Physical, Environmental and Computer Sciences
Computer Science Program
"Time, Effort, Integrity"
William C. Harris, Program Coordinator
Tel. 718.270.6449 / Office: C-413

Computer Science Program


Computer Science is concerned with computers, their organization, the theory which underlies their existence, and their application. The Computer Science Program at Medgar Evers College prepares students with the core theoretical and applied knowledge, incorporating national CS curriculum standards, required for a professional or research career in a dynamic and evolving discipline. The program follows the guidelines of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Computer Society of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-CS) Joint Curriculum Task Force, and combines rigorous academic study with the opportunity for a "hands-on/minds-on" experience. Students enrolled in the program are provided with a strong mathematics, science and core computer science background. In addition to advanced Computer Science, the B.S. Degree Program offers computer science concentrations in the areas of Telecommunications, and Computational Science.

Two degree programs and a minor are offered in the Computer Science Program:

      • Bachelor Degree in Computer Science
      • Associate Degree in Computer Science
      • Minor in Computer Science

B.S. in Computer Science

The satisfactory completion of 120 credits of prescribed courses is required for the B.S. Degree in Computer Science. The work comprises 31 credits of college core requirements, 70 credits of Departmental requirements [43 credits of computer science - including 6 credits of internship/research, and 27 credits of mathematics (calculus) and science], a 12-credit computer science concentration in General Computer Science, Telecommunications, or Computational Science, and 7 credits of open electives.

A.S. in Computer Science

This associate degree program is designed to encourage A.S. degree graduates to enter into our B.S. Degree Program in Computer Science, and related programs in Computer Engineering, Telecommunications or Applied Sciences. The program integrates seamlessly with our B.S. Degree Program in Computer Science and serves as its foundation. The A.S. Degree in Computer Science is awarded to students who successfully complete the first two years (60 credits) of the B.S. Degree requirements in Computer Science. These requirements include: 22 credits in Computer Science, 8 credits in Mathematics, 4 credits in Physics, 1 credit of Computer Science Concentration/Elective, and 25 credits of Liberal Arts.

The Computer Science Minor

Students from other disciplines may minor in computer science. A minor in computer science consists of 16 credits including CS 151, CS 260, CS 244, CS 381, and a 3-credit computer science elective, which must be at the 300 level. (CS 100 may not be applied toward the computer science minor.) All 16 credits must have a grade of 'C' or better.

Suggested Curriculum Sequence for BS and AS Degrees in Computer Science (PDF)


Computing Facilities

The Medgar Evers College Research and Computing Facility, used by students and faculty, consists of several advanced microcomputer labs utilizing Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows xp, UNIX, and Macintosh based machines, and the campus Local Area Network. The LAN provides campus computers with high-speed communications and a gateway to other CUNY computer resources and the Internet. There are 21 computer labs supporting over 400 machines with support for various academic applications. Selected labs contain computerized projection-based systems for instructor-led courses.

The advanced computing lab, in the Department of Physical, Environmental and Computer Sciences, serves as an instruction and problem-solving lab for Linux systems research, education and practice. The graphics workstations in this lab enable faculty and students to use advanced data visualization techniques, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Image Definition Language (IDL), Advanced Visualization System (AVS), MATLAB, and IRAF. The advanced computing Lab also has a mobile counterpart consisting of HP laptops and projectors, part of an award received from the HP Teaching with Technology Award.

HP Teaching with Technology Award

Medgar Evers College was named one of 197 elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities that will receive more than $10 million over 2004-2005 from the HP Technology for Teaching grant, which is designed to accelerate learning through the innovative use of technology. Awards will total more than $8 million in 2004, and recipients who have successful projects will be given the opportunity to apply for an additional $2 million in 2005.

Specifically, HP is awarding a total of $3 million in cash and equipment to 42 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The award package for each university selected will include an HP product package valued at up to $60,000, a faculty stipend of $7,500 to work on the project integration and one year of access to HP's higher education help desk support. To complement HP's award, Microsoft will donate Microsoft Office 2003 and OneNote 2003 software for use by the grant project's principal investigator.

Grant projects will use technology to enhance learning in math, science, computer science and engineering courses, and some grant projects will focus on redesigning prerequisite engineering courses in ways that increase success for all students, with a goal of closing the achievement gap.

The HP Technology for Teaching grant includes HP wireless equipment, help desk support, and professional development to improve student achievement.

UNLESS YOU OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO EQUIVALENT HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
PLAN ON SPENDING A LOT OF TIME ON CAMPUS