Student coding on laptop

Computer Science, M.S.

The graduate program leading to a Master of Science in Computer Science is designed to serve a wide range of professional interests and within this framework takes a practical approach to computer applications.

Program Overview

New York Institute of Technology’s program is suited for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering, management, information technology, mathematics, or related fields of interest. Our curriculum is consistent with the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery.

Objectives
Specific objectives of this program are to provide students with a comprehensive background in:

  1. Fundamental areas of computer science such as algorithms, computational theory, computer architecture, operating systems, compiler design, and software-based systems
  2. Theory and design of modern high-level programming languages and applications in development of systems software
  3. Design and analysis of efficient algorithms
  4. Advanced topics in computer architecture, illustrated by case studies from classic and modern processors including large-scale computer systems
  5. Topics specific to a student’s particular area of specialization, including software engineering, computer security, networks, computer graphics, databases, information security, and artificial intelligence

Curriculum
The curriculum consists of 30 credits, 21 of which are allocated to required courses in computer science. The remaining nine credits permit students either to specialize in areas appropriate to their individual needs, or to complete the thesis option. In order to accommodate working professionals, courses are offered during day and evening hours, as well as weekends at the Long Island and New York City campuses.

Emphasis is on computer systems and real-world applications, and is ideal for individuals interested in systems engineering, networks, software engineering, computer security, systems architecture, data organization and communications, microprocessors, computer graphics, or artificial intelligence.

Thesis Option Master’s Degree
Students selecting this option will be required to complete 30 credits, including six credits of M.S. thesis courses and three credits of general electives. Full-time students typically take two semesters to complete the thesis course sequence, which entails planning and conducting research and writing a thesis. Depending on the thesis topic, students will gain specialized skills and knowledge to make them better qualified for research and development jobs at companies. The thesis may also lead to advanced degrees beyond the Master of Science. With the approval of a supervising thesis advisor, qualified students pursuing the master’s thesis must:

  • Enroll in two semesters of CSCI 890 MS Thesis I and CSCI 891 MS Thesis II for a maximum of six credits
  • Prepare reports and verbally defend a formal thesis in accordance with criteria established by the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences. A formal written thesis will be archived in the university library.

Note: All master’s thesis students must strictly adhere to the Master’s Thesis Policies and Guidelines published by NYIT College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.

Non-Thesis Option Master’s Degree
Students selecting this option will still be required to complete 30 credits. Instead of M.S. thesis courses, students will either take nine C.S. elective credits, or six C.S. elective credits and three project course credits with the department chair’s or advisor’s permission.

Fellowships and Assistantships
Research fellowships and teaching assistantships are available to qualified candidates. These opportunities are usually for a 10-month period and may include partial remission of tuition and fees.

International F-1 students who successfully complete this degree are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension to work in the U.S. in an area directly related to their area of study immediately upon completing the customary 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

To apply for the M.S. in Computer Science, visit nyit.edu/apply.

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Admission Requirements

  • B.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university in computer science, engineering, management, mathematics, information technology, liberal arts, and related areas
    • If students have a degree in engineering, an accredited program is one that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
    • If students have completed degrees in computer science or a closely related field, an accredited program is one taken at a college that is regionally accredited, such as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
    • If students have an international baccalaureate degree or diploma, which is equivalent to three years of undergraduate study in the U.S. in computer science, engineering, or a related area, they may be eligible to be admitted into a bridge option in the intended graduate program.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.85 for full matriculation
    • Applicants who do not qualify for full matriculation and have an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.84 may, at the discretion of the director, be given the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications for full matriculation by achieving a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first four graduate courses. In addition, such students may be required to take one or more parts of the GRE and meet individual departmental requirements. In general, students in this category will not be permitted to continue in the program for more than two semesters unless they have qualified for fully matriculated status, or there are special extenuating circumstances.
  • Submit GRE scores
    • Graduates of foreign universities are required to take the GRE and submit their scores.
    • Students with a GPA below 2.85 may, at the discretion of the dean, be asked to take the GRE or other diagnostic tests. Admission will be based upon consideration of test results, previous academic performance, and related employment, if applicable.

  • Students with an insufficient background for admission into the Computer Science M.S. program may be required to take up to 32 credits from the list of waivable and prerequisite courses listed below:

    Waivable Courses

    • CSCI 502 Computer Programming I (3 credits)
    • CSCI 503 Computer Organization and Architecture (3 credits)
    • CSCI 504 Computer Programming II (3 credits)
    • CSCI 505 Elements of Discrete Structures (3 credits)
    • CSCI 507 Data Structures (3 credits)
    • CSCI 508 Compiler Design (3 credits)
    • CSCI 509 Operating Systems (3 credits)

    Additional Prerequisite Courses

    • MATH 170 Calculus I (4 credits)
    • MATH 180 Calculus II (4 credits)
    • MATH 310 Linear Algebra (3 credits)

    Note: Credits earned for the courses above will not be counted toward the 30 credits required for the degree. Additionally, all 500-level bridge courses earn a pass/fail grade.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
  • Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
  • Official GRE scores, if required (GRE Code: 2561)
  • International student requirements: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE), I-20, and transcript evaluation

Transfer Credits

  • Students may transfer up to nine credits from an accredited graduate program for appropriate courses in which a minimum grade of B was earned.
  • Pass grades earned during the spring 2020 semester meet this GPA threshold and are transferable to New York Institute of Technology.