College Catalog: 2015-2016

Computers are pervasive in today’s world and Ramapo College Computer Science graduates have available to them a broad range of career opportunities in business, government, and academia.  Our recent graduates have established careers in software development, project management, research, marketing, database development and administration, financial engineering, data mining, systems administration, quality assurance, education, game development, management, consulting and sales.  Our students often continue on to graduate school.

Computer Science is the study of the representation, storage, and transformation of information.  The subject areas of computer science include algorithms and data structures, programming languages, object oriented programming, GUI programming, web based development, operating systems, compiler design, numerical analysis, simulation, data communication and network programming, database design, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, security, and software methodologies.

This broad body of knowledge is presented in a manner which encourages Computer Science majors to develop professional competence, and acquire intellectual maturity and curiosity; establishing a long-term commitment to remain current in this rapidly changing discipline.  Indeed, the Computer Science major at the College is in a continual state of evolution, with new courses being added to the program and every course in the major being regularly updated.  The Program has an Advanced Topics course to facilitate the rapid introduction of new material into the major.

The Computer Science major at Ramapo is based on the philosophy that true learning occurs through active participation.  This notion is incorporated throughout the curriculum.  For example, all the courses in the major require programming projects that illustrate and expand the course content.  Before completing the major, students must design and implement a significant piece of software as their senior project.  Additionally, Computer Science students are encouraged to participate in one of the many experiential learning opportunities available through off-campus internships.

The Computer Science faculty brings a wide diversity of experience in industry and academia.  Computer networking, object oriented programming, financial modeling, database design, web development, UNIX, .NET and Windows programming, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, GUI programming, software methodologies, programming languages, numerical analysis and computer graphics are areas well represented by the faculty.

Outcome 1: Program effectively and use object oriented languages. Object oriented programming is the core paradigm for programming in academia and industry. It is essential that our students are conversant in such languages. The object oriented language C++ is the core language for the major. We expect our students to be highly conversant in this language. 

Outcome 2: Understand algorithms and data structures that underlie all software development. Algorithms and data structures are the tools that a programmer uses to design and create programs. No one can be considered a Computer Science professional who is not proficient in this area. 

Outcome 3: Understand the principles and design issues of operating systems and the underlying architecture. An operating system supplies the environment in which a programmer works. It manages and controls access to the various resources of a computer. The study of operating systems is an integral part of any Computer Science major. 

Outcome 4: Be able to design, implement, test, and document large programming projects. No one can be a Computer Science professional unless they can develop software. This is pivotal to any career and to success in graduate school. 

Outcome 5: Have an understanding of a number of areas in Computer Science. Some of these areas are: Artificial Intelligence, .NET Programming, Database Design, Network Programming, and Computer Graphics. (Information Literacy) Computer Science is a diverse discipline. It has many areas specialization and application. We expect our students to graduate with knowledge and skills in a number of areas of specialization. We will be able to assess this through the material that the student uses in his/her senior project and through testing. 

Outcome 6: Students will be able to connect content with out of class learning experience.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (six courses):  three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing, and Readings in the Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.
4. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the six courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

COMPUTER SCIENCE MINOR

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Theoretical and Applied Science Website
Faculty Profiles