Overview | Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

Our Mission

The B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences’ academic programs prepare future leaders, thinkers, and innovators in theoretical and applied aspects of computing and information sciences, providing a foundation for successful careers and life-long learning as technology and its role in a global society evolves.

Experiential learning, including professional practice and engagement in research and scholarly activities, are central to and enhance our students’ education. Our faculty and students advance the fields of computing and information sciences through a robust scholarly agenda focusing on computing foundations, emerging technologies, interdisciplinary applications, and user-centered design of computing-based solutions to effectively address challenges faced by individuals, organizations, and a global society.

By the Numbers

Student Body
Undergraduate	2,920
Graduate	840
Alumni	12,640

Faculty
Full-Time Faculty	131
Adjunct Faculty	56
Staff	57

Degrees Offered
Advanced Certificate	4
Bachelor of Science	8
Master of Science	9
Ph.D.	1

Rankings and Recognition

The game design and development undergraduate program was recently ranked No. 2 in North America by The Princeton Review (MS program ranked No. 4).

Golisano College was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education for academic years 2014-2021 by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.

In 2017, the college was further designated as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Research.

An RIT team took home the first-place trophy for the first time ever at the 2013 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. The team placed second in the 2014 competition and third in 2015 and 2017.

Ranked among the 30 Best Online Schools for Graduate Degrees by Best Choice Schools.

About B. Thomas Golisano

Our college was founded in 2001, then opened in 2003 following a $14 million gift from Paychex founder and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano.

Paychex Inc., headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., is a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefit outsourcing solutions for more than a half-million small- and medium-sized businesses. Golisano served as Paychex’s president and chief executive officer from 1971, when he founded the company, until October 2004.

In 1985, he started the Golisano Foundation to support programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that they may achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives. Since its founding, the Golisano Foundation has made more than $304 million in philanthropic donations to schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations.

In 2014, RIT was selected as the home for Golisano’s archives. The full Golisano Archive collection is housed with the RIT Archives Collection in Wallace Library, and an interactive display highlighting Golisano’s career and philanthropic efforts can be found in the atrium of the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.