Vision
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Yonsei University's College of Computing was established in 1982 as the Department of Computational Science within the College of Science, with the goal of cultivating professionals in the field of computer science. Reflecting the evolving needs of applied sciences and engineering, it transitioned to the College of Engineering in 1996. In 2022, to lead cutting-edge disciplines such as the AI paradigm in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to foster interdisciplinary research and education both within and beyond the university, it was reorganized and relocated to the College of Computing. For over 40 years, the department has excelled in producing exceptional talent in computer science and conducting world-class research, both in core areas and interdisciplinary fields. It currently comprises approximately 370 undergraduate students, around 200 graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and 22 faculty members. The department’s educational mission is to nurture globally competent professionals in computer science, software, and artificial intelligence. These individuals are expected to demonstrate responsibility and creativity as leaders of the information and AI-driven society, contributing to the advancement of both the nation and humanity. The program emphasizes fostering creative thinking and insight to understand and address real-world challenges, with a strong focus on developing practical skills in the field of computing.
Research Areas
The field of computer science encompasses foundational areas such as data structures, algorithm analysis, and computer theory, which form the basis for problem-solving through software and programming. In the domain of computer systems, research covers computer architecture, the foundation of computer hardware, alongside cutting-edge topics like modern GPUs, many-core architectures, high-performance computing, and distributed processing systems. Additionally, areas such as operating systems, system software, and compilers/programming languages, which manage and optimize computer system resources, remain central to computer science. Active research areas include the internet, computer networks, and advanced 5G/6G mobile communications and IoT(Internet of Things) technologies, which connect and structure platforms. Block chain and information security are also critical fields, ensuring secure communications in systems and networks. In the realm of data science, foundational topics such as databases and big data, along with techniques like data mining and text mining, are central to the emerging data-driven society. Technologies like artificial intelligence(AI), machine learning(ML), deep learning, multimodal AI, and natural language processing(NLP) are naturally key research areas, driving progress at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Complementing AI, fields such as computer graphics, multimedia, and human-computer interaction(HCI) play a crucial role in creating new cyber worlds through virtual reality(VR) and augmented reality(AR). Future paradigms such as brain computing and quantum computing are also vital research domains, propelling the advancement of computer science into new frontiers.
Career Paths
Computer science plays a pivotal role in leading core technological fields such as the information industry, data industry, and artificial intelligence industry, all of which are central to future society.
There is a rapidly growing demand for professionals in software and artificial intelligence, not only in the information technology sector but also across all areas of human society and emerging cyber domains.
For example, technologies in computer science, such as core algorithms and machine learning for autonomous vehicles, cognitive and mobility technologies in the robotics industry, and software and AI applications across various sectors of the healthcare industry, are indispensable.
Graduates of the Department of Computer Science are thriving in diverse fields, including:
- Professors at universities
- Researchers at computer-related institutes and corporations
- Researchers at major domestic and global companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, Google, Apple, and Facebook
- Consultants specializing in corporate management and system applications
- Entrepreneurs in startups such as Daum Communications, VirtualTek, SOCAR, and VIVE
- Independent professionals in computer or AI technologies
- Public officials (e.g., through national technical examinations)
- Patent attorneys