The Department of Computer Science
Founded in 1962, the Department of Computer Science was created to be an innovative base of knowledge in the emerging field of computing as the first degree-awarding program in the United States. The department continues to advance the computer science industry through research. Graduates of the program are able to solve complex and challenging problems in many fields. The increasing centrality of computer science in academic disciplines and society, and new research activities - centered around data science, artificial intelligence, programming languages, theoretical computer science, machine learning, and cybersecurity - are the future focus of the department.
Purdue Computes
As student interest in computing-related majors and the societal impact of artificial intelligence and chips continue to rise rapidly, Purdue has launched a new major initiative, Purdue Computes, consisting of four dimensions that will connect faculty and students from across the institution and enable the university to advance to the forefront with unparalleled excellence at scale.STORIES CELEBRATING 60PURDUE COMPUTESOUR HISTORYCELEBRATIONS OF THE 60TH
Taking Your Next Giant Leap College of Science at Purdue University in Indianapolis
News
Purdue’s Undergraduate Computer Science Program continues to rise in rankings
Purdue’s computer science program ranks #16 in 2025, with top spots in cybersecurity and software engineering, driven by initiatives like Purdue Computes and innovative research.
Aniket Bera, associate professor of computer science and director of the IDEAS lab at Purdue, is paving the way to smarter, more capable robots through transferable knowledge - addressing gaps in current machine learning.
Purdue AI urban tree monitoring and analysis initiative to improve city life
With 89% of the U.S. population and 68% of the world population projected to live in cities by 2050, concerns mount about how to address health and environmental issues such as excessive heat, poor air quality and rainwater runoff. Urban trees have the potential to improve these issues, but first, accurate tree inventories and information must be obtained, analyzed, shared and regularly updated to make effective data-driven decisions.
AI-driven conversational VR interfaces to digital twins in agricultural research data sets
Conversational Virtual Reality AI-based platform allows researchers to “converse” with agricultural data and will enable a stronger focus on the science and generate greater societal impact.