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ATLANTA — The year was 1984. Bill Gates famously predicted every household would have a personal computer, and Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh to the world. That same year, Georgia State University took its own bold step into the digital age by launching an undergraduate major in computer science. This new major was housed within the College of Arts & Sciences, under the newly expanded Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
Led by Fred Massey, the department started small. Scott Owen, the first faculty member hired to teach computer science at Georgia State, recalled the early days.
“I taught almost all of the classes for my first few years, and I had to prepare a new course every quarter," he said. "It was an exciting but challenging time as the field grew and so did our course offerings.”
At the time, the department’s only computing resource was a single Apple II computer, but what began modestly has since grown into a powerhouse of education and research.
The department separated from Mathematics in 1999, becoming its own entity with 10 faculty members. Today, the Department of Computer Science at Georgia State boasts nearly 50 faculty members, with women making up almost a quarter of the department — a testament to the department’s commitment to diversity in the tech world. Student enrollment has soared as well, with nearly 3,000 undergraduates and more than 350 graduate students now pursuing degrees in computer science.
As computer science has evolved over the past few decades, it has transformed into much more than the study of computing and code. It is a field that merges creativity with problem-solving, pushing the boundaries of technology and its applications. From artificial intelligence and data science to cybersecurity and machine learning, computer science shapes our world and touches nearly every aspect of modern life.
Georgia State offers a wide range of academic programs in computer science to equip students with the skills they need for today’s tech-driven careers. These include bachelor’s degrees in computer science and data science, master’s degrees in computer science and big data and machine learning, a Ph.D. in computer science with an optional concentration in bioinformatics, and undergraduate certificates in data science and cybersecurity. The department’s programs prepare students to lead in fields that are shaping the future, from artificial intelligence to data analytics and beyond.
Raj Sunderraman, associate chair of the department and a faculty member for nearly three decades, reflected on his role in growing the graduate programs.
“It has been an incredible journey,” Sunderraman said. “We built our Ph.D. program from scratch, and today our graduate programs are robust and vibrant. We’ve expanded in both size and reputation, and I’m proud of the students we’ve graduated who have gone on to make an impact in industry, academia and beyond.”
Georgia State’s computer science graduates have been hired by leading tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon and IBM. Many hold leadership positions in various industries, reflecting the department’s focus on both technical excellence and the practical applications of computing.
At 25 years, the Department of Computer Science is not only reflecting on its past but looking boldly to the future.
In fall 2025, the department will introduce two new programs: a Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T.) and a graduate certificate that will prepare students without an academic background in computer science for advanced study in this area. These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in emerging areas such as cybersecurity, data science, software development and automation.
With support from the National Science Foundation, the department is developing a new interdisciplinary initiative to offer students from diverse fields the opportunity to combine their major with computer science or data science, preparing them for technology-driven careers in high demand across all industries.
The department’s current chair, Armin R. Mikler, said his colleagues are leading research that tackles today’s most pressing challenges.
“With major grants supporting advancements in AI, robotics and ecosystem management, we are driving innovation in healthcare, autonomous systems and disaster planning,” Mikler said. “These projects underscore our commitment to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research.”
Under Mikler’s leadership, the department is focused on continuing its growth, expanding programs and further enhancing its reputation as a center for cutting-edge research and education in the Southeast.
“We are at a pivotal moment in the department’s history,” Mikler continued. “Our mission is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring our students and faculty are at the forefront of innovation in computing. With the growing interest in computer science, our department is preparing to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students and the industries they will lead.”
Explore Georgia State’s computer science programs by visiting csds.gsu.edu.