The Computer Science Department at the University of Crete dates back to 1984, historically the second Computer Science Department to operate in Greece. Since 1985, a complete graduate studies program has been in existence, including a full spectrum of graduate courses. From the Department's very beginning, close cooperation was cultivated with the Institute of Computer Science (ICS) of the Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH).

Over the years the Department has pursued joint work with dozens of universities, research centres and companies. The Department's close relations with ICS-FORTH, which was incidentally the first Greek Internet node, have assured it an international reputation. Today, more than twenty years after its emergence, the Department graduates hold top-notch business, industrial, educational, research and academic positions in Greece, Europe and many other parts of the world.