The School of Computer Science and Advanced Technologies (EPITA, in French) is a French private school of experts in data-processing engineering. EPITA is a five-year degree program requiring a high school diploma.

History

Since its foundation in 1984, EPITA's strategic choices have contributed to its growing success. In France the school has distinguished itself as a pioneer in promoting the Internet, open source software, Unix systems. In 1994, EPITA joined IONIS Group, the largest grouping of private schools in France. In the area of computer science and telecommunications, EPITA is a reference for French students and companies.

Mission

At the core of EPITA's efforts is a dedication to producing highly qualified computer engineers. The school gives students a general scientific background in mathematics, physics, electronics, etc.., and a hands-on approach to IT. EPITA teaches social, managerial and technical skills and - emphasizing autonomy, versatility of mind, and efficient teamwork - develops professional methods of working in order to prepare the future graduates for the labor market and a lifetime of professional growth.

Statistics

EPITA shares a campus with two other engineering schools in IONIS Group that focus, one on software development, and the other one on aeronautics. Over 3,500 students share the facilities of the 10,000 m² campus, which is currently expending. Students have free access to over 1,500 workstations 24 hours a day all year round. Every year, 350 students graduate from EPITA with the equivalent of a master's degree in IT.

Curriculum

EPITA is a five-year degree program requiring a high school diploma.

The first two years encompass the fundamental study of mathematics, physics, work methods, and an introduction to IT.

The following cycle (2 years) of core curriculum (equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree) is completely IT-oriented with subjects and projects in engineering, mathematics, management and IT applications.

The specialization cycle (the last year of the program, equivalent to a Master of Science degree) is devoted to specialization courses, in the six following areas:

• Artificial intelligence (SCIA)
• Advanced MultiMedia, Information and Communication Technology (MMA-NTIC)
• Project Management (SIGL)
• Real-time systems (GISTR)
• Scientific Computing & Image Processing (CSI)
• Systems, Networks and Security (SRS)
• Telecommunications (Telecoms)

EPITA's commitment is to ensure that students learn to design and implement large-scale projects that require serious, personal investment and the ability to work in a team. Once the project is finished, the students have to do a written report and an oral presentation for the teaching staff.

The core curriculum and the specialization cycle are open to foreign students who wish to complete their Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree program by an international experience. Bachelor students can follow courses of the core modules. Master students can choose among the different specialization modules and follow at the same time certain core modules.

Job Sectors

Graduates from EPITA obtain employment in the following fields:

• Computer security
• Networks
• Administration of systems
• Project management
• Sales and support
• Applications development

Research

EPITA has created research laboratories with a permanent staff of eighteen professionals and about fifty students in order to foster its relations with industry and to allow motivated students to involve themselves in the world of research in different disciplines of IT-engineering.

• The EPITA Research and Development Laboratory (LRDE) works on image and signal processing, program transformation, software engineering, object-oriented scientific computing and grid computing.
• The EPITA system Lab (LSE) develops applications concerning Internet and system security with specific expertise in UNIX based networks and micro-kernels.
• The Computer Science Innovation Institute For Business (3IE) is a department for research, studies and professional services devoted to new information technologies (NIT). It offers consulting and project management. Further it develops software for business applications in all fields of NIT or NCT (New Communication Technologies).

External links

• Official web site of EPITA
• International Relations Office of EPITA
• The EPITA System and Security Lab
• The EPITA Research and Development Laboratory
• EPITA's Masters Studies
• Old Students Community of EPITA
• Office of EPITA's Industry Relations
• The Computer Science Innovation Institute For Business