Guide to Computer Science and Computer Engineering
There is no longer a need to argue the impact and
importance of computer technology
on all aspects of our society. In virtually all fields, computers
are used as tools. From art to academia, law to medicine, marketing
to film, computers will be a part of everyone's future. Specialists
are needed to create new software applications and the systems
to support them. In addition, experts in areas outside the computing
field need sufficient knowledge of computing to be able to guide
the development of such applications and systems.
The Department of Computer Science offers
programs of study for students at all
levels, from non-majors to minors to majors. Students may choose
a course of study from computer literacy to the B.S. in Computer
Science or in Computer Engineering. At the graduate level,
the department offers
M.A. and M.S. degrees
in Computer Science.
Undergraduate Programs
The major
in Computer Science is a comprehensive introduction to computing
which covers all aspects of the field, including software, hardware,
communications, artificial intelligence, and theory. The curriculum
follows the recommendations of the ACM
and the IEEE
Computing Society.
Students may study for a
B.A.
or a B.S. in Computer Science
or a B.S.
in Computer Engineering. The B.A. offers students a wide choice
of electives in Computer Science and requires additional liberal
arts courses over the B.S.. Students who choose to study for B.S.
degrees have several concentrations open to them. The initial
sequence of courses is the same for all the programs. Students
who complete the major are prepared to enter the field in a variety
of environments, including the business sector.
A major
of Computer Science and Mathematics
is offered jointly by the departments of Computer Science and Mathematics.
For those majors interested in complementing their computing
education with an insight into the high-tech innovation
process and the global nature of the computing industry, the department
offers a Concentration in Leadership and Innovation in Computing
(CLIC)
and an
alternative Option in Leadership and Innovation in Computing
(OLIC)
The Department offers
minor
in Computer Science for students
who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the computing field
and programming. Students learn to program in a higher level language.
A
minor
in Computer Engineering is also available. Collaborating with
the Department of Philosophy, we offer a
minor
in Cognitive Science.
Graduate Program
Hofstra University
offers two distinct graduate programs in computer science. The
Master of Arts
program tails courses to students' interests,
and engages students with a project as a capstone experience.
The Master
of Science program ensures breadth
and depth in computer science courses, and engages students with
a thesis as a capstone experience. Both programs offer a variety
of courses such as real-time systems, distributed systems, networks,
complexity, and expert systems. Students have completed capstone
experiences in such areas as medical imaging, network emulation,
archaeological simulation, and character recognition.
Hofstra CS majors with excellent academic standing are
eligible for combined degree programs
(BA/MS
and BS/MS).
Overview
of Computer Science (CSC 5) is open to all students interested
in becoming computer literate. The course includes an introduction
to computer hardware and software, with an emphasis on current
developments in the field. Students spend time in various campus
laboratory facilities learning how to use computers as information
tools as well as writing their own programs in a high-level language.
The course satisfies the Hofstra College Mathematics/Computer
Science Core requirement.
There are
seven full-time faculty in the Department of Computer Science,
all of whom hold terminal degrees in their
field. Students in the Department may join the Computer Science
Club, an ACM Chapter. The club's activities include interesting
projects(currently in robotics and graphics), talks and participation
in the New York area ACM Programming Contest. In addition, membership
in the Hofstra chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society,
Upsilon Pi Epsilon,
is possible for those students who excel in their work. The Honor
Society publishes a newsletter and provides an opportunity for
students and alumni to network.
We encourage
you to visit the Department and speak with the faculty about your
interests. It is particularly important that students who wish
to pursue a minor or major see a faculty adviser prior to taking
any courses in the Department.
Computer Science Department
211 Adams Hall, Hofstra University, Hempstead NY 11549
Phone: (516) 463-5555 Fax: (516) 463-5790