📖 History of the CS Department
UMass Boston — Department of Computer Science
The UMass Boston Department of Computer Science has grown from a small academic program
into a thriving department offering undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
Over the decades, the department has expanded its research, faculty, and facilities
to serve thousands of students in the Greater Boston area.
1965
UMass Boston Founded
3rd
Floor, McCormack Hall
BS/BA
Undergraduate Degrees
Department Timeline
1965
UMass Boston is Founded
The University of Massachusetts Boston is established as an urban public
research university, beginning with a small set of academic departments
including early computing courses.
1970s
Computer Science Program Begins
The formal Computer Science program is introduced, offering foundational
courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms to meet growing
demand in the technology field.
1980s – 1990s
Program Expansion
The department expands its curriculum to include advanced topics such as
artificial intelligence, databases, networking, and software engineering.
Graduate programs are introduced to support research and advanced study.
2000s
Research Growth
Faculty research expands significantly in areas including machine learning,
bioinformatics, distributed systems, and human-computer interaction.
The department begins receiving major research grants and funding.
2010s
New Programs and Partnerships
The department introduces certificate programs, an IT degree, and an
Honors Program. Partnerships with local tech companies provide students
with internship and career opportunities in the Greater Boston area.
⭐ Major Milestone
2021
Move to McCormack Hall, 3rd Floor
The CS department relocates to the 3rd Floor of McCormack Hall,
providing modernized office spaces, updated labs, and improved facilities
for both students and faculty. This move represents a significant upgrade
in the department's physical infrastructure.
2022 – Present
Continued Growth and Innovation
The department continues to grow with new faculty hires, research grants
exceeding $1.2 million, and an expanding student body. Programs in
AI, data science, and cybersecurity reflect current industry demand.
Current Location
🏛️
McCormack Hall, 3rd Floor
The Department of Computer Science is currently located on the
3rd Floor of McCormack Hall at UMass Boston.
The department office can be reached at 617.287.6475
or by email at csinfo [at] cs.umb.edu.
The campus is located at 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125.