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 graduates often continue on to graduate school while they pursue their careers.

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, robotics, big data, computer graphics, security, machine learning, and software methodologies.

This broad body of knowledge is presented in a manner which encourages Computer Science majors to develop professional competence; acquire curiosity and establish 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, Linux systems programming, .NET programming, Windows systems programming artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, big data, GUI programming, software methodologies, programming languages, numerical analysis, machine learning, cybersecurity and computer graphics are areas well represented by the faculty.

Program Goals:

1. Will have wide range of computer science theory – including algorithms, data structures, and design patterns – and the ability to apply this knowledge in a problem-solving environment.
2. Will be proficient in relevant programming languages, including object-oriented languages such as C++ and more functional languages such as Python.
3. Will have a fundamental understanding of the way computing systems work, specifically how operating systems are designed and interact with both hardware and software.
4. Will understand the challenges of designing, implementing, and maintaining large software projects and the strategies used to overcome these challenges.
5. Will have exposure to different sub-disciplines – such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Database Systems, Web Development, and Robotics – allowing them to be prepared pursue specializations in these disciplines during their postgraduate-professional careers.

Learning Outcomes:

Outcome #1: Program effectively and use object-oriented languages.

Outcome #2: Understand algorithms and data structures that underlie all software development.

Outcome #3: Understand the principles and design issues of operating systems and the underlying architecture.

Outcome #4: Be able to design, implement, test, and document large programming projects.

Outcome #5: Have an understanding of a number of areas in Computer Science. Examples of these areas are: Artificial Intelligence, .NET Programming, Database Design, Network Programming, and Computer Graphics.

Outcome #6: Students will be able to connect course content to out-of-classroom learning experiences:(e.g., internships and full-time employment).

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 do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required:
   Critical Reading and Writing II and Studies in the Arts and 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.
5. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR

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

1. At least half 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