Undergraduate Programs
   

Hofstra offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Computer Science and a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering. The B.A. combines a major in computer science with a broad program in the liberal arts. The B.S. in Computer Science prepares the student for a professional career in computer science requiring a stronger foundation in mathematics and science, while still allowing the student the opportunity to explore the liberal arts. The B.S. in Computer Engineering aims at providing students with a solid education in the engineering of computer and digital systems with a strong liberal arts component.


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Candidates for graduation must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. The successful completion of at least 124 semester hours and a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 in work completed at Hofstra.
  2. At least 55 semester hours must be completed in the liberal arts excluding courses in computer science.
  3. There are two requirements that must ordinarily be completed in residence at Hofstra: 15 semester hours in the major field of specialization and the last 30 semester hours. The 15 semester hours need not be included within the last 30 hours.
  4. ENGL 1-2 or placement examination*, (see University Degree Requirements, page 71).
  5. 6 s.h. Humanities core (3 hours in appreciation and analysis (literature), 3 hours in creative participation).
  6. 6 s.h. Social Sciences core (3 hours in history and philosophy; 3 hours in behavioral social sciences).
  7. 3 s.h. Cross-Cultural core.
  8. 9 s.h. Humanities and/or Social Science (not limited to core).
  9. Minimum general requirements for the major: CSC 14, 15,16, 24, 110, 110A, 112, 120, 123, 155, 161, 163, 185, 190 and 12 semester hours in computer science electives numbered higher than 100. CSC 5 may be included as an elective in computer science if taken prior to CSC 15. MATH 19, 20 and at least one course in MATH beyond MATH 20; and 3 courses in natural sciences to include either PHYS 11A & 12A (with 11B, 12B laboratories) or CHEM 3A-4A (with 3B-4B laboratories). All science courses must be courses for science majors.
  10. A grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major.
  11. An overall average of C or better is required in CSC 14, 15, 16, and 24 for continuation in the major. In addition, a student may not take any of these four courses more than twice


Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering ()

Program Educational Objectives

Students desiring intensive study at the undergraduate level to develop proficiency in the fields of computer engineering, such as hardware, software, and systems that arise in the design, analysis, development, and application of computers and digital systems, will find this program to be a challenging and rewarding experience. The curriculum provides a broad foundation in the science and engineering of computers and digital systems with emphasis on theory, analysis, design, natural science, and discrete and continuous mathematics in a liberal arts setting. The broad range of Hofstra University resources in the humanities and social sciences make the liberal arts component especially enlightening.

Students will develop analytical, computer and applied skills which will enable them to analyze, design and test digital andcomputer systems, architectures, networks, and processes. Graduates will understand the various areas of computer engineering such as applied electronics, digital devices and systems, electromagnetic fields and waves, and computer architectures, systems, and networks. Graduates will also have an understanding of hardware issues, software issues and models, the interactions between these issues, and related applications. This thorough preparation in theoretical tools and laboratory experimentation will give graduates the skill and flexibility required to meet the ever changing demands on the computer engineer. The program is responsive to suggestions posed by industry leaders from the Long Island community.

Students will develop design skills progressively, beginning with their first courses in programming, circuit analysis, digital circuits, computer architectures, and networks and they will apply their accumulating knowledge to practical problems throughout the curriculum. This process culminates in the capstone design course, which complements the analytical part of the curriculum.

The thorough preparation afforded by the computer engineering curriculum includes the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. Hence, graduates will be well prepared for professional employment or advanced studies. The following generic indicators of achievement apply specifically to computer engineering graduates and provide methods to measure of the program’s effectiveness in meeting its stated objectives

  1. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, computer science, and electrical engineering;
  2. Ability to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze and interpret data;
  3. Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
  4. Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
  5. Ability to identify, formulate, and solve computer engineering problems;
  6. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
  7. Ability to communicate effectively;
  8. Broad education necessary to understand the impact ofengineering solutions in a global and societal context;
  9. Recognition of the need and ability to engage in life-long learning;
  10. Knowledge of contemporary issues;
  11. Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modem engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Candidates for graduation with the B.S degree in this area must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. The successful completion of at least 132 semester hours and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for all courses required for the major as well as an overall 2.0 GPA. Military Science may not be counted toward this total semester hour requirement.
  2. At least 57 credits must be completed in the liberal arts excluding courses in computer science and engineering. ENGG 149 may be used for liberal arts credit.
  3. There are two requirements that must ordinarily be completed in residence at Hofstra: 15 semester hours in the major field of specialization and the last 30 semester hours. The 15 semester hours need not be included within the last 30 hours.
  4. The general and major requirements are listed under the program below. Courses in computer science and engineering may not be taken on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.
  5. A cumulative average of C or better is required in the following courses: CSC 110 or ENGG 32A, CSC 112, CSC 120,CSC 153 or ENGG 153, CSC 175, ENGG 30, ENGG 36, and ENGG 177. A cumulative average of C or better is required in all computer science and engineering courses.


Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science ()

37 semester hours in computer science: CSC 14, 15, 16, 24, 110, 110A, 112, 120, 155
and 12 semester hours in computer science electives numbered higher than 100.

Science requirements: 12 semester hours in natural sciences to include either PHYS 11A & 12A (with 11B, 12B laboratories) or PHYS 1A & 2A (with 1B & 2B laboratories) or CHEM 3A-4A (with 3B-4B laboratories) or BIO 1 & 2. Additional requirements: MATH 19, 20. A grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major. An overall average of C or better is required in CSC 14, 15, 16, and 24 for continuation in the major. In addition, a student may
not take any of these four courses more than twice.


Minor in Computer Science ()

Consists of the successful completion of CSC 14, 15, 16 and an additional 9 semester hours in computer science courses which may include CSC 5 with at least 6 hours in residence, with grades C- or better.