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Department of Computer Science

Overview and Fast Facts

Computer Science is the study of theory and practice of computation. A computer scientist creates new hardware and software that is more efficient, effective, and reliable. At The College at Brockport, the Advanced Computing (AC) and the Software Development (SD) Tracks of the Computer Science (CSC) major attempt to train students in lasting fundamental principles of computing, with appropriate exposure to modern hardware/software products and applications. Computer Information Systems, on the other hand, is the study of the use of computers for systematic organization of data that supports efficient and accurate collection, processing, analysis, and retrieval of information. An information system specialist applies existing technology to solve real world problems. At Brockport, the Computer Information Systems (CIS) major attempts to train students in state-of-the-art computing technology, applications and business practices, with appropriate exposure to underlying fundamentals. Thus, Computer Science (CSC) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses offered by the department are somewhat complementary in their focus of study.

Advanced Computing (AC) Track of the Computer Science Major

The Advanced Computing Track is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, (http://www.abet.org). The emphasis is on computer problem solving and the development of new software and hardware.

Requirements: 46 credits of computer science (computer programming, digital logic, computer organization, programming languages, algorithms and data structures, operating systems, software engineering, theory of computation, etc.); 20 credits of mathematics (calculus, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics); 12 credits of physical sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.); 30 credits of humanities, social sciences and fine arts. This track is recommended for freshman students with a strong preparation in mathematics and science.

Typical job titles: Computer Programmer, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Systems Analyst, Software Quality Assurance Engineer, and Systems Programmer.

Software Development (SD) Track of the Computer Science Major

The curriculum is based on national models such as ACM-78 published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and its subsequent revisions (CC 2001). The emphasis is on computer problem solving and the development of new software and hardware.

Requirements: 40 credits of computer science (computer programming, digital logic, computer organization, programming languages, algorithms and data structures, etc.); 9 credits of mathematics (calculus, discrete mathematics). The requirement for the software development track is a subset of the requirement for the AC Track. This track is recommended for transfer students and double majors with interest in software development.

Typical job titles: Applications Programmer/Analyst, Network/Database Administrator, Software Tester, and Web/Internet Programmer.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Major

The Computer Information Systems program is modeled on the IS 2002 curriculum published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP). The emphasis is on the use of computers in an organization to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Requirements: 41 credits of computer and information science (computer programming, information technology hardware and software, systems analysis, databases, networks, project management, etc.); 9 credits of mathematics (statistics, discrete mathematics); 15 credits of information systems environment; 30 credits of humanities, social sciences and fine arts. This track is recommended for freshman students with a strong interest in business applications of computing.

Typical job titles: Database Administrator, IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Project Manager, Systems Analyst, Web Designer, and Web Programmer (e-commerce).

What kinds of work environments are typical?

  • Colleges/Schools/Government
  • Computer Hardware Companies
  • Computer Software Companies
  • Internet Companies
  • IT divisions of Business
  • Training Companies

What transferable skills can I learn from this major?

  • Ability to organize, analyze and interpret
  • Ability to make critical observations
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
  • Technical skills
  • Testing ideas/hypotheses

Where have Brockport students gone with this major?

  • Internships
    • Advanced Micro Devices(AMD), Google, MagiQ Technologies, Nike, Paychex, Explore Rochester IT
  • Employment
    • Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Boeing, Eastman Kodak, Google, Harris Interactive, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Nike, Paychex, Sutherland Groups
  • Graduate Programs
    • SUNY Albany, Drexel, Cornell, George Mason, Purdue, RIT, SUNY Binghamton, Univ. of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA), Univ. of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC), Univ. of Texas (Austin, TX)

Fast Facts

  • 9 full-time faculty members; 8 with doctoral degrees, one with MS in Computer Science
  • 6 part-time faculty members
  • 170 majors, 20 minors
  • 26 students graduated in 2012-2013
  • Small class size; lower-level classes 30-40 and upper-level classes 10-20
  • A student co-authored and presented a research paper titled “Investigating the Effects of Multitasking with Technology” at the Midwest Association for Information Systems Conference, in Normal, Illinois (May 2013)
  • Student project on “Developing a Power Usage Monitoring App on the Android Platform” won second prize at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (Northeast) Conference student research competition (April 2013)
  • A team of three students placed fifth, in a field of 33 teams, at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (Northeast) Conference student programming contest (April 2013)
  • Three students made presentations at the 2012 National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (April 2012)
  • 10 students made presentations at Brockport Scholars Day (April, 2013)