Foundation

Professor George Karabatzos

The Department was founded in 2006 through the initiative of the late Professor George Karabatzos, a leading figure in the development of Harokopio University. He served as Vice-President of the University's Governing Committee from its establishment in 1991 until 1999 and subsequently became the first Rector of Harokopio University, serving from 1999 to 2004. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the institution, the University's central amphitheatre bears his name.

Professor Karabatzos also served as Special Secretary for Higher Education at the Greek Ministry of Education (1989–1992) and as Secretary General of the Hellenic Parliament (2004–2007). He passed away on 3 June 2011. A visionary academic and educational leader, he firmly believed in the transformative role of higher education and the power of knowledge to advance society. His integrity, foresight, and dedication left a lasting legacy at Harokopio University and continue to inspire students, faculty, researchers, and alumni.

Evolution and Growth

Since its establishment, the Department has experienced continuous growth, steadily enhancing the quality of its academic programs, the services offered to students, and the international visibility of its research activities. The most important milestones in the Department's history are presented in the timeline below. Since 2014, the Department has belonged to the School of Digital Technology, a single-department school within Harokopio University.

The Department Today

Today, the Department offers academic programs at all three levels of higher education—undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies—covering a broad spectrum of topics in Computer Science and Informatics.

Undergraduate Studies

The Undergraduate Program is the Department's largest academic program and provides students with a strong foundation in Computer Science and Informatics.

The curriculum covers a wide range of contemporary fields, including:

  • Big Data Analytics
  • Software Development
  • Information Systems
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Telematics and the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cloud Computing
  • Digital Systems
  • Communication Networks

The program is designed to address current and emerging national and international needs in Information and Communication Technologies. Its educational philosophy combines solid theoretical foundations with extensive laboratory training, offering a hands-on learning experience. Students gain practical experience with widely used programming languages including C/C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript.

The Undergraduate Program website can be found here.

Master's Programs

The Department's Master's Programs have been designed to support different aspects of its academic mission and strategic development.

  • MSc in Advanced Information Systems and Applications

    This program represents the natural continuation of undergraduate studies in Informatics and offers specialization in the following areas:

    • Cloud and Edge Systems and Applications
    • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
    • Information Systems Management and Digital Transformation

    The program is intended for graduates of Computer Science and related disciplines. It aims to provide advanced specialization while preparing students for professional careers in industry and public organizations, as well as for doctoral studies and research. The program has been operating since 2012 and was restructured in 2025.

    The program website can be found here.

  • MSc in Applied Informatics

    This conversion Master's program is intended for graduates from disciplines outside Computer Science who wish to acquire advanced digital skills and pursue careers in the ICT sector.

    Students receive training in the fundamental principles of Computer Science while participating in extensive laboratory-based instruction using state-of-the-art technologies and widely adopted programming languages such as Python and JavaScript.

    The program was established in 2022.

    The program website can be found here.

  • MSc in Computer Science and Informatics

    This research-oriented Master's program is closely aligned with the Department's principal research areas.

    Its objective is to provide research-based education, with particular emphasis on conducting original research, preparing technical reports, and producing scientific publications in the fields of Computer Science and Informatics.

    The program website can be found here.

Doctoral Studies

The Doctoral Studies Program has been operating since 2008 and currently includes more than fifty doctoral candidates conducting research in areas that reflect the Department's research priorities and expertise.

Many doctoral candidates are employed full-time in the Department's research and development projects, contributing to cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation.

Since 2019, the Department has also offered an International Doctoral Program exclusively for international students. The program has already produced its first graduate.

The Doctoral Program website can be found here.