Advances in computing and technology drive the modern world, meaning that the computing sector has seen some of the fastest job growth in recent years and will continue to do so in the future. The BS in Computer Science program at St John’s University provides students with the problem-solving skills and hands-on practical experience necessary to become innovators and leaders in this fast-changing field. You will explore areas ranging from software engineering, database design, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cryptography, computer science theory, and networking, along with a strong background in math and science, preparing you for industry careers, graduate studies, and research in computer science.
- Degree Type
- BS
- Area of Interest
- Computing & Technology
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
Program Contact
We are here to answer any questions you may have about the Computer Science program and admission process.
Courses
Please click on the accordions below to see the specific course requirements for the BS in Computer Science.
After graduating, you are prepared to establish a career in the field of computing in a variety of professional roles, further your knowledge and skills through graduate study or professional development programs, and contribute to the field of computing and to society as an entrepreneur, innovator, or researcher.
Computer Science
To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, students must complete 120 credits in major-sequence, elective courses, and core requirements, as outlined below.
Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C on CUS 1116 and CUS 1126 courses, is required for students to be allowed to continue in the computer science major (including computer science option programs).
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
| CUS | 1115 | Computer Programming Fundamentals I | 3 |
| CUS | 1116 | Computer Programming Fundamentals II | 3 |
| CUS | 1126 | Introduction to Data Structures | 3 |
| CUS | 1151 | Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CUS | 1156 | Software Design Methods | 3 |
| CUS | 1162 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CUS | 1163 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CUS | 1165 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CUS | 1166 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CUS | 1168 | Theory of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CUS | 1185 | Data Security and Cryptography | 3 |
| NET | 1011 | Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
Additional Area Requirements: 9 Credits
(3 credits from the following Computer Science theory courses)
| CUS | 1186 Theory of Computation | 3 | |
| CUS | 1187 Finite Automata and Formal Languages | 3 | |
| CUS | 1188 Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
(6 credits from CUS electives)
Any CUS courses above 1126
Common Core Requirements: 39 Credits
| ART | 1000C* | The Creative Process | 3 |
| DNY | 1000C | Discover New York | 3 |
| ENG | 1100C | Literature in a Global Context | 3 |
| FYW | 1000C | First Year Writing | 3 |
| HIS | 1000C | Emergence of a Global Society | 3 |
| LAC | 1000C* | Language and Culture | 3 |
| PHI | 1000C | Philosophy of the Human Person | 3 |
| PHI | 3000C | Metaphysics | 3 |
| PHI | 1020 series | Ethics | 3 |
| SPE | 1000C | Public Speaking for the College Student | 3 |
| THE | 1000C | Perspectives on Christianity- A Catholic Approach | 3 |
| THE | 1040 series | Moral Theology | 3 |
| THE | Elective | Any Theology Elective | 3 |
*OR 6 CREDITS FROM ANY SECOND LANGUAGE
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 32-34 Credits
(3 credits from the following Economics courses)
| ECO | 1001 | Principles of Economics I | 3 |
| ECO | 1002 | Principles of Economics II | 3
|
(15 credits from Required Math Courses)
| MTH | 1009 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MTH | 1010 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MTH | 1013 | Probability and Statistics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1014 | Probability and Statistics II | 3 |
| MTH | 1022 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
(6 credits from the following Mathematics courses)
| MTH | 1011 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MTH | 1012 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MTH | 1015 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MTH | 1016 | Software Applications for Mathematics | 3 |
| MTH | 1017 | Mathematical Logic | 3 |
| MTH | 1018 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MTH | 1019 | Topics in Advanced Calculus | 3 |
(8-10 credits from the following Science courses)
| BIO | 1000 | Biology, I: Introduction to Population Biology Lab | 4 |
| BIO | 2000 | Biology, II: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lab | 4 |
| CHE | 1210 | General Chemistry I Lab Recitation | 5 |
| CHE | 1220 | General Chemistry II Lab Recitation | 5 |
| PHY | 1610 | College Physics I Lab Recitation | 5 |
| PHY | 1620 | College Physics II Lab Recitation | 5 |
FREE ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS)
AI Minor for non-majors to include:
- CUS 1115 Programming Fundamentals I
- CUS 1116 Programming Fundamentals II
- CUS 1126 Intro to Data Structures
- CUS 1174 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and
- CUS 1177 Introduction to NLP (Natural Language Processing) or CUS 1179 Machine Learning.
Students in the Computer Science, Cybersecurity, IT and HCI programs are required to have a laptop computer that meets the following minimum specifications.
- CPU: Intel or AMD CPU (2011 or later) - 64-bit x86/AMD64 CPU with a minimum of 4 cores. Newer Apple computers with Apple Silicon (e.g., M1, M2, M3, or Mx CPUs) cannot run the free virtualization software used in certain courses. Students with these machines will need to purchase additional software.
- OS: Windows 10, or MacOS 13 or above, or up to date Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 or above, Redhat 7.8 or above)
- RAM: 16 GB ((32GB or 64GB preferred))
- Hard drive: 512 Gb, SSD HD preferred, 1TB or greater preferred
- WiFi capability
- Working camera, speakers, microphone, etc
Please Note: Chromebooks and tablets are NOT acceptable as laptops for CUS/Cyber students. Macs with the M1 processor do not support virtualization and, therefore, are also not recommended.
University Core Curriculum
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), https://www.abet.org.
Student Outcomes
A student outcome describes what a student should be able to do, know, or demonstrate after completing a course or program of study.
Graduates of the program can:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Internships and Career Outcomes
Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to pursue a diverse range of professional roles within the computing field, and you will be ready to continue your education through graduate studies or professional development, and make significant contributions as an entrepreneur, innovator, or researcher. Many computer science graduates enter software development in industry sectors ranging from finance and banking, social media platforms, gaming, media, the auto industry, airlines, and healthcare. Computer science graduates also go into fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, software engineering, data science, robotics, computer graphics, database design, and many other areas that involve creating new systems and technologies.
Internships are an important way for students to gain career-specific skills, get a foot in the door in companies, and explore possible careers. Click here to learn more about internships in computer science.
Extracurricular and Experiential Learning
- Enhance your academic and professional edge by joining the St. John’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter, led by Joan E. DeBello, EdD, Professor. Members engage in cultural and social activities, including training sessions and industry nights, and actively participate in national coding competitions.
- To learn more and view our events, please visit our SJU ACM Student Chapter page.
- You may qualify for the Collins College of Professional Studies Honor Society, which recognizes undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence and active involvement in campus or community activities. For more details, please contact Joan E. DeBello, EdD, Associate Professor, at debelloj@stjohns.edu or 718-990-2032.
- Exciting AI Program Opportunity! Break Through Tech is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 AI Program, which will begin in May 2025! The AI Program is a free, virtual, one-year extracurricular experience that equips you with the skills needed to secure a job in the fastest-growing areas of tech: data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Click here to learn more and to apply.
Fast-Track Your Way to a Master's in Computer Science or Data Science
Accelerate your career with our Fast Track program! Earn your master’s degree in computer science quicker with our fast-track option. Click here to learn more.
CCPS Student Presents Research at Conference
Joshua Peguero, a first-year Computer Science major in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, recently presented his research at the 39thAnnual Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI-25) in Philadelphia, PA.
Featured Faculty
-
Assistant Professor,
- Associate Professor
Department
Computer Science, Mathematics and Science
Admission
For more information about admission to this and other undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission or contact us directly at the campus of your choice:
Queens Campus
718-990-2000
admissions@stjohns.edu
Scholarships
Women in the BS/Computer Science program are eligible to apply for the following scholarships.
Click here to learn more about other available scholarships.
