Students who are interested in Computer Science degrees in New York have several options for accredited programs. Computer Science (CS) is a popular program choice due to the variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and specializations at each level. Students can choose their coursework and utilize experiential learning options such as internships, teaching, research or projects to expand their career and educational opportunities after graduation. New York is home to several large companies that often collaborate with area colleges and universities to extend research and internship opportunities to students. Additionally, most programs utilize an interdisciplinary approach, allowing CS students to apply their skills and knowledge to projects in mathematics, biology, social science or business.
Columbia University
Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science, part of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at CU, offers several degree programs in CS at the undergraduate and graduate level. Faculty members and students are active in several departmental and national research projects. The research-oriented nature of the department has contributed to several faculty members and students receiving research and fellowship awards. The department has several student groups and social activities that encourage academic and career development. Women in CS majors are among several student groups.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Students can enroll in the B.S. or B.A. in Computer Science. The B.S. requires students to complete eight introductory classes in the areas of computer programming, Java, discreet mathematics, linear algebra, theory, computer systems and statistics. Students can select one of several tracks to create a specialized degree. The available focus areas include foundations in CS, software, digital systems, artificial intelligence, applications and vision and graphics. Students enrolled in the B.A. program have similar coursework and options for focus tracks, but emphasizes a broader understanding of CS.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science program offers 10 tracks for students to specialize in areas that best meet their educational or career goals, including computational biology, software systems, personalized study and a thesis option. Students in all tracks are required to take foundation courses in CS and electives. Required courses include the areas of systems, theory, artificial intelligence and applications. Courses for general electives are available outside of the department after approval. Each track has additional required courses and a list of approved options for electives, in addition to general requirements. Students who choose a thesis option must enroll in nine hours of thesis credit.
Upon acceptance into the program, students work with a faculty advisor in their chosen track. Faculty members in various specialties have research groups and ongoing projects, which provide numerous opportunities for students to gain applied experience.
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a research and service-oriented program that requires full-time study. Students are admitted to the program upon completion of an applicable undergraduate or graduate program. The required core classes include topics in operating systems, algorithms, programming and computer architecture. Students can select six courses for electives that are approved by their advisor. Although the program does not offer specialization areas, students can choose a faculty advisor in their interest area.
Teaching or Teaching Assistant responsibilities are required for the program. Students assume the role of teaching undergraduates or assisting faculty with their courses. Additional requirements include community service, where students participate in department activities such as assisting in research laboratories. Students must complete a thesis and pass the candidacy examination to begin dissertation work.
The department has close relationships with major companies, providing students and faculty with additional research opportunities. Students may pursue internship opportunities with these companies to increase their employment prospects after graduation.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
450 Computer Science Building
1214 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, New York 10027-7003
212-939-7000
jessica@cs.columbia.edu (Undergraduate)
ms-admissions@lists.cs.columbia.edu (M.S.)
phd-admissions@lists.cs.columbia.edu (Ph.D.)
Link
Cornell University
Department of Computer Science
Students and faculty in the Department of Computer Science at CU are actively involved in various projects in specialty areas such as robotics, systems engineering, computational biology and artificial intelligence. Among many of their accomplishments are several awards and fellowships such as the Fullbright Scholar and National Science Foundation Awards. The department offers an internship program for students to work in various CS research areas during the summer. The department sponsors a co-op program with various large businesses. Students have the opportunity to work with state, national and global companies. In addition to gaining paid work experience during the summer, students may be offered full-time employment by the company after graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science offers two undergraduate degree programs through the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.) and the College of Engineering (B.S.). Slight differences in program structure between the two colleges allow students with a CS interest to apply their focus to different career fields. Students who are interested in CS applications for graphic design, science or medicine should choose the B.A., whereas students with professional or graduate degree goals in the fields of engineering or mathematics may find the B.S. is a better fit.
In general, students enroll in fundamental CS coursework such as theory, programming languages, and calculus. Students can sculpt their degree by taking electives in several focus areas such as computer graphics or networking. Technical electives are a required part of the undergraduate program and may be selected from several approved courses in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, statistics or psychology.
Master of Engineering in Computer Science
The M.Eng. in Computer Science program is a two-year, full-time terminal master’s program, without a thesis. Students must complete a major applied project in CS for degree completion. The program accepts students who majored in CS at the undergraduate level, and those who have a minor in CS, but want to apply their graduate education to other fields of study. Students work closely with department faculty and in research groups for applied experience.
Students enrolled in the M.Eng. program have few specific course requirements which allows them to select coursework within the department and interdisciplinary electives. The diverse course options help students create a degree program that best prepares them for Ph.D. programs in CS, engineering or related fields, positions as a post-secondary educator or employment in various settings. Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities to start their own business or apply their skills to other start-up companies. Several on-campus groups match CS and business majors together to work on projects.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
402 Gates Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-7501
607-255-0983
ugrad@cs.cornell.edu (Undergraduate)
meng@cs.cornell.edu (Graduate)
Link
New York University
Computer Science Department
The Computer Science Department at NYU offers several options for undergraduate and graduate education in CS. In addition to departmental research opportunities, faculty and students work closely with other departments at the school. The interdisciplinary approach to research allows students from various educational backgrounds to help solve problems. Close relationships with area companies and businesses allow students to have internship or employment opportunities in their field.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
After students in the B.S. in Computer Science program complete their general education requirements, they enroll in 12 core CS classes. The core courses include introductory CS, data structures, algorithms, systems organization, calculus and discrete mathematics. Students have the opportunity to complete five elective courses to enhance their degree program, or participate in a joint major. The department outlines programs for concurrent majors in CS and mathematics or economics.
Exceptional CS students may apply to the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program, which allows a student to complete both degrees in five years. Students are admitted to the accelerated program following their junior year, and spend two years completing graduate-level CS coursework.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science is a 36 credit, two-year program. Students complete 21 credits of coursework, including foundation courses, which include algorithms, programming and operating systems. Students must enroll in one course from two focus areas. The focus areas include computation, graphics, intelligence systems and databases. Upon completion of foundation and focus classes, students can choose between a project or thesis option. The project option is geared toward students with professional goals after graduation. By undertaking a substantial CS project, students prove their ability to solve complex problems and develop their own programs. Students with the goal of doctoral studies, roles as educators or researchers may wish to pursue the thesis option.
Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Science
Students begin the Ph.D. in Computer Science program by completing core requirements in algorithms, systems, applications and electives. The available electives are restricted to a list of approved classes. Once students complete their core requirements, they must complete a major project and examination in their interest area. Students work closely with a faculty mentor that reflects their area of specialization. The faculty mentor and two other faculty mentors will be responsible for administering the examination. Ph.D. candidacy and beginning the doctoral thesis is contingent upon passing the examination.
Faculty members represent nine specialty areas, with multiple sub-specializations. Students have several options when selecting a faculty mentor, or participating in extra opportunities by working with research groups that fit their academic and career objectives.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
Warren Weaver Hall, Room 305
251 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 998-3094
kumar@cs.nyu.edu (Undergraduate)
(212) 998-3061
laugel@cs.nyu.edu (Graduate)
Link
Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering prides itself upon having a small number of departmental faculty, while maintaining quality education and opportunities for students. The department offers CS degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, in addition to the related field of engineering. Students who are interested in unique opportunities can pursue an interest in game design, a field not often offered by colleges.
• One of the top schools for game design by U.S. News and World Report.
• One of the top five Computer Science departments by U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The B.S. in Computer Science offers students the opportunity for multiple areas of specialization at the undergraduate level. Upon completion of foundation coursework in programming, operating systems and calculus, students can select one of seven specialty areas. Game development, entrepreneurship, bioinformatics and digital media are among the options. Students can choose to minor in game design to complement their major and enhance post-graduation opportunities.
Faculty members are actively involved in research projects in different specialty areas. Students can pursue undergraduate research to prepare them for graduate study. Many outside agencies work closely with the department to offer opportunities for students to work on larger projects. The department offers an accelerated B.S. to M.S. program for students who demonstrate academic excellence in CS. Students can simultaneously complete courses for both programs and complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science allows flexibility by having full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students enroll in coursework such as web security, programming and theory. There is a non-thesis and thesis option. Students who are interested in post-graduation employment and applied experience may choose the non-thesis option. The thesis option prepares students to pursue careers as post-secondary educators, or prepare for admission to a doctoral program. Students select their thesis advisor based on their personal interests and goals. With numerous faculty members active in research, students have a range of specialty areas to conduct research and work in research groups.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
2 MetroTech Center, 10th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 260-3600
sgarcia@poly.edu
Link
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Computer Science Department
The Computer Science Department at RPI has more than 20 faculty members who have numerous research interests such as robotics, language processing and computer graphics. Students in the department have ample opportunities to become actively involved in research groups and projects. Faculty members have received several research grants for current and future lines of research. Each semester the department has a seminar and colloquia series to expose students to new areas of research and the application of fundamental CS concepts.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The B.S. in Computer Science requires students to complete series of courses in calculus, programming, operation systems, algorithms and software design. Students have room for several electives that can be taken within the department or in other departments. The undergraduate research program provides students with the opportunity to expand their educational and employment opportunities. Students work with faculty from CS and other departments to focus on national and global projects. In addition to gaining experience, students may be named as authors on publications or presentations, which can increase opportunities for graduate education. Students have the option to enroll in individualized study to learn about areas of CS that are not met by course offerings, or work with a faculty mentor.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science is a research-oriented program, which prepares students for post-graduation employment or doctoral studies. Students may choose the general CS program or a specialization in robotics, or computational science and engineering. The required courses consist of theory, programming and systems, in addition to requirements for a specialization. Although students have several options for approved electives, they are encouraged to enroll in graduate mathematics and statistics electives. Students are matched with faculty research groups based on their interest and upon acceptance into the program.
Students are required to attend several colloquia to complete the program, if they are enrolled full-time. After consultation with the student’s faculty mentor, they may register for thesis credits to begin working on their thesis project.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-8326
admissions@rpi.edu (Undergraduate)
haydent@cs.rpi.edu (Graduate)
Link
Stony Brook University
Department of Computer Science
The major goal of the Department of Computer Science at SBU is to encourage students to become competent researchers and professionals. In addition to numerous faculty members with active research labs, the department collaborates with other centers and has an extended campus in Korea. Students can work on collaboration projects in data analytics, wireless internet, energy research or cyber security. As a whole, the department has numerous accomplishments including recognition of faculty and student research projects.
• U.S. News and World Report ranked the CS department as #44.
• The Ph.D. program is ranked #16 by the National Research Council.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Beyond general education courses, students in the B.S. in Computer Science program enroll in introductory and advanced CS courses, which include foundations of computer science, theory, software engineering and computer architecture. Students must complete one year of calculus and upper-level mathematics courses. There are a range of course options for students to complete their technical electives.
In addition to required courses and electives, students have the opportunity to enroll in practicums, internships and honors research. These courses provide students with the opportunity to explore research or teaching interests, or to gain work experience for course credit. Students, who are interested in graduate study, may find that teaching or research experience enhances their application. Internships help students gain valuable work experience to increase their opportunities for post-graduation employment.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science is designed as an applied degree program to prepare students for post-graduate employment in CS occupations. There are three program tracks, which include a basic or advanced project, or thesis option. The foundation courses for all tracks include coursework in systems, software and theory. Students who choose the basic project option must enroll in a three-credit course to complete their project, whereas the advanced project option requires an additional course.
Basic and advanced projects can be selected based on the student’s interest or professional goals. Projects may represent fundamental areas of CS such as processing and operating systems, or advanced concepts such as language processing and brain modeling. The thesis option requires six to nine credit hours of research and thesis. The department offers students in the M.S. program an opportunity to specialize in the area of information assurance, which may require additional coursework.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
Computer Science Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4400
631-632-8470
dcerullo@cs.stonybrook.edu (Undergraduate)
graduate@cs.stonybrook.edu (Graduate)
Link
University at Buffalo/SUNY
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at SUNYSB has several opportunities for students in CS to collaborate with other research centers. Some of the options for collaboration include information systems assurance, biomedical computing, cognitive science and document analysis. The department has several organizations that are designed to help undergraduate and graduate students with their professional and academic goals. Faculty members average millions of dollars each year in research funding and are constantly developing groundbreaking research.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The department offers a B.S. and B.A. in Computer Science. Students who have occupational or graduate-level education goals in CS or related fields enter the B.S. program. The B.A. in Computer Science is geared toward students who have broader interests and want to apply CS concepts to other fields of study.
The prerequisites courses include introductory CS and discreet structures, which prepare students for upper-level requirements. Upper-level required courses include programming, operating systems, theory, data structures and software engineering.
Students must complete one class in statistics, artificial intelligence and software systems. Additional course options are available to enhance the degree by participating in honors research, supervised teaching, an internship or independent study. Students are encouraged to utilize these opportunities to enhance their post-graduation opportunities in employment or graduate study.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science requires students to begin by completing four courses, one from each core area. The core areas are algorithms and theory, artificial intelligence, software and information systems, and hardware and networked systems. Students are required to complete three additional classes from a list of approved classes, and three electives. The program allows students to choose either a masters project or thesis, depending on their post-graduation goals.
Opportunities for students to receive a limited amount of course credit as a laboratory assistant, teacher or for an internship are available. Participation in applied settings offers students additional experience in their field. The department offers graduate certificates in computational sciences and information assurance that can be used to enhance the degree.
Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Science
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Computer Science program must complete 72 credit hours of coursework. Introductory coursework includes theory, artificial intelligence, algorithms, software and hardware. Students must complete their required coursework within the first two years to be approved for Ph.D. candidacy. Once students have satisfied their coursework and formulated a dissertation committee, they can begin work on their dissertation proposal.
Additional opportunities within the department include apprenticeship and internship programs. Students can work in research labs with faculty members in their interest area, or participate in internships with outside agencies. Another feature of the department is their involvement with the Ph.D. in Cognitive Science track. Students in the computer science program that have an interest in linguistics or brain modeling may seek opportunities with faculty in cognitive science.
Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
338 Davis Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-2500
(716) 645-3180
cse-uginfo@buffalo.edu (Undergraduate)
cse-gradinfo@buffalo.edu (Graduate)
Link
In addition to a quality education, the research opportunities available to undergraduate and graduate students can improve their skills as professionals, future educators and researchers. Furthermore, Computer Science degrees in New York provide flexibility in course selections and projects, so that students with professional or future educational goals can be equally prepared before graduation.
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