Master of Science in Computer Science - LIU Brooklyn

About

The 36-credit M.S. in Computer Science provides students with the knowledge and skills to become successful leaders in the field of computer science and information technology. The program provides the basic foundations with an emphasis on the design and development of large software systems.

Required courses cover what is commonly accepted by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as the core of graduate computer science. The inclusion of small implementation projects and/or computer programming exercises in most courses provides experience in the practical aspects of the software development cycle. In addition, each student enrolls in a two-course sequence, either writing a thesis or completing a large software development project.

This program is offered in a blended learning format. Nearly half of each course will be delivered online and the balance will be offered in a traditional classroom setting.

Admission Requirements

The standards for admission to the program are as follows:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
2. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
3. A written statement outlining the applicant’s objectives for seeking admission into the program
4. A current résumé
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. A completed application submitted to the Office of Admissions

Candidates meeting the admission requirements will be placed into one of the following two tracks depending upon the candidate’s undergraduate degree and background in fundamentals of computer science and programming. Other evidence of competence may be required to grant a limited matriculation status in the program.

• Track 1 – Candidates admitted into Track 1 will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or management information systems and will begin their program with the required core courses.
• Track 2 – Candidates without a bachelor’s degree in computer science or management information systems will be admitted into Track 2 and required to demonstrate proficiency in computer programming and foundations by passing the competency waiver exam or completing two preparation courses: Computer Science 601 and 605 or their equivalents.

Computer Science Background Requirements

A candidate who is not proficient in the C programming language must take CS 601 (no credits toward computer science master’s degree). A candidate who does not have sufficient background in computer science foundations (i.e., operating systems, computer architecture, discrete structures, advanced programming) must take CS 605 (3 credits). Candidates who successfully complete both CS 605 and CS 601 will get three (3) elective credits for CS 605.

Transfer Credits

Students are permitted to transfer a maximum of six (6) graduate computer science credits from other institutions with the approval of the department chair. Industry training courses that meet time and content requirements may, with the approval of the chair, qualify for transfer credits. Competency Equivalencies Students who can demonstrate competency in core courses may request that the course(s) be waived. The student will substitute an elective course, with the approval of the department chair.

Competency Equivalencies

Students who can demonstrate competency in core courses may request that the course(s) be waived. The student will substitute an elective course, with the approval of the department chair.