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Cornell University

Undergraduate Education

Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

With departments in computer science, information science, and statistics and data science, Cornell Bowers CIS is a research and educational hub for three critical fields that power today's global information economy. The college's unique vision and commitment to both developing state-of-the-art technologies and in studying and understanding the societal and human impact of these technologies, allows for new understandings, ethical approaches and forward-looking technologies. 

Bowers CIS offers majors to students in Arts and Sciences (Computer Science, Information Science, Statistical Science), the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Information Sciences, Biometry and Statistics), and Engineering (Computer Science and Information Science, Statistics, and Technology). Learn more about our majors.

College FAQs

Who advises students in your school/college?

Both professional staff advisors and faculty advise Bowers CIS majors. Majors are typically assigned to a faculty advisor the semester after they affiliate; timing varies slightly by major and date of affiliation. In addition to advising majors, professional staff advisors work with pre-majors, minors, and any student considering a Bowers CIS program. 

How do I know who’s my assigned advisor or advising team?

Majors and pre-majors are assigned staff advisors based on the first letter of their last name. This information is available in Cornell Chatter on the “Bowers CIS Student Services” tab. Majors can find their faculty advisor (once assigned) by logging in to Student Center. 

How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

  • Log in to Cornell Chatter. 

  • Choose the “Bowers CIS Student Services” tab. 

  • Review listed advising assignments. 

  • Click the “Schedule an Appointment” button. 

  • Select the appointment type you need. 

  • A staff menu will then populate.  

  • Please be sure to select the correct advisor’s name. 

When should I meet with my advisor?

Our professional staff advisors are available for course and degree advising as well as conversations about academic work/life balance, personal concerns and challenges, and anything else that might be on your mind. Appointments are available every weekday. Majors are especially encouraged to meet with their staff advisors prior to pre-enrollment to review their plans and projects. 

Faculty advisors are available to discuss academic interests, career paths, graduate school, research, and how to make the most of your time as a Bowers CIS major. Appointments are welcome any time. 

Four Advising Areas

Academic Focus

Cornell Bowers CIS continues to push boundaries in the information age through its commitment to both developing state-of-the-art computing and information technologies, and in studying and understanding the societal and human impact of these technologies.

Experiential Learning

At Bowers CIS, we are passionate about undergraduate research and engaged learning. We have two funded summer research programs: Bowers CIS Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE) and BURE Next. Many students also pursue research for academic credit or compensation during the academic year. One avenue for CS majors to explore research opportunities is to attend ACSU Research Night, organized annually by the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates in partnership with the CS department. 

Many of our engaged learning opportunities and programs are open not just to majors, but to pre-majors. Some, such as the annual Bits on our Mind (BOOM) digital-projects showcase, are open to the entire campus. Key programs include Bowers CIS Dream Grants, student-led project courses, hackathons, study abroad, and DEI programs such as ASCEND, CSMore (a summer program aimed at rising sophomores in computer science), CSMore Works, and other initiatives. 

We also partner with Cornell Engineering to offer Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs) for six CS courses: CS 1110, CS 1112, CS 2110, CS 2800, CS 3110, and CS 3410. AEWs are 1.0-credit, peer-led, collaborative problem-solving sessions graded on an SX/UX basis. AEWs are open to all students enrolled in these courses; you d not need to be in Engineering. 

Community and Belonging 

We care deeply about community, connection, and belonging. We know that many of our courses are large, so we make it a priority to create opportunities for connection. Our largest courses give students the chance to register for small-group lunches or dinners with course faculty, and our community programs are designed with creating connection as a central goal. Examples include our twice-yearly "New Majors Welcome" onboarding dinner event, our college-wide fall academic fair, and annual Halloween celebration.

Career Exploration 

Bowers CIS majors can access career advising and resources through central Cornell Career Services and their admitting college career offices: 

Additionally the Engineering Career Center offers advising and resources to any Cornell undergraduate pursuing opportunities in computer science, regardless of their admitting college. 

New Resource for Technical Interview Prep
All Cornell students now have access to Exponent, an online community, course, and coaching platform designed to prepare students for technical interviews in software engineering, product management, data science, and more. Access Exponent with your Cornell NetID credentials.