Hacettepe University Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences

The world is experiencing one of the most significant technological transformations in human history. Artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and digital transformation are reshaping not only the technology sector but also healthcare, defense, finance, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and every aspect of social life.

At the center of this transformation lie computer and information sciences. In the future, successful individuals will not merely use technology; they will understand, develop, and shape it.

At the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences of Hacettepe University, our primary goal is to educate our students as active designers and innovators of this transformation.

Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence & Data Engineering: Two Complementary Pathways

The Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering departments within our faculty are two strong engineering disciplines designed to meet the needs of the information age and to drive the technologies of the future.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, one of the most frequently asked questions by our students and their families is:

“If artificial intelligence is transforming software development processes, will the importance of the Computer Engineering discipline diminish in the future?”

The answer lies in understanding the true scope of Computer Engineering. Artificial intelligence is not a technology that replaces Computer Engineering; rather, it is a powerful transformation built upon the knowledge and foundations of Computer Engineering, extending the discipline to new frontiers.

The engineers of the future will not simply be programmers. They will be professionals who develop algorithms, design reliable software systems, build artificial intelligence models, manage large-scale data infrastructures, analyze complex systems, and shape the future of technology.

Computer Engineering: Broad Technological Perspective and Systems Design

Computer Engineering is a mature engineering discipline with a broad scope and strong analytical foundations encompassing the fundamental principles of computer science, algorithms, software development processes, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and large-scale software systems.

The Computer Engineering program is an excellent choice for students seeking answers to questions such as:

How do computer systems work?
How are large-scale and reliable software systems designed?
How are next-generation computing technologies developed?
How do hardware, software, and systems interact and operate together?

For students who aspire to pursue careers in software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotic systems, game technologies, embedded systems, defense technologies, or technology entrepreneurship, Computer Engineering offers a powerful and versatile portfolio of opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering: A New Generation of Engineering that Creates Intelligence from Data

Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering is a next-generation engineering discipline focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, and data-driven intelligent systems.

This program focuses on questions such as:

How can meaningful information be extracted from data?
How do machines learn, reason, see, and hear?
How are artificial intelligence models developed and scaled?
How can intelligent systems solve real-world problems?

Students who wish to specialize in artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning, big data systems, natural language processing, computer vision, data analytics, robotics, and autonomous systems will find unique opportunities within this program.

Which Program Should I Choose?

Both programs offer strong career opportunities in the technologies of the future. When making your choice, we encourage you to consider your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

If you would like to:

Learn all layers of computer systems,
Gain broad expertise in software, systems design, security, and computing technologies,
Maintain the flexibility to pursue diverse areas within the technology sector,

then Computer Engineering may be the right choice for you.

If you would like to:

Develop artificial intelligence models,
Generate knowledge and insights from large-scale data,
Work on machine learning and deep learning methodologies,
Design the intelligent systems of the future,

then Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering may be the ideal choice for you.

At the same time, these two fields are not separated by rigid boundaries in today's world. A successful AI engineer must possess a strong foundation in computer science, while a successful computer engineer must be knowledgeable about artificial intelligence technologies. At our faculty, the curricula of both programs have been designed in accordance with the CS2023 standard, and students are able to take courses across departmental boundaries. This structure enables every student to design a personalized educational pathway while developing expertise in their chosen area of specialization.

An Educational Environment that Prepares Students for the Future

Built upon Hacettepe University's strong research culture, academic excellence, and scientific productivity, our faculty provides an educational environment that not only delivers knowledge in the classroom but also encourages students to conduct research, create, innovate, and contribute to technological advancement.

Our students will have the opportunity to work with experienced and distinguished academics, participate in national and international research projects, engage with industry, and develop their own technological ideas and innovations.

Our goal is to educate engineers who think critically, conduct research, uphold ethical values, embrace entrepreneurship, compete globally, understand the challenges facing humanity, and develop technology-driven solutions for a rapidly digitalizing world.

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions of your life. If you wish to understand, develop, and contribute to the technologies of the future, the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences at Hacettepe University— positioned at the heart of science, research, and innovation—awaits you.

I warmly invite you to join our faculty and wish you every success throughout your university selection process. I look forward to shaping the future together.

With my sincere regards,

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Önder Efe
Acting Dean
Hacettepe University
Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences