Computer Science

Bachelor of Science Degree

Computer Science is a discipline that studies computer architecture, software design, algorithms, information processing, computer applications and systems, and the mathematical foundations of computing. The four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science is a student-centered industry-informed B.S. degree that leads to employment or graduate study in the field of computer science. The computer science content and curriculum build upon the work of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE), and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), three major professional organizations in Computer Science and AI. The three organizations have published the ACM/IEEE/AAAI Computer Science Curriculum 2023 guidelines, the most prominent national standard for Computer Science degree curricula, which formed a basis for our CS curriculum. The curriculum is designed to ensure students receive a broad foundation in computer science fundamentals, natural sciences, mathematics, and communication skills. Students will also be able to expand their abilities through advanced elective offerings.

Students will develop proficiency in software design and algorithms by working both individually and in team environments. They will analyze, design, and build complex software components in diverse, collaborative teams to solve industry-informed relevant problems. Students in this program will expand their ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines. An essential part of this program is a culminating experience to be completed in the senior year. Students generate their final projects, based on their interests and real-world issues. Students will be encouraged to participate in a research project with faculty and to collaborate with representatives from industry.

Computer Science graduates are trained for a wide variety of roles in the information technology and computing field. Graduates will possess strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, which will enable them to become lifelong learners ready to become experts in their chosen field. 

Typical Employment Opportunities 

  • Software Developers
  • Software Engineers
  • QA Engineers
  • Data Analysts
  • Web Developers
  • Technical Account Specialists
  • Research Assistants

Computer Science (BS) Program Educational Outcomes:

  • Graduates find rewarding jobs in computer science and related fields while  maintaining high ethical standards
  • Graduates can communicate solutions to key stakeholders and clients
  • Graduates can advance professionally through organized training, graduate study, and/or self-learning
  • Graduates should maintain involvement in professional organizations while engaging in lifelong learning to stay current with evolving computer science technologies

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
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computer-based solutions

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.

Contact Information

Computer Science

Dr. David S. Gerstl
Whitman Hall, Room 110
934-420-2190
cpis@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Fall 2026

Subject to revision

College Requirement (1 credit)
FYE 101 First Year Experience* 1
Liberal Arts and Sciences (52-54 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
Communication- Oral (SPE 330 or SPE 331) (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning (GE) chosen from BIO 130, BIO 131, CHM 152, CHM 153, PHY 143, or PHY 144 8
Humanities (GE) 3
MTH 150 Calculus I (GE) or 4
MTH 130 Calculus I with Applications 4
World Languages (GE) 3
Social Sciences (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Arts and Science Electives 6
300-level Arts and Science Electives 3
Preapproved Mathematics Elective** 4-6
MTH 110 Statistics or MTH 360 Applied Probability and Statistics 3

Required Computer Science (68 credits)

CSC 101 Introduction to Computing 3
CSC 111 Computer Programming I 3
CSC 211 Computer Programming II 3
CSC 229 Data Structures and Algorithms I 3
CSC 243 Computer Architecture and Organization 3
CSC 251 Discrete Structures 4
CSC 311 Advanced Programming*** 3
CSC 321 Principles of Programming Languages 3
CSC 325 Software Engineering 3
CSC 329 Data Structures and Algorithms II*** 3
CSC 332 Computer Networking 3
CSC 343 Operating Systems 3
CSC 363 Data Management 3
CSC 375 Ethical Issues in Computing*** 3
CSC 490 Senior Project*** 4
CSC Upper Level Elective 6
Approved BCS/CPS/MET and/or any CSC Upper Level Elective 6
Free Electives 9

Curriculum Summary

Among the acceptable BCS Upper Level Electives for Computer Science majors 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. This course will be allowed for Computer Science majors with prior approval of the department only.

*FYE 101 First Year Experience is required for all first time full time students

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

  • CSC 311 Advanced Programming,
  • CSC 329 Data Structures and Algorithms II,
  • CSC 375W Ethical Issues in Computing, and
  • CSC 490 Senior Project

Degree Type:   BS
Total Required Credits:  120-123

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.

** Consult the department or DegreeWorks for the latest list of approved electives.  Unapproved BCS courses will not count towards the major without prior written approval by the department.

Preapproved BCS/CPS/MET electives:
BCS 350 Web Database Development
BCS 360 Programming in SQL
BCS 377 Web Development Frameworks
BCS 378 Information Security
BCS 380 Advanced Database Programming
BCS 425 Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
BCS 426 C# Programming
BCS 428 Large Software System Development
BCS 440 CPIS Internship
BCS 460 Independent Study
CPS 305 Foundations of Cryptography
CPS 401 Applied Cryptography

Preapproved Mathematics electives:
ECO 380 Econometrics (3 credits)
MTH 151 Calculus II (4 credits)
MTH 236 Calculus II with Applications (3 credits)
MTH 245 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
MTH 246 Introduction to Financial Mathematics (3 credits)
MTH 252 Calculus III (4 credits)
MTH 270 Introduction to Mathematical Computation (3 credits) MTH 346 Quantitative Finance (3 credits)
MTH 360 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
MTH 390 Methods in Operations Research (3 credits)
MTH 420 Statistical Data Mining (3 credits)

Last Modified 10/22/26