Computer Science at Stony Brook University

Computer science is the study of computer systems, including the architecture of computers, development of computer software, information processing, computer applications, algorithmic problem-solving, and the math­e­matical foundations of the discipline.

The Computer Science major provides professional education in computer science to prepare the student for graduate study or for a career in the computing field. Students learn concepts and skills needed for designing, programming, and applying computer systems while also learning the theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science. They have sufficient freedom in the program to pursue other academic interests in the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering to complement their study of computer science. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Many students prepare for their professional careers through internships at local companies. Computer science graduates are recruited heavily, and career opportunities include developing software systems for a diverse range of applications such as: user interfaces; networks; databases; forecasting; web technologies; and medical, communications, satellite, and embedded systems. Many are employed in the telecommunication and financial industries, and some are self-employed as heads of software consulting companies.

The Department of Computer Science offers two undergraduate majors: Com­pu­ter Science and Information Systems. Requirements and courses for the latter ap­pear under the program title in the al­phabetical listings of Approved Majors, Minors, and Programs. The two programs of study share a number of courses, particularly in the first two years, so that it is possible to follow a program that permits a student to select either major by the start of the junior year. The Department also offers a minor in computer science, a joint B.S./M.S. program, and an honors program.