Dr. Joey Paquet
We are living through one of the most significant technological transformations in history. Software, data, and artificial intelligence are reshaping every sector of society, creating extraordinary opportunities for innovation and impact. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of computing professionals to lead this transformation.
Our department is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, faculty, alumni, and industry partners united by a passion for discovery and innovation. Through our programs in Computer Science and Software Engineering, students develop the strong technical foundations, analytical thinking, and practical experience needed to solve complex real-world problems.
Research excellence is central to who we are. Our faculty members are recognized internationally for their contributions in artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, computer graphics, computer vision, human-computer interaction, information systems, and theoretical computer science. Through extensive collaborations with industry and academic partners worldwide, we advance knowledge and create technologies with meaningful societal impact.
Today, the emergence of Generative and Agentic AI is fundamentally changing how software is designed, developed, tested, and maintained. Intelligent agents are becoming active collaborators throughout the software lifecycle, transforming the role of software professionals and redefining the future of computing.
Ranked #1 in Canada, #4 in North America, and #11 in the world for Software Engineering academic and industrial research, our department is uniquely positioned to help shape this future. We are integrating AI literacy, AI-assisted software development, agent-based systems, and human-AI collaboration throughout our programs to ensure that every graduate is prepared to thrive in the age of Agentic AI.
At the same time, the rise of increasingly autonomous AI systems raises important questions about safety, security, accountability, and control. The future belongs not only to those who can build intelligent systems, but also to those who can secure, govern, and align them with human goals. As Agentic AI systems become active participants in our technological ecosystem, we are committed to educating students who can develop these technologies responsibly and ensure that they operate within safe, reliable, and well-defined boundaries.
Beyond the classroom, our students benefit from co-op placements, research opportunities, internships, entrepreneurial initiatives, hackathons, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to become leaders in a rapidly evolving world.
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a wave that will disrupt industries, professions, and careers. At CSSE, we see it differently. We see a wave of opportunity. Our mission is to ensure that our students are not the ones wondering how to survive the age of AI, but the ones leading it. We are preparing the next generation of computing professionals to ride the wave, shape its direction, and build the technologies that will define the future.
Joey Paquet
Chair, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Concordia University
