Responding to remarkable growth in computing programs and rising market demand for graduates in the field, Farmingdale State College (FSC) is set to break ground on a new $75 million academic building that will house the new Center for Computer Science and Information Technology Systems. In just the last three years, Farmingdale has produced more than 500 graduates in the field. More than 600 are currently enrolled at FSC, and the applicants just keep coming.
The building, which will encompass 40,000 square feet and sit adjacent to Sinclair Hall, will integrate seven academic programs in a single site: baccalaureate programs in computer programming and information systems, computer science, computer security technology, geographic information systems and science, and science, technology & society. It will also incorporate the College’s technology management graduate program and a host of certificate programs.
By fall 2024, the College will add an artificial intelligence management degree, which has received letters of support from companies including Amazon and IBM.
“This new computer science building will address a vital need for the College and the Long Island region by continuing to deliver talent that can address the growing digital technology needs of our region,” said Dr. John Nader, president of Farmingdale State College. “Thanks to Governor Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, and the State University of New York, Farmingdale’s long-standing vision of a transformative investment in Long Island’s digital future will become a reality.”
The building’s features will include classrooms and labs outfitted with the latest interactive, high-definition, high-speed internet technology and equipment. Spaces designed for collaborative learning, student lounges, and faculty offices will be built upon a robust and scalable technical backbone, providing students with exposure to high-demand and commercially available systems and software.
One of the more exciting elements in the building will be the new Interactive Educational Data Center & Network Lab, where students who are taking classes in networking, infrastructure, and cybersecurity will have access to industry-caliber equipment in a data center/network lab that is custom built for academic learning. This will provide them with educational opportunities and training so that they graduate with market-ready experience in installing, configuring, programming, securing, and maintaining industry-leading technology. In addition, this space will support external industry-authorized certification programs including Microsoft Azure, Cisco Systems, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services.
A large portion of the space will be utilized by students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The Division of Computing will integrate seven closely related programs associated with computing systems within a single facility, thereby fostering collaboration and the sharing of resources.
The Long Island Association has reported that FSC, a recognized engine for economic growth, has had a $2.51 billion impact on the region.
During nights, weekends, and large portions of the summer, the academic part of the building will be open for use by the local business community. Businesses will also be invited to use the space to foster partnerships, collaborate, and make presentations to broad audiences. Farmingdale recently welcomed The Estee Lauder Companies to campus and is poised to continue to focus on external engagement and partnership. The College is a leader in applied learning and has successfully delivered workforce programs to General Electric, National Grid, Curtiss-Wright, Target Rock, and numerous other firms. The facility will be open to industry partners so they can provide training to current and prospective employees.
The range of programs integrated within the proposed building will better position a broadly diverse cross-section of thousands of Long Islanders to develop and apply the digital technologies that are transforming every sector of the economy and the nature of work itself.
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