There are many choices available to prospective students seeking high quality, accredited computer science degree programs in New York. The following are a few of the most popular and, in many respects, some of the most highly regarded computer science programs in the country. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in New York, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in New York (S-Z).

City University of New York, City College

Grove School of Engineering

The forerunner of the City College of New York, the Free Academy of the City of New York, was founded in 1847 as a grand social experiment that would open higher education to more classes and types of people, those who often were excluded from higher education as it existed at the time. City College now is the oldest of the 23 universities that comprise the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Cofounder of Intel Corporation Andrew Grove donated $26 million to the school of engineering, which promptly was renamed in 2005 to the Grove School of Engineering. U.S. News and World Report ranks City College at 43rd among all Regional Universities in the North and as eighth among the Top Public Regional Universities in the North. The Princeton Review includes City College in its listing of 377 best colleges across the country. Forbes.com places City College at number 137 nationally and at number one in the state of New York.

B.S., Computer Science

City College offers bachelor degrees in both computer science and computer engineering. The distinction between the two relates to the primary focuses of each discipline. Computer science deals more with the information that computer systems store, process and manage. Computer science students study computer languages, communication between machines and with humans, the theory that underlies computer science and computer systems, algorithm analysis, data structures, applied logic and computer systems. Students gaining a bachelor degree in computer science can expect to be involved with website development, mobile app development, data management, business record support, customer service support and every aspect of business operation touched by computer systems in any respect. A student gaining a bachelor degree in computer science can expect to find many entry level computer science employment opportunities with companies of all sizes.

M.S., Computer Science

As is the case with other classes of advanced degrees, study in computer science at the master’s level includes the same topics as the degree program at the bachelor level but in greater detail and depth. City College prefers that master’s students hold a bachelor degree in computer science similar to the school’s own undergraduate program that is strong in mathematics and computer programming. Admission is more likely for those applicants who have completed courses in operating systems, algorithms, software engineering, programming language principles, theory and computer architecture. The selection committee prefers to see at least some upper division electives and an array of science courses. Overall undergraduate GPA should be 2.75 or higher. City College does not require Graduate Record Examination scores but encourages applicants to submit them. Forbes.com reports that a master’s degree in computer science is one of the most valuable that any student could gain. Computer scientists are highly valued and are expected to remain to be highly sought as technology continues to evolve and expand.

Accreditation

  • ABET

Contact
North Academic Center
Room 8/206
New York, NY 10031
Phone: (212) 650-6632
Email: engineering@ccny.cuny.edu, info@cs.ccny.cuny.edu
Website: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/compsci/

City University of New York, College of Staten Island

Division of Science and Technology

The College of Staten Island is one of the City University of New York system’s eleven four year colleges. It came into existence in 1976 by way of the merger of two other colleges that had been founded in 1956 and 1965. The College of Staten Island moved to a 204 acre site in 1993 to become the largest physical campus of all of the schools within the City University of New York system and indeed within all of New York City. U.S. News and World Report ranks the College of Staten Island at number 135 among Regional Universities in the North and at number 44 among all top public schools. The Division of Science and Technology houses all of the college’s natural science, health science, engineering, biology and technology programs. The arrangement is suitable for the College’s dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship for both students and faculty.

Computer Science (BS)

The bachelor program in computer science at the College of Staten Island is a four year program that strives to prepare students for gratifying careers or for future graduate study. Courses required in the bachelor program include courses in systems, computer software, computer engineering and mathematics. Undergraduate students have the flexibility to choose elective courses that match their interests. The program admits students transferring from the school’s two year program in Computer Technology with permission and advising from the department’s chair. The objectives of the four year program begin with enabling entry level employment for graduates but go beyond that. The school strives for students achieving significant career goals a few years after graduation. Those goals may include holding responsible positions in related fields or perhaps pursuing an advanced degree. Other goals include helping graduates to remain current in the field using the principles of life-long learning and using the knowledge they attained in the areas of core computing and solving problems.

Master of Science in Computer Science (MS)

The College of Staten Island intends for the master’s program to provide advanced education for whatever reason that prospective students choose. The program serves the needs of those seeking to enhance their professional attractiveness in the marketplace as well as the needs of those seeking to continue to a terminal advanced degree at the PhD level. The program serves the needs of students in all areas of business and industry or in laboratories dedicated to research and development. Students completing the master’s program at the College of Staten Island are prepared to enter the doctoral program at the College of Staten Island or other high quality doctoral program in computer science. The master’s program requires 30 credits, which translates to ten graduate courses. These courses are divided between four foundational courses and six additional graduate computer science courses chosen according to each student’s specific interests.

Doctoral Program in Computer Science

The Doctoral Program in Computer Science at the College of Staten Island is offered through City University of New York’s Graduate School and University Center rather than through the College of Staten Island’s Division of Science and Technology as are the undergraduate and master’s programs in computer science. Regardless of the school’s internal structure, the goals of the doctoral program are those that any prospective student would expect. The program is specifically designed for students seeking to specialize in any of the areas so important in computer technology. These areas include data mining and artificial intelligence, software engineering, multimedia and image processing, networks, management information systems, telecommunications and other areas of interest to specific students.

Accreditation

  • Computer Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET (Bachelor Program)

Contact
Undergraduate and Master’s programs:
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, New York 10314
Doctoral Program:
Graduate School and University Center
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Phones: (718) 982-2430 undergraduate; (718) 982-2852 Master’s program; (212) 817-7470 Doctoral program
Email: alex.chigogidze@csi.cuny.edu (undergraduate program); www.cs.csi.cuny.edu/grad (Master’s program); gordonov@mail.csi.cuny.edu (doctoral program)
Website: http://www.cs.csi.cuny.edu/

Iona College

School of Arts & Science, Department of Computer Science

Iona College is located in New Rochelle, New York, about 20 miles due north of Midtown Manhattan. Iona College occupies a campus of about 45 acres as well as a graduate center located in Pearl River in Rockland County, New York. It is a four year college affiliated with the Congregation of Christian Brothers. Iona College was founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers in 1940 with the intention of serving the children of the working class, making college more affordable for that segment of the population. It merged with Elizabeth Seton College of Yonkers in 1989. Today, it has a total student population of about 3,500 students. Iona College has 22 academic departments and the School of Arts & Science offers several degrees and certificates. The School offers more than 40 undergraduate and more than 25 master’s degrees. U.S. News and World Report ranks Iona College at number 66 in Regional Universities (North).

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Iona College offers two BA degrees in Computer Science. One is the standard BA in Computer Science, the other is a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with Concentration in Cyber Security. The basic BA in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours for completion. It focuses nearly exclusively on computer science courses. Included in the degree program are courses such as Computer Science II, Applied Discrete Mathematics, Applied Statistics, UNIX programming, Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Computer Organization, Software Security, Database Organization and Design, Operating Systems, Software Project Development: Design and Software Project Development: Implementation. Students selecting the cyber security option also will take courses in Database Security, Web Application Security, Mobile Application Security and Network Security.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Iona College’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program requires a few extra credit hours for graduation than does the BA program. The BS program requires 123 to 127 credit hours, depending on the track that the individual student chooses. Included in the requirements for the BS program are Computer Science I and II, Calculus I and II, Discrete Mathematics, Automated and Formal Languages, Probability and Statistics, UNIX programming, Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Computer Organization and Architecture, Database Organization and Design, Operating Systems, Software Project Development: Design and Software Project Development: Implementation. Students also are required to take two of four possible major requirements courses. The choices include Computer Architecture, Advanced Organization and Implementation of Database Systems, Compiler Design and Advanced Operating Systems.

MS Computer Science

Iona College offers a straightforward MS in Computer Science and an MS in Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. Each MS program serves the needs of students who wish either to enhance their business or professional situations or continue on to work for a terminal degree at the doctoral level. Iona College is proud of the fact that many of its students start new ventures or have job offers even before they graduate. Recently, two students who had completed Iona College’s course in iPhone Application Development cofounded a company that develops application programs for clients in New York’s metropolitan area. Many students have done the same. The distinction that sets these two students apart is that they accomplished this achievement a year before they completed their degree programs. The MS program at Iona College includes courses in Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Architecture and Organization, Database Design, Design of Operating Systems, a software project and thesis preparation.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS in Computer Science)

Contact
715 North Ave.
New Rochelle, NY‎ 10801
Phone: (877) 956-0308
Email: rschiaffino@iona.edu
Website: http://www.iona.edu/Academics/School-of-Arts-Science/Departments/Computer-Science.aspx

Pace University

Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems

Pace University is a two campus private university that maintains campuses in New York City and in Westchester County, New York. The forerunner of Pace University was founded in 1906 by two brothers, Homer St. Clair Pace and Charles Ashford Pace. That institution was the academic arm of the company Pace and Pace and was founded as a company to manage schools trained on accountancy and business. The Pace brother’s school soon became Pace Institute and included schools in several northeastern states. In 1920, the brothers divested the private schools in other states and focused only on the single New York City campus so they could maintain quality control. The single remaining campus in lower Manhattan gained university status in 1973. The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems was created in 1983 and named in 2005 for Ivan Seidenberg, a Pace alumnus and Verizon Chairman and CEO. Today, the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems prepares students for rewarding careers in information technology through research, professional work and lifelong participation in the dynamic computer science industry as it currently exists. U.S. News and World Report ranks’ today’s Pace University as number 173 among all national universities. U.S. News and World Report also names Pace University’s online programs among the country’s best.

Computer Science Major B.A.

The BA program in computer science at Pace University is less technical than the BS program. It requires 50 hours of computing core courses in areas such as mathematical structures, programming, computer organization, data structures, algorithms and computer networks. The mathematics requirements include only calculus and statistics. Students completing the BA program will be prepared to work in areas such as data management where they need an understanding of how information systems work but may not be working directly with them.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science

Pace University’s BS program provides students with a much stronger foundation in areas such as programming, software engineering and data structures. Students also explore emerging topics in computer science in areas such as telehealth, mobile technologies and cyber security. At the time of graduation from the program, students will have an array of necessary abilities including being able to identify, analyze and solve problems within information systems and their application. Graduates also will be able to design and implement new programs based on organizational needs and then evaluate any program’s effectiveness.

Masters in Computer Science (MS)

The MS in computer science is a two year, on campus program. Its 30 credit hours include a 12 credit core program, a 9 hour concentration area, a 3 hour elective and a 6 hour capstone project that consists either of a Master’s thesis or program design. Areas of concentration include artificial intelligence, cryptography and computer security and mobile application development. The MS program can be taken in preparation for continuing to the doctoral level or can be viewed as a terminal degree for those students seeking to stay in the business and industry realm. More than 85 percent of Pace University’s Master’s graduates are employed in the field within one year of finishing the program in capacities such as software engineer, senior technology manager, web developer, IT consultant and technology instructor.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Pace University’s PhD program in computer science combines the technology of computer science with rigorous research. Some of the current research areas of interest are telehealth, cyber security, technology based education and distributed teams. Telehealth applications take health care into national and even global areas, allowing medical personnel to treat patients at great distances. Three times, the National Security Agency and Homeland Security have named Pace University as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Students holding master’s degrees complete 44 credit hours to complete the program. The program admits students who do not have master’s degrees but those students will need 18 additional credit hours.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (BS in Computer Science)

Contact
New York Advising:
163 William Street -2nd floor
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 346-1183
Email: selson@pace.edu (New York City)

Westchester Advising:
Goldstein Academic Center – 3rd floor
861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Phone: (914) 773-3662
Email: tbrogan@pace.edu
Website: http://www.pace.edu/seidenberg/

Rochester Institute of Technology

B.Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

The forerunner of the Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829. It merged with another institution in 1891 and later became a university. In 1944, it changed its name to the current Rochester Institute of Technology. In 1996 it became the first US university to offer an undergraduate software engineering degree. Chairman and CEO of Paychex, Inc., B. Thomas Golisano, donated $14 million in 2001 to establish the College of Computing and Information Sciences. U.S. News and World Report ranks the Rochester Institute of Technology 7th among Regional Universities in the North and places it in fourth place among all best value schools. The school offers two of the leading accredited computer science degree programs in New York.

Computer Science BS

New undergraduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology begin with core courses designed to build a solid computer science foundation on which they will build as they progress through the program. Students build on this foundation beginning in the third year as they explore a variety of specializations within the discipline. Rochester Institute of Technology requires students to complete two applied educational projects designed to mimic the requirements and function of real world projects they may encounter after finishing their undergraduate degrees. The students gain meaningful practice and work in the team setting so common in business and industry. Rochester Institute of Technology also offers a six year program during which students gain both BS and MS degrees concurrently.

Computer Science MS

Students admitted to Rochester Institute of Technology’s master’s program generally have undergraduate degrees or minors in computer science. Some students admitted to the program have strong backgrounds in fields that make extensive use of computers, such as science, engineering or business. Students can study on either a full- or part-time basis. Classes are on campus and are offered during late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate working students studying part-time. Full time students generally are able to complete the course work in three semesters before beginning the master’s project. Some students complete the project in one semester, but most require two semesters for the master’s project.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS Computer Science)

Contact
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623-5603
Phone: (585) 475-4583, (585) 475-5568
Email: mjk@cs.rit.edu, hpb@cs.rit.edu
Website: http://www.cs.rit.edu/

All of the institutions listed above provide high quality computer science programs. Students interested in pursuing study in this discipline can find many high quality accredited computer science degree programs in New York.