1. Academic Staff:

One of the most challenging issues in the field of information technology is the recruitment of trained personnel and faculty. Individuals with academic qualifications who exceed a certain level are increasingly moving away from academia in Turkey, opting for opportunities abroad, in the private sector, and other alternatives. This trend has a negative impact on academic positions nationwide. Particularly in departments that provide education in the field of information technology, the concentration of instructors with expertise from various fields or the insufficient number of instructors to run the departments is a frequently encountered situation.

Through intensive efforts, we have taken all necessary steps to establish a substantial faculty for our newly established department. We have initiated the recruitment process and begun advertising for faculty positions. Our goal is to bring in the first 10 faculty members by the end of 2023, all of whom will possess expertise in computer science, international experience, industry knowledge, or significant experience in government leadership roles. By the start of the 2024 academic year, we anticipate having a total of 20 faculty members, and all the necessary discussions have been held to attract a sufficient number of qualified individuals to our department.

2. University Facilities and International Connections:

Istanbul University is a well-established institution and is recognized as one of the top 20 research universities in Turkey by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The university is known for its support in this field, and it ranks highly in international rankings. With direct agreements in place with 147 countries, we are also expanding these agreements for our newly established department. We already offer a wide range of opportunities for international engagement, such as international internships and the option to study abroad for one or, depending on circumstances, two semesters. Being located in a city like Istanbul is advantageous for progress in the field of computer science. The 100% English-language instruction is a significant advantage in our industry. Given the department's focus on industry collaborations, students will have opportunities to quickly establish connections, engage in academic advancements, participate in projects, and even find employment while studying. Additionally, within Istanbul University, there are over 300 active student clubs and numerous companies in the Istanbul University Technopark, providing easy access to both social and professional experiences.

3. Faculty Facilities and Building:

We have been provided with a temporary university building near the main campus in Beyazıt for our department. This building is currently undergoing complete renovation. Work has been ongoing for the past two months to prepare classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other physical facilities. At present, classrooms, smart boards, projectors, meeting rooms, and faculty offices have been completed. The physical facilities for the computer laboratory have been set up, and computer procurement preparations have been made to ensure readiness for the upcoming semester. In summary, everything will be prepared and ready before the start of classes.

4. Is the Department Fully English-Language and Will There Be a Preparatory School?

Yes, at the beginning of each semester, a test will be conducted, and students who score 70 or above out of 100 or achieve an equivalent score will be able to enroll directly in the faculty. An English proficiency level equivalent to B1 is considered sufficient. Additionally, in the first year of the computer engineering curriculum, a professional English course focusing on presentation and writing skills, as well as technical terminology, has been added to the program. Students in our faculty can skip the preparatory school and begin their courses immediately. They can transition to the faculty in the irregular (off-cycle) manner by passing an intermediate exam during the mid-term break for the 2024 spring semester, or they can start their studies in the 2024 fall semester by passing end-of-year exams. Even if just one student passes the preparatory school, all faculty courses will be offered, and students can continue attending classes.

5. Is Remote Learning and Distance Education Possible for the Courses?

No, the education is primarily on-campus, and most courses have a mandatory attendance requirement of 70% for lectures and 80% for practical sessions.

6. Do You Offer Master's and Doctoral Programs?

Starting from early 2024, applications will be sent to YÖK for two master's programs (one with thesis and one without) and doctoral programs. It is highly likely that student admissions will commence in 2024.

7. Are the Departments Accredited?

The MÜDEK (Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs) is an international accreditation system that accredits engineering programs in Turkey, and it requires programs to have graduated their first batch of students to be eligible for accreditation. Accreditation generally aims to enhance the quality of education and standardize courses and documentation, thereby fulfilling certain goals. Consequently, relevant documentation will be meticulously tracked from the first year onward, and applications for accreditation will be made once the first batch of graduates is ready.

8. Are Internship Opportunities Available or Is an Internship Mandatory?

Given the quality of computer engineering education in Istanbul and the active engagement of our faculty members, who have their own companies and are highly involved in university-industry collaboration, many of our students are likely to find employment opportunities before completing their internships. Nonetheless, internship programs will be available at the end of the second and third years, in case students are unable to secure work opportunities. Students can undertake internships abroad through Erasmus support or, if desired, secure internships in industries such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation through the university-industry collaboration advisory board, utilizing the guidance of our industry advisory board comprised of prominent senior members.