Decoding the Hunter College Computer Science Program: A Comprehensive Guide

Hunter College offers a comprehensive Computer Science program designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in both industry and advanced academic pursuits. Recognizing the demand for computer science graduates, Hunter College provides an accessible and affordable path to a Master of Arts in Computer Science. The Computer Science major at Hunter College requires a substantial commitment, typically spanning five to six semesters with a heavy course load. However, students with a less robust math background may require up to eight semesters to fulfill the requirements, given the program's emphasis on mathematical foundations.

Navigating the Introductory Courses

Hunter College offers multiple entry points into its Computer Science curriculum, catering to students with varying levels of experience and academic goals. The college provides three introductory computer science courses - CSCI 120, CSCI 127 and CSCI 135.

CSCI 120: Designed for liberal arts majors seeking a general understanding of computers, CSCI 120 provides an overview of computer technology. It is intended for non-majors and does not count towards the Computer Science major.
CSCI 127: A more rigorous introduction to computer science, CSCI 127 covers the basics of computer programming and is suitable for students without prior programming experience who intend to major in Computer Science. It offers a more rigorous introduction to the field than CSCI 120. Note that CSCI 120 nor 127 can be used toward the Computer Science major, but both count towards the GER.
CSCI 135: This course serves as the entry point for students with a solid math background and some prior programming experience. However, permission from the Chair of the Computer Science Department is required to enroll in CSCI 135 without completing CSCI 127.

Students considering a Computer Science major should prioritize MATH 125 (pre-calculus) and CSCI 127 early in their academic career. MATH 125 serves as a pre- or co-requisite for all courses from CSCI 127 through CSCI 150, while CSCI 127 is a prerequisite for CSCI 135, the first course specifically for majors.

Prerequisites and Waivers

All course prerequisites are carefully determined to help you do well in the Computer Science Major. Course prerequisites are part of Hunter's interactive registration computer system and will "block" you from being able to register for a particular course if the prerequisites are not met. Generally, course prerequisites can only be waived by the Chair of the Computer Science Department. However, if you feel that you meet a prerequisite but are still being blocked from registration, the first thing you should do is approach the instructor of the course that you want to take. He or she will be able to help guide you from that point. The Department also gives Test-out exams that will permit you to be placed past CSCI 135 or CSCI 150 for students with extensive computer programming experience and/or a very strong background in discrete mathematics. If you can pass the Test-out Exam with a grade of B or better, we will award you Credit by Exam for that course and permit you to take more advanced courses as if you had completed the course successfully. If you feel you are sufficiently expert in the course material covered in either CSCI 135 or CSCI 150, come to the Department Office and ask for a copy of the Test-out Guidelines and an application form.

Understanding Course Numbers and Sequencing

The course numbers provide guidance on the level and sequence of courses within the Computer Science curriculum. Prerequisite, GER courses, and the first Majors' courses are on the 100-level. Take the 145-245-345 (architecture and logic) sequence in numerical order. CSCI 265 and CSCI 340 should also be taken in numerical order.

Read also: Hunter Education Course Details

Maintaining Academic Standards

Each of the required and elective courses which count toward the major (including MATH/STAT courses) must be completed with a grade of C or better. In addition, you will be expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all courses required for the major. Students must also fulfill general education requirements (GER) as set forth by Hunter.

Exploring Specialized Topics

From time to time we offer subjects that are not part of our regular CSCI curriculum. A "Topics" course allows for the exploration of subjects that are not part of a regular course offering.

Independent Study and Research Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to delve into areas of particular interest through independent study and supervised research. Independent study must be approved, sponsored and supervised by a faculty member of the Computer Science Department. It is also possible to pursue up to 9 credits of Supervised Research (CSCI 496, 497, 498) if you are working closely with a faculty member on an original research project. Since an "original research project" is a project that seeks to discover, or develop something that has never been discovered or developed before, Supervised Research is usually very rewarding for the student, but is also potentially very demanding. Supervised Research requires approval from both the faculty member supervisor and the Department Chair.

Balancing Course Load

Courses require a great deal of time and a lot of effort. It is important that the material be understood thoroughly before you go on to a higher level. Students should seek guidance from a Computer Science advisor in planning your curriculum.

Transfer Credits

Students with computer science credits from another college should submit their transcripts through Admissions.

Programming Languages

The Department teaches the programming sequence (135, 235 and 335) in C++. Assembly language is taught in CSCI 145. LISP is taught in most sections of CSCI 350 (Artificial Intelligence), PROLOG in some Honors seminars, and SQL in CSCI 435 (Databases).

Additional Resources

For further information, students can refer to the information posted in the glass case outside of HN 1008.

Suggested Minors

The Computer Science Department does not mandate a specific minor.

Hunter College Computer Science Program Overview

The Computer Science major is part of the computer & information sciences program at Hunter College.

Available Degrees

Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in compsci from Hunter.
Master's Degree: During the 2021-2022 academic year, 6 compsci majors earned their master's degree from Hunter.

Rankings

Details on how Hunter ranks compared to other colleges offering a major in compsci.

Earnings

The median salary of compsci students who receive their bachelor's degree at Hunter is $76,747.

Student Demographics

During the 2021-2022 academic year, 276 students graduated with a bachelor's degree in compsci from Hunter. About 75% were men and 25% were women. The majority of bachelor's degree recipients in this major at Hunter are Asian American. During the 2021-2022 academic year, 6 compsci majors earned their master's degree from Hunter.

Tuition and Fees

During the 2022-2023 academic year, part-time undergraduate students at Hunter paid an average of $620 per credit hour if they came to the school from out-of-state.

Tuition

In State: $6,930
Out of State: $14,880

Fees: $452

Books and Supplies: $1,500

On Campus Room and Board: $11,324

On Campus Other Expenses: $3,834

Detailed Course Descriptions

CSCI 120 Introduction to Computer Concepts (3hrs, 3cr): Intended for non-majors. Principles of hardware operation, software and networking. Prereq: English and Math proficiency.
CSCI 127 Introduction to Computer Science (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: MATH 121, or 125 or 150. A technical introduction to computer science. Organization of hardware, software information, and an introduction to programming. a more rigorous introduction to the field than CSCI 120.
CSCI 135 Software Analysis and Design 1 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: One of the following: MATH 121, MATH 125, MATH 150, MATH 155. language (currently C++).
CSCI 145 Computer Architecture 1 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 135. elements, including ALU, memories, and interfaces.
CSCI 150 Discrete Structures (3hrs, 3cr): MATH 155. Mathematical background required for computer science.
CSCI 181, 182, 183 Independent Workshop (1hr, 1cr; 2hr, 2cr; 3hr, 3cr): in the department. aided instruction.
CSCI 235 Software Analysis and Design 2 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 135, CSCI 150, MATH 150. in computers, including process and data abstraction techniques.
CSCI 245 Computer Architecture 2 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 145 and 150, and MATH 150.
CSCI 265 Computer Theory I (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 245 and MATH 150.
CSCI 335 Software Design and Analysis 3 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 235 and MATH 155. algorithms. Problem solving techniques. analysis, and optimality. including NP-completeness.
CSCI 340 Operating Systems (3hrs, 3cr): 155. Definition of functions and components of operating systems. Survey of contemporary multiprocessing multiprogramming systems. of systems programs: their design, internal structure, and implementation.
CSCI 345 Computer Architecture 3 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 245 and MATH 155.
CSCI 350 Artificial Intelligence (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 235.
CSCI 355 Introduction to Linear Programming (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 235 and MATH 160. and game theory.
CSCI 365 Computer Theory II (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 265. Minsky's theorem. Determinism and non-determinism. the halting problem.
CSCI 385 Numerical Methods 1 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 135 and MATH 160. iterative and direct methods. equations.
CSCI 390, 391, 392 Independent Project (1hr, 1cr; 2hr, 2cr; 3hr, 3cr): and deptartment. member, in practical aspects of computing. maximum of six times.
CSCI 395 Topics in Computer Science (3hrs, 3cr): to registration.
CSCI 405 Software Engineering (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 335.
CSCI 415 Data Communications and Networks (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 335 and 340. of contemporary computer networks.
CSCI 435 Data Base Management (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq CSCI 335.
CSCI 450 Language Translation (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 265 and 335. and analysis techniques, as they pertain to formal programming languages.
CSCI 460 Advanced Programming Languages (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 265 and 335. modern programming languages.
CSCI 485 Numerical Methods 2 (3hrs, 3cr): Prereq: CSCI 385. interpolation, differentiation and integration, differential equations. Major project will be assigned.
CSCI 493 Seminar (3hrs, 3cr): prior to registration.

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