Computer Science and Information Security, Bachelor of Science
The major in Computer Science and Information Security offers the computing, quantitative and analytical expertise public and private organizations need to advance the practice of digital forensics and cybersecurity. The program provides the broad background in computing that is needed to thwart the abuse and misuse of computers, data networks, information systems and information infrastructures, in the environment of ever advancing digital technology. The courses in the Computer Science and Information Security major prepare students for direct entry into the profession as well as entry into graduate and professional programs that rely on computing and quantitative methods, especially in areas related to digital forensics and cybersecurity.
Learning Outcomes. Students will:
- Proficiently employ and critically assess various theoretical approaches suitable to Computer Science and Information Security.
- Competently utilize and critically evaluate a diverse array of practical, hands-on, and research-based methods relevant to Computer Science and Information Security.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess and evaluate the quality of the security of systems.
- Skillfully communicate by synthesizing theory, research, and policy in both written reports and presentations.
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations and legal requirements inherent to the roles of computer professionals, who act as administrators of sensitive data and as designers and developers of systems with potential impacts on the well-being of individuals and organizations.
Credits Required.
| Computer Science and Information Security Major |
58-62 |
| General Education |
42 |
| Electives |
16-20 |
| Total Credits Required for B.S. Degree |
120 |
Coordinator. Professor Jennifer Holst, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (
jholst@jjay.cuny.edu)
Faculty Advisors. Professors Aftab Ahmad (aahmad@jjay.cuny.edu), Kumar Ramansenthil (kramansenthil@jjay.cuny.edu), Shweta Jain (sjain@jjay.cuny.edu), Hunter Johnson (212.237.8846, hujohnson@jjay.cuny.edu), Muath Obaidat (mobaidat@jjay.cuny.edu) and Matluba Khodjaeva (mkhodjaeva@jjay.cuny.edu), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Advisor. Christopher Church, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (cchurch@jjay.cuny.edu)
Advising information. Computer Science and Information Security Advising Resources (including a Sample Four Year Degree Map)
Experiential learning opportunities. Students in the Computer Science and Information Security major can participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities over the course of their studies. During their junior and senior years, students typically engage in hands-on cybersecurity labs and internship experiences related to cybersecurity and cybercrime. The senior capstone courses lead to multiple opportunities to present their work at a departmental poster session. Recent students have interned with the Federal Reserve Bank, collaborated in NSF-funded research with faculty, and participated in local and national computer security contests.
Additional information. Students who enrolled for the first time at the College or changed to this major in September 2015 or thereafter must complete the major in the form presented here. Students who enrolled prior to that date may choose the form shown here or the earlier version of the major. A copy of the earlier version may be obtained in the 2014-15 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Foundational Courses
Depending on mathematics placement, students may need to complete pre-calculus.
Advisor recommendation:
MAT 141 can fulfill the Required Core: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning area of the Gen Ed Program depending on students math placement test score. Additionally, students may have to take
MAT 105 College Algebra to meet the prerequisites for
MAT 141 Pre-Calculus.
Total Credit Hours: 0-3
Part One. Core Computer Science Courses
RequiredTotal Credit Hours: 33
Part Two. Required Math Courses
Required
MAT 151 Calculus I is part of the new calculus sequence and was formerly
MAT 241 Calculus I (3 credits).
Total Credit Hours: 10
Part Three. Electives
Category A. Computer Science Electives
Select one
| CSCI 275 | Linux System Administration and Security | 3 |
| CSCI 358 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CSCI 362 | Databases and Data Mining | 3 |
| CSCI 376 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 380 | Selected Topics in Computer Science | 3 |
| CSCI 385 | Faculty Mentored Research Experience in Computer Science | 3 |
| CSCI 404 | Internship in Management Information Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 421 | Quantum Computing | 3 |
Category B. Mathematics Electives
Select one
MAT 152 Calculus II (4 credits) is part of the new calculus sequence and was formerly MAT 242 Calculus II (3 credits).
MAT 253 Calculus III (4 credits) is part of the new calculus sequence and was formerly MAT 243 Calculus III (3 credits).
MAT 244 Calculus IV (3 credits) is part of the old calculus sequence and will count toward the elective requirement if taken prior to the Fall 2022 semester.
Total Credit Hours: 6-7
Part Four. Ethics
Required
| PHI 216 | Ethics and Information Technology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 3
Part Five. Capstone Courses
Required
| CSCI 400 | Capstone Experience in Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity I | 3 |
| CSCI 401 | Capstone Experience in Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 6
Total Credit Hours: 58-62