John Cabot University is pleased to announce the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science in Fall 2026. The degree is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computational thinking, programming, data management, and problem-solving. The major explores essential Information Science principles related to cybersecurity, information systems, and digital transformation management, while embracing the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts education in which it is rooted.
JCU’s Office of Web Communications interviewed Professor Patrizio Angelini, Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Natural and Applied Sciences, about the new major.
What would you say distinguishes JCU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science from other programs of its kind?
What really distinguishes JCU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science is the way it combines the computational thinking of a solid computer science core with the strategic thinking of information science, blended with the creative and critical thinking that characterizes the liberal arts tradition of JCU. This interdisciplinary combination, which is still relatively rare, especially in the European context, is what makes this program particularly modern.
As I like to say, computer scientists are extremely good at solving problems, but are not always good at deciding which problems are worth solving. There are so many different implications to consider – from the business, societal, ethical, and political perspectives; only a proper interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to success. Our program will, of course, focus on the technical aspects that are necessary in a computer science curriculum. But it will also explore the implications through courses from other disciplines, including management, ethics, law, and communication.
The flexibility that characterizes the American liberal arts environment is what ultimately sets this degree apart. Students will be required to choose at least five optional courses from various disciplines, allowing them to shape their own personalized curriculum. This can range from a deeply technical one – taking additional Mathematics and Computer Science classes – to a more business-oriented one like Management, Law, Economics, and Finance, up to one built around the arts, including Digital Media Arts and Art and Design.
Why should a student come to Rome to study Computer and Information Science?
Studying Computer and Information Science in Rome offers students a unique combination of academic and cultural experiences. At JCU, students learn in an international environment while being immersed in a city that is historically rich, hosts major international organizations and political institutions, and is increasingly connected to global business, technology, and innovation networks. This is particularly valuable as we also encourage students to include an internship in their curriculum.
In Rome, students are exposed to different cultures, ways of thinking, and professional opportunities, which is especially valuable in a field like Information Science that is global by nature. Students can benefit from JCU’s global classroom environment while also being exposed to European and international professional contexts, which helps them develop a broader perspective on how technology is used across cultures and industries.
Another important aspect is the learning environment offered by the American liberal arts tradition at JCU. Small classes and project-based work allow students to engage closely with faculty and apply what they learn to real problems. From the introductory courses to the more advanced ones, our curriculum has a strong applicative component and connections to active research questions, especially in more theoretical areas.
It appears that many entry-level jobs that computer science students are trained for have been disappearing as AI coding agents are replacing junior developers with tools that generate thousands of lines of code instantly. Does it still make sense to earn a degree in computer and information science?
Short answer: yes, absolutely! Long answer: yes, absolutely – it makes even more sense now than before, if possible!
Jokes aside, the point raised in the question is certainly valid. The world of programming has already changed dramatically because of AI, and some job roles are indeed disappearing, especially at the entry level.
The point is that computer scientists, and even more so computer and information scientists, can be much more than just programmers. The computational and strategic mindsets, the ability to see the full picture and anticipate potential impacts at different levels, and the leadership skills to successfully manage complex projects just belong to well-educated human intelligence.
As to why it makes even more sense to do all this in a liberal arts environment, I think that the rise of AI has made it even more important for people to communicate clearly, to focus on creative ideas rather than on technical details, and to think critically and ethically about problems. These are all core elements of the liberal arts and a fundamental complement to technical training.
