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.