Computer Programming and Information Systems

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Computer Programming and Information Systems (CPIS) program is designed to give students a broad overview of topics in the central areas of computing, and to allow students the flexibility to specialize through the careful selection of electives. The CPIS baccalaureate degree program requires a set of core courses that all graduates must take. The Core courses provide a diverse but fundamental foundation in technology. In addition, the student selects elective courses, each of which provides a deeper dive into one or more of the areas of computing, including programming, systems development, networking, web development, database, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. It provides a practical hands-on approach to programming with an emphasis on solving business problems.

The program is aligned with current industry needs and best practices in Information Technology. It provides students with a broad foundation across a wide range of computing disciplines while emphasizing the practical skills and technologies used in today’s workplace. Unlike a traditional Computer Science curriculum, the CPIS curriculum focuses on applied learning and real-world problem solving, preparing graduates for diverse careers in computing through a balanced combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills. The program offers greater flexibility and breadth across computing topics while requiring fewer theory, programming, and mathematics courses.

Typical Employment Opportunities

  • Software Engineer
  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Programmer/Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • AI Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Systems Analyst
  • IT Support Engineer

With the selection of the appropriate electives, students can fulfill the required prerequisites for graduate study in AI, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and other related technology programs.

Computer Programming & Information Systems (BS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will be trained as technical problem solvers and will receive the knowledge and skills necessary to function and grow in this high-demand workforce.
  • Graduates will have had experiential learning opportunities such as internships and/or capstone projects.
  • Graduates will have an understanding of social and ethical issues as it relates to information technology.
  • Graduates will be effective communicators and work successfully in teams.

Student Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Computer Programming and Information Systems | Dr. David Gerstl | cpis@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2190

Fall 2026

Subject to revision

College Requirement (1 credit)
FYE 101 First Year Experience* 1
Liberal Arts and Sciences (61-63 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
EGL 310 Technical Writing OR PCM 324 Report Writing and Technical Communications 3
Communication- Written and Oral (SPE 130, SPE 202, SPE 231, SPE 330, SPE 331) (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
Social Sciences (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning (GE) 6-8
MTH 130 Calculus I w Applications (GE) 4
MTH 110 Statistics 3
300 level Arts & Sciences Elective 9
Any level Arts & Sciences Elective 9
Arts & Sciences Elective 300 level if SPE 130 or SPE 202 used for oral communications gen ed 3
Required: Business & Computer Systems (60 credits)
BCS 109 Introduction to Programming 3
CSC 111 Computer Programming I 3
BCS 160 Computers, Society, and Technology 3
CSC 211 Computer Programming II 3
BCS 215 UNIX Operating System 3
CSC 229 Data Structures and Algorithms I 3
BCS 260 Introduction to Database Systems 3
BCS 262 Data Communications OR BCS 208 Introduction to Networks 3
BCS 300 Management Information Systems 3
CSC 325 Software Engineering 3
BCS 350 Web Database Development 3
CSC 375W Ethical Issues in Computing 3
BCS 378 Information Security 3
BCS 430 Senior Project 3
BUS/BCS/CSC/CPS/SST Elective** 3
BCS/CSC Elective** 3
BCS/CSC upper-level elective 6
BCS/CSC 300 level elective OR pre-approved 300 level+ SST/MET/CPS electives 6

Curriculum Summary

Among the acceptable BCS Upper Level Electives is an internship course that allows students to earn credit while they work on computer-related problems under the tutelage of professional information services at an organization or corporation.

*First Year Experience is required for all first time full time students

**BCS 102 cannot be used to meet this elective

Technical Electives can be fulfilled with any appropriate level BCS/CSC courses

The following SST/MET/CPS courses are pre-approved as 300+ level electives:

  • MET 301 Three -Dimensional Printing Application
  • CPS 305 Foundations of Cryptography
  • CPS 401 Applied Cryptography
  • SST 314 Cybersecurity Law and Policy

The following courses must be completed in residence at Farmingdale State College:

  • BCS 350 Web Database Development,
  • BCS 378 Information Security, and
  • BCS 430 Senior Project
  • CSC 375W Ethical Issues in Computing

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 121-124

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.

As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

1: For all BCS/CSC courses that require a BCS/CSC prerequisite, the BCS/CSC prerequisite must be completed with a grade of C or better.
2: Students must complete at least 18 credits with BCS/CSC designation at Farmingdale.
3: Students with life experience may challenge up to 3 courses (9 credits via credit-by-evaluation).

 

Last Modified 10/22/26