The selection of a college or university is one of the difficult choices students and parents make. Throughout my career as a faculty member, department chair, and dean, I have had the opportunity to meet many prospective students and their parents and to offer insight and advice. I hope that this letters helps answer many questions parents may have, but, if not, please feel free to contact me. Please note that the website for Admissions also includes Frequently Asked Questions about the University in general:

The most common questions students and parents ask include:

What is unique or distinctive about your engineering and computer science programs?

Who teaches students in your school?

What internship and summer employment programs do you offer?

How do you help your students prepare for success?

What do your students do after graduation?

What kinds of financial aid and merit scholarships are available to Watson School student?

Many of these questions are answered on our web site, and I encourage you to explore it:

Below I have added some of my own perspectives:

Distinctiveness:

The engineering and computer science programs at SUNY Binghamton are offered in a university setting. Students have access not only to an outstanding technical education but also to abundant electives in the humanities and social sciences. Engineers and computer scientists often find themselves in environments where they work with multidisciplinary team members with backgrounds outside technology, and the need to communicate and relate to experts in other fields are essential components for success. Accreditation of engineering and computer science program depends in part on preparing technical students to deal with global and societal aspects of their work and to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms. SUNY Binghamton provides opportunities for student to pursue a wide range of electives and to earn minors in other fields.

Many prospective students are unsure of their choice of major. The Watson School offers all engineering students a common first year program to help them understand the field of engineering and the variety of disciplines available to them. The program emphasizes engineering design from the first year through the capstone senior design laboratory. Development of a new Center for Learning to support all Watson students will begin this academic year to support this very successful and creative program.

The Computer Science program provides both depth and breadth and has earned a reputation for outstanding teaching and student support. The department has well-equipped laboratories for students at all levels and supports both internship and co-op programs.

Who teaches?

All Watson courses are taught by faculty. Graduate students assist in laboratory sections, recitation sessions, and as graders and tutors. Experts from industry and from other academic institutions teach advanced and graduate level courses as adjunct faculty in a small number of courses. A Student Opinion of Teaching survey is conducted in every course, and the results are used to monitor and improve teaching in our courses.

Internships

Internship and meaningful summer employment are an important part of the undergraduate experience. Our graduating seniors and alumni attribute their success in part to their early exposure to engineering and computer science in industry and government. The Watson Student Services Office helps students identify internship and summer employment opportunities. Other resources include faculty advisors who have good contacts with industry and the Career Development Center.

How do we help our students?

A wide variety of services are available to students who need help. Tutoring and help in time management and study skills are provided through a variety of programs.. This type of help is particularly important in the freshmen year as students adjust to the expectations of university study. Our Student Services Office also provides advice to students to help them with selections of courses, choices, and resources throughout the university that are available for all students. Please explore this link following for more complete information.

What do our students do after graduation?

Engineering and Computer Science graduates are valued for their problem solving and quantitative skills. Our programs provide many opportunities for students to learn creativity, to communicate effectively, and to work in teams. A wide variety of student organizations help students learn leadership skills. Our graduates are eagerly sought by high technology firms, financial institutions, and small companies who need individuals who can adapt to new challenges, to continue to learn, and who can work well with others. More insights on this issue, and other topics that you might find interesting, are offered on the Watson School Fast Facts page.

Financial Aid:

I am delighted that SUNY Binghamton offers admissions on a need-blind basis. Much of our recent and very successful campaign was directed at student financial aid, and a wide variety of student financial aid offers are made to students. Both merit scholarships and financial aid is available to students in the Watson School, and assistance is extended to both freshmen and transfer students. Please visit this link for additional information.

I hope this information is helpful. I hope that you will visit our campus and speak with one of our admission staff members about the unique opportunities for study available at our university.

Regards,

Charles R. Westgate
Dean