Computer Science, M.S.

Program Requirements (30 Credits)

Thirty are required for the degree. Students must maintain at least a B (3.00) average. Students must complete 30 credits in courses numbered 7000 and above.

Up to 10 credits in courses in other departments may be substituted, with the permission of the graduate deputy chair. There are three specializations:

• Computation
• Health Informatics
• Information Systems

All students must complete each of the following core courses:

• CISC 7540—Software Methodology
• CISC 7510 or 7512—Database Systems or Advanced Database Systems
• CISC 7700—Intro to Data Science
• CISC 7302—Computer Architecture

Additional electives courses in CISC 7000 level may be needed to complete the 30-credit requirement.

Courses should be selected in consultation with the program adviser.

As an exit requirement, all students must complete one of the following:

• CISC 7990G and a thesis acceptable to the department; no more than six credits in thesis research may be counted toward the degree; or
• Pass a written comprehensive examination; or
• Health informatics specialization students only may substitute CISC 7980G—Health Informatics Internship or a research project, with permission of the department chair or designee. The internship is the preferred option for the health informatics specialization.

As an exception to the general college rule, the comprehensive examination in the Department of Computer and Information Science may be taken in the term preceding the one in which the student will complete all course requirements for the degree. However, all other college regulations concerning the comprehensive examination still apply. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of this exception and to take the comprehensive examination in the earlier semester.

Accelerated Master’s

Brooklyn College allows qualified undergraduate computer science students who plan to continue their studies toward the M.S. in Computer Science to enroll in graduate-level courses that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Computation and Information Systems Specializations

Knowledge

1. Students will be knowledgeable about software design processes and methodologies.
2. Students will have a strong understanding of operating system concepts.
3. Students will have a strong understanding of theoretical computer science concepts.

Practical Competency

1. Students will demonstrate strong programming skills involving at least two programming languages.
2. Students will be able to write a significant application that efficiently utilize principles and/or techniques for data storage and retrieval.
3. Students will be able to analyze the complexity and compare various algorithms to solve problems.
4. Students will demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary to read, write, and speak effectively about concepts in computing.

Health Informatics Specialization

Knowledge

1. Know how computer-based communication works.
2. Aware of major regulations relating to health care and privacy.
3. Aware of major software applications available for expert/decision support systems.
4. Aware of the organizational structure of health care providers.

Practical Competency

1. Be able to participate in the management of a small project.
2. Be able to set up and program databases and use standard network application software.
3. Be able to recommend appropriate software for application and communication security.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline—June 1. Applications after this date may be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.
• Spring Application Deadline—December 1. Applications after this date may be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of at least 15 credits in computer and information science and related areas, including all of the following: knowledge of a high-level computer language (preferably C++ or Java), knowledge of assembly language and computer architecture, a course in discrete structures, a course in data structures, and a course in calculus.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

Nondegree Applicants

This program accepts nondegree applicants.

I-20 Submission Deadlines

F-1 students who are not currently in the country should submit their I-20 by the following dates to allow sufficient time for visa processing and to meet the semester start date.

• July 15 for fall admission
• December 5 for spring admission

FAQ

What are the prerequisites for the master’s program?

For the computation specialization, you need to have taken the following classes (Brooklyn College course numbers in brackets):

• Introduction to Programming in Java (CISC 1115)
• Discrete Structures (CISC 2210)
• Advanced Programming Techniques (CISC 3115)
• Data Structures (CISC 3130)
• Computer Architecture (CISC 3310)
• Calculus I (MATH 1201)

For the information systems specialization, you need to have taken the following classes (Brooklyn College course numbers in brackets):

• Introduction to Programming in Java (CISC 1115)
• Discrete Structures (CISC 2210)
• Advanced Programming Techniques (CISC 3115)
• Data Structures (CISC 3130)
• Computer Architecture (CISC 3310)
• Calculus I (MATH 1201)
• Probability and Statistics (MATH 2501)

For the health informatics specialization, you need to have taken the following classes (Brooklyn College course numbers in brackets):

• Introduction to Programming in Java (CISC 1115)
• Discrete Structures (CISC 2210)
• Advanced Programming Techniques (CISC 3115)
• Data Structures (CISC 3130)
• Additionally, you must have taken 18 credits in health-related classes (health, biology, kinesiology, etc.).

College rules prevent you from needing more than two of these when you are admitted as a matriculated graduate student.

Can I apply to the program without having completed all the prerequisites?

Yes. You can be accepted as a matriculated master’s student if you have only two or fewer of the prerequisite courses remaining to complete. If you need to complete more than two prerequisite courses, then Brooklyn College rules prevent you from being admitted as a matriculated graduate student. However, you can apply and be accepted as a nondegree student, complete the prerequisite requirements, and apply to become matriculated in the master’s program.

How do I apply?

All the information you need to know about application is provided by the Graduate Admissions Office.

What is the deadline to submit my application?

The formal deadline is December 1 for spring admission and June 1 for fall admission, although we will accept applications that we receive soon after either deadline.

How can I transfer to Brooklyn College as a master’s student?

First, you need to apply to Brooklyn College and be accepted. If you are accepted into a program, we can look at your prior record to see if there are any courses that are equivalent to courses at Brooklyn College. Such courses can be transferred, up to a limit of three courses. Note that you cannot transfer credits that were used toward a previous degree. Also note that you cannot use undergraduate credits for a graduate degree.

Financial

What is the cost of attending Brooklyn College?

Visit tuition and fees.

What financial assistance is there for master’s students?

In common with most master’s programs, the programs at Brooklyn College have very little financial support to offer incoming students. Once you are a student in the program, there are some scholarships available for master’s students at the college.

More Information

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Katherine Chuang

1212 Ingersoll Hall
E:
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 2069

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: 
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Schedule an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor.