Siebel School of Computing and Data Science FAQ
Siebel School of Computing
and Data Science FAQ
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger Engineering proudly announced the establishment of the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, made possible by a transformative $50 million gift from Thomas M. Siebel. This cornerstone contribution will propel the university's leadership in computing and data science education and research, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Further integrating Computing and Data Science as the new third pillar of engineering, alongside the historical Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences, the school will define and advance the future of computing and the intersections of computing and data science. We are poised to chart this new frontier of computing, data science, and AI, building upon the university’s deep history of computing innovation in computer engineering and computer science, and deep collaborations in data science with mathematics, statistics, and information sciences across the campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question not addressed here, please email us.
Is the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science a separate college at the University of Illinois?
No. The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science is within The Grainger College of Engineering and includes the prior department of computer science. This enables the best connectivity and collaboration across computer engineering, computer science, data science and other units.
Are there separate departments in the school?
No. The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science has no departments. The school is organized into forward-looking, cutting-edge research areas that advance the frontiers of computing and data science and their applications in all domains.
No. Undergraduate and graduate degrees offered by the school remain unchanged. These degrees include all Computer Science degrees (BS in Computer Science, MCS in Computer Science, MS in Computer Science, MS in Bioinformatics (Computer Science concentration), and PhD in Computer Science).
Do the courses offered by the school have a new rubric (e.g., CS 225)?
No. The course designations will not change. For example, CS 225 will remain CS 225.
Is the Computer Engineering major in the school?
No. Our top-ranked, world-class Computer Engineering major is in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Do Computer Engineering majors have priority over other majors for certain computer science courses.
Yes. CE majors have priority registration for certain computer science courses.
Does the school contain Data Science majors?
No. Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a campus-wide effort.
I am getting a B.S. in computer science. How is this degree related to the school?
You are a computer science major in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Blended degrees (CS + X) are awarded by your home college. You can also pair most undergraduate majors with a computer science minor.
Does transcripted information change?
No. Transcripted information remains the same.
Do Blended degrees (CS + X) or X + Data Science programs change or result in dual degrees?
No. Blended degrees (CS + X) are awarded by your home college.
Depending on the context, alum may use their best judgment. Here are two suggestions, shorter: Siebel School of Computing and Data Science (formerly the Department of Computer Science) or longer: Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign