Our Computer Science undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize actual implementation of the ideas, algorithms, and theories that are covered in our courses. Our students get substantial experience with machine-level programming and quickly develop direct experience with computer architecture, networks and operating systems. This approach results in a deep understanding of computer hardware and software systems.

Computer Science students are encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to computer systems: searching for the best balance between the demands of the program and the limitations of the environment. Software development is executed by teams of students, emulating real-world situations while simultaneously allowing students to develop responsibility and leadership skills.

Because of the need for our students to obtain good field experience, all of our upper-level and graduate Computer Science classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate students who are working during the day. We offer small classes, a convenient downtown location, friendly and devoted faculty, and excellent computing facilities.

The Suffolk University Computer Lab facilities are continually updated to reflect the same technology students will find in career positions. Equally as important, the faculty takes great pride in working with each student to develop high personal standards that lead to rewarding careers.

Computer Science Major Programs

A student majoring in computer science must successfully complete 40 credits of coursework in computer science (with a GPA of at least 2.0) plus 32 credits of coursework in mathematics and science distributed as follows.

Major course requirements

Computer Science: (40 credits)

• CMPSC-F131 (F600) Computer Science I
• CMPSC-F132 (F601) Computer Science II
• CMPSC-F253 (F602) Assembly Language and Computer Structure
• CMPSC-F265 (F603) Data Structures and Algorithms
• CMPSC-F333 (F606) Organization of Programming Languages
• CMPSC-F345 Software Engineering
• CMPSC-F353 (F604) Architecture of Computer Systems
• CMPSC-F355 (F605) Operating Systems
• CMPSC-F363 (F607) Introduction to Database Systems
• Computer Science Elective Course*

*One additional 4-credit Computer Science elective to make a total of at least 40 credits. These courses are normally chosen from computer science courses numbered 300 or higher. Substitutions of any other courses require prior written approval by the Mathematics and Computer Science department chair. Transfer students should consult with that department chair to determine whether or not computer science courses taken elsewhere are admissible as major electives.

Complementary major requirements

Mathematics: (20 credits)

• MATH-165 Calculus I
• MATH-166 Calculus II
• MATH-220 (CMPSC-M611) Math for Scientists and Engineers
• MATH-285 (CMPSC-M612) Discrete Mathematics
• MATH-341 Probability and Mathematical Statistics

Physics (12 credits):

• PHYS 151 University Physics I
• PHYS L151 University Physics Lab I
• PHYS 152 University Physics II
• PHYS L152 University Physics Lab II
• Science Elective (one additional 4-credit course in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

Computer Science Minor

To qualify for a minor in computer science, a student must successfully complete (with a GPA of at least 2.0) 20 credits of course work in computer science distributed as follows:

• CMPSC-F131 (F600) Computer Science I
• CMPSC-F132 (F601) Computer Science II
• CMPSC-F253 (F602) Assembly Language and Computer Structure
• CMPSC-F265 (F603) Data Structures and Algorithms
• Computer Science Elective courses*

* One additional 4-credit Computer Science Elective to make a total of at least 20 credits must be chosen from Computer Science courses numbered 200 or higher. Substitutions of any other courses require prior written approval by the Mathematics and Computer Science department chair. Transfer students should consult with that department chair to determine whether or not computer science courses taken elsewhere are admissible as minor electives.