In 1986, the University of the Cordilleras, then known as the Baguio Colleges Foundation, became the first institution in Baguio City to offer a four-year course in Computer Science. Under the umbrella of the Arts and Sciences, this new division started with barely 100 students, 4 faculty members, and one course offering: Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science.

With its transition from a division to a separate college in June 1995, the College grew to more than 1,200 students and 34 faculty members.

THE COLLEGE: Evolution

In keeping with the philosophy of the University of the Cordilleras, the College of Information and Computing Sciences has recognized its responsibility to respond to the changing needs of society, particularly in the field of Information Technology. Thus, from its humble beginnings, the College has continually endeavored to deliver quality IT education.

These are the highlights of events that transpired through the years.

THE COLLEGE: Today
Today, the College of Information and Computing Sciences continues to reap the benefits of the highly motivated and effective leadership evident even in its early years as a college. Led by its Dean, Nancy Flores, the college continues to offer programs of study that assists in establishing a firm discipline of information technology. Since its birth, the college has catapulted the careers of individuals who now hold a variety of key positions in numerous industries, both here and abroad.
           
The College has proven to be the benchmark of all other IT schools in the region, first having been identified by CHED as the sole Center of Development for Excellence, and then recently, as the Center for Excellence in IT Education. The college has also been identified as a Delivering Institution for the MIT Program under the CHED HEDP-FDP and PGMA-SEGS. The UC-CICS is among the eight (8) IT Universities in the country, and is the only one North of Manila, to have received such recognition. Currently with 105 scholars, UC holds the distinction of having the most number of grantees.

UC’s Computer Science program was accredited Level II by the PAASCU. UC-CICS later on received the distinction of being the sole host institution for the Cyber Corridor Post-Baccalaureate Bridging Program in the Northern Luzon 1 ring.

The College Faculty. The commitment to excellence of the faculty members is evident in the recognitions they have received, academic qualifications, their attendance  to an average of 3-5 IT technical trainings on a regional or national scale, and their active involvement in applied research undertakings. Further, the faculty undergo an industry immersion in identified organizations like Cypress and TIPI.
The College Dean is a member of the CHED Technical Working Group of the PGMA-SEGS and Cyber Corridor Program as well as the Technical Panel on Information Technology Educators Taskforce on faculty development, and is the National President of the Philippine Society of IT Educators for school year 2007-2008.

Curriculum. The CICS curricula for the MIT, MCS, BSCS, BSIT, and BSIS programs have gained government recognition. This is in addition to the DOST accreditation for the BSCS and BSIT programs. Further, the Ladderized BSIT Program is TESDA-Accredited.

College Facilities. The UC-CICS has always been known for educational innovations. More than 390 computers are housed within the campus, 80% of which run on P4-Dual Core, and use LCD monitors. Computer laboratory classes are held in seven (7) laboratory classrooms, all of which are wired to two E1 Internet connections Internet access. The college also maintains a CISCO laboratory and Cypress Programmable System on Chip (PsoC) Laboratory for topics such as Networking, Digital Design and Computer Architecture. In addition, E-learning classes are held in two (2) E-learning laboratory rooms, each fully equipped with multimedia-enabled computers.

Linkages and Memberships in Professional Organizations. The College continually works towards forging partnerships with various ICT industries and universities in order to provide interaction between the academic and corporate information technology communities. These partnerships are in line with the College’s commitment to keep its students updated regarding the technical problems that drive industrial research and development. Some of the recently-established linkages are those with Cypress University Alliance and Texas Instruments Post-Baccalaureate Bridging Program.

In addition, the College maintains membership and active participation in various major IT organizations. Among these are the Computing Society of the Philippines, the PSITE, Microsoft, Oracle Academic Initiative, CISCO, Sun Java Educators Developers Initiative, and POSITIVE.

Outreach Programs. In keeping with the University’s mission to “intensify the University’s community involvement,” the college consistently encourages its faculty members and students to participate in various IT in-service trainings and outreach programs within the region. Some of the recent activities are Civil Service Commission Computer Skills Enhancement Programs, DOLE-MEGABBYTE, Computer Literacy Trainings for various sectors and organizations, OOP Seminar to secondary students, and TRACES/Help Program Emerging Technology.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program provides the students with an in-depth understanding on the theoretical aspects of computing and its applications. Students learn theories as well as methodologies and techniques in the research and development of computer systems. Key computer science subjects provides a deeper background in algorithm and software development, computer architecture, information processing, programming languages, data structures, operating systems, networks and artificial intelligence.

Requirements for Graduation:

• Sixty Five (65) units of General Education subjects
• Eighteen (18) units of Basic ITE Core subjects
• Forty Five (45) units of IT Professional / Major subjects
• Twenty One (21) units IT Elective subjects
• Six (6) units of Free Elective subjects
• Eight (8) units of Physical Education subjects
• Six (6) units of NSTP
•  
• Total: 169 units

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology aims to train the students in the design, implementation, administration and evaluation of information systems and computer applications, as well as to provide them with a firm background on the creation and deployment of databases, determine information needs, design appropriate information system, manage those systems, and measures the systems’ performance emphasizing the use of computer applications, and on building professional-level information system skills.

Requirements for Graduation:

• Sixty Two (62) units of General Education subjects
• Eighteen (18) units of Basic IT Core subjects
• Forty Two (42) units of IT Professional / Major subjects
• Twenty One (21) units IT Elective subjects
• Twelve (12) units of Free Elective subjects
• Eight (8) units of Physical Education subjects
• Six (6) units of NSTP
•  
• Total: 169 units

Information Management entails the application of computers to business organization emphasizing on Management Information System. The program aims to produce professional who can harness information technology to meet business objectives.

Requirements for Graduation:

• Sixty Two (62) units of General Education subjects
• Twenty Four (24) units of Basic IT Core subjects
• Forty Five (45) units of IM Professional / Major subjects
• Fifteen (15) units IT Elective subjects
• Nine (9) units of Free Elective subjects
• Eight (8) units of Physical Education subjects
• Six (6) units of NSTP
•  
• Total: 169 units

The College Faculty. The commitment to excellence of the faculty members is evident in the recognitions they have received, their academic qualifications, annual attendance  to an average of 3-5 IT technical trainings on a regional or national levels, and their active involvement in applied research undertakings. They undergo on a regular basis industry immersion in identified organizations like Cypress and TIPI.

Computer Science (CS) Department

1. Ingosan, Jeffrey S.
   Department Head



2. Aguilar, Paolo Eduardo
   
3. Alcantara, Dominador
   
4. Marrero, Steve T.
   
5. Pati, Felipe Jr. A.
   
6. Peralta, Joan M.
   
7. Quitaleg, Anna Rhodora

Information Science (IT) Department

1. Dilan, Raymund E.
   Department Head

2. Carrera, Bonifacio
   
3. Castillo, Raymond
   
4. Concepcion, Natividad
   
5. Lachica, Ariel
   
6. Lim, Jeric
   
7. Piza, Geovani

Associate in Computer Technology (ACT) Department

1. Palaoag, Thelma D.
   Department Head

2. Chiday, Theresa
   
3. Kawig, Hector
   
4. Mang-usan, Walter L.
   
5. Ruiz, Eliseo
   
6. Lumsit, Mildred
   
7. Ulpindo, Eugene Flor

Mathematics (MATH) Department

1. Melinda F. Aboy, MA Math
   Department Head



2. Bulaon, Michael Anthony
   
3. Caseldo, Dante
   
4. Corpuz, Luis
   
5. Gorospe, Lex Leo
   
6. Judan, Ronald
   
7. Lubrica, Nathaniel Vincent
   
8. Soriano, Edgar P.

The UC-CICS has always been known for educational innovations. More than 390 computers are housed within the campus, 80% of which run on P4-Dual Core, and use LCD monitors. Computer laboratory classes are held in seven (7) laboratory classrooms, all of which are wired to two E1 Internet connections Internet access. The college also maintains a CISCO laboratory and Cypress Programmable System on Chip (PsoC) Laboratory for topics such as Networking, Digital Design and Computer Architecture. In addition, E-learning classes are held in two (2) E-learning laboratory rooms, each fully equipped with multimedia-enabled computers.