-time residency.