Computer Science, M.S.

Program Requirements (30 Credits)

Thirty are required for the degree. Students must maintain at least a B (3.00) average. Students must complete 30 credits in courses numbered 7000 and above.

Up to 10 credits in courses in other departments may be substituted, with the permission of the graduate deputy chair. There are three specializations:

• Computation
• Health Informatics
• Information Systems

All students must complete each of the following core courses:

• CISC 7540—Software Methodology
• CISC 7510 or 7512—Database Systems or Advanced Database Systems
• CISC 7700—Intro to Data Science
• CISC 7302—Computer Architecture

Additional electives courses in CISC 7000 level may be needed to complete the 30-credit requirement.

Courses should be selected in consultation with the program adviser.

As an exit requirement, all students must complete one of the following:

• CISC 7990G and a thesis acceptable to the department; no more than six credits in thesis research may be counted toward the degree; or
• Pass a written comprehensive examination; or
• Health informatics specialization students only may substitute CISC 7980G—Health Informatics Internship or a research project, with permission of the department chair or designee. The internship is the preferred option for the health informatics specialization.

As an exception to the general college rule, the comprehensive examination in the Department of Computer and Information Science may be taken in the term preceding the one in which the student will complete all course requirements for the degree. However, all other college regulations concerning the comprehensive examination still apply. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of this exception and to take the comprehensive examination in the earlier semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

Students will:

• Demonstrate strong programming skills involving at least two object oriented language.
• Be able to write a significant application that efficiently utilizes a database for data storage and retrieval.
• Be knowledgeable about software design processes and methodologies
• Have a strong understanding of operating system concepts.
• Have a strong understanding of theoretical computer science concepts.
• Be able to analyze the complexity and compare various algorithms to solve problems.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary to read, write, and speak effectively about concepts in computing.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Students will:

• Be knowledgeable about software design processes and methodologies.
• Have a strong understanding of operating system concepts.
• Have a strong understanding of theoretical computer science concepts.

Practical Competencies

Students will:

• Demonstrate strong programming skills involving at least two object oriented language.
• Be able to write a significant application that efficiently utilizes a database for data storage and retrieval.
• Be able to analyze the complexity and compare various algorithms to solve problems.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary to read, write, and speak effectively about concepts in computing.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline—May 1, rolling admission
• Spring Application Deadline—December 1, rolling admission

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of at least 15 credits in computer and information science and related areas, including all of the following: knowledge of a high-level computer language (preferably C++ or Java), knowledge of assembly language and computer architecture, a course in discrete structures, a course in data structures, and a course in calculus.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

Nondegree Applicants

This program accepts nondegree applicants.

More Information

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

James Cox

2112c Ingersoll Hall
E: jcox@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000, ext. 2047

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool