Department Website
Program Description
Computing plays an increasingly important role in almost all fields. It is a very diverse discipline that comprises both theory and applications and incorporates the design and analysis of computing technology. The Department of Computer Science is part of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, a world-renowned center for the study of mathematics and computer science.
The department offers four major programs: the Computer Science major, the joint Computer Science/Data Science major, the joint Economics/Computer Science major, and the joint Mathematics/Computer Science major. The department also offers three minor programs: the Computer Science minor, the Web Programming and Applications minor, and the joint Mathematics/Computer Science minor. The goal of the majors is to train students in fundamental principles of computer science as well as many practical aspects of software development. Courses combine practical programming experience with techniques for analyzing problems and designing computer algorithms. The goal of the minors is to train students to be proficient users of computers and computer software with less emphasis on the underlying technology and mathematical tools.
Advanced undergraduate students can work on a variety of research projects with the faculty. Outstanding undergraduates may pursue a master's degree through an accelerated five-year program.
Honors Program
Students interested in graduate or professional school are especially urged to pursue honors. They must consult with the directors of undergraduate studies in the Departments of both Computer Science and Mathematics for advisement and for permission to enter the honors program (ideally early in their sophomore year). A minimum GPA of 3.65 both overall and in the major is required. Research work must culminate in a thesis (typically 40 to 60 pages in length) to be presented at the College’s Undergraduate Research Conference, held every April.
The honors track requires fifteen 4-credit courses (60 credits), which is three courses (12 credits) more than the non-honors track, as outlined below.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
Program Requirements
The major in Computer Science requires twelve 4-credit courses (48 credits) as outlined below.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of program requirements, students are expected to have acquired:
- Skills in writing computer programs and designing software systems.
- An understanding of the foundational algorithms and data structures used in computer software.
- An understanding of what is going on "under the hood" of computer software in terms of the underlying computer architecture and operating systems.
- Deeper knowledge of some specific areas of computer science and its applications.
Policies
Program Policies
Policy on Declaration of Major or Minor
Students must complete either CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science or CSCI-UA 102 Data Structures (depending on placement) with a grade of C or better before they can declare the major or minor in Computer Science; the joint majors with both Economics and Mathematics; or the joint minor with Mathematics. To declare the joint major in Computer and Data Science, students must first meet this prerequisite and also complete either DS-UA 111 Principles of Data Science I or DS-UA 112 Principles of Data Science II (depending on placement) with a grade of C or better. To declare the minor in Web Programming and Applications, students must first complete their choice of either (1) CSCI-UA 2 Introduction to Computer Programming (No Prior Experience) or CSCI-UA 3 Introduction to Computer Programming (Limited Prior Experience) (depending on placement) or (2) CSCI-UA 4 Introduction to Web Design and Computer Principles with a grade of C or better. These policies apply to all NYU students, not just to those matriculated in CAS.
Required Coursework in CAS (-UA) for all Majors and Minors in Courant
At least half of the courses applied to the Courant requirements of the CAS majors and minors in Computer Science and in Mathematics (including joint programs) must be CSCI-UA and MATH-UA courses taken in New York or at NYU study away sites. This is a built-in limit on how many courses students may take in these subjects that are (for example) sponsored by NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai under CS-UH, MATH-UH, CENG-SHU, CSCI-SHU, and MATH-SHU. Internal and external transfers must pay close attention to this policy, but it also applies to students who matriculate as first-years. The usual CAS policies on -UA residency for the baccalaureate degree still apply.
Other Policies Applying to the Major
- A grade of C or better is necessary in all courses used to fulfill major requirements; courses graded Pass/Fail do not count toward the major.
- To enroll in CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science students must first fulfill the prerequisite CSCI-UA 2 Introduction to Computer Programming (No Prior Experience) or CSCI-UA 3 Introduction to Computer Programming (Limited Prior Experience). Alternatively, they must first present a score of 3 on the AP Computer Science exam; students with a score of 4 or 5 may also register for CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science (they are encouraged but not obliged to start with CSCI-UA 102 Data Structures), but they will forfeit the AP credit. Finally, students may take a placement test given by the department to enter CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science.
- Advanced Placement (AP) credit for Computer Science A is the equivalent of CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science and counts toward the major. A score of 4 or 5 on AP Computer Principles can be used as an equivalent to either CSCI-UA 2 Introduction to Computer Programming (No Prior Experience) or CSCI-UA 3 Introduction to Computer Programming (Limited Prior Experience). However, the AP exam in Computer Science Principles cannot count toward any major or minor in this department.
- Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science exam are encouraged to register for CSCI-UA 102 Data Structures but are not obliged to; they may choose to take CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science before CSCI-UA 102 Data Structures (and forfeit the AP credit).
- Students will also lose AP credit if they take certain other courses in the department; this is noted in the relevant course descriptions.
- Students are required to take CSCI-UA 101 Intro to Computer Science through CSCI-UA 201 Computer Systems Org in sequence.
- Note that Albert will automatically block: students who complete CSCI-UA 2 Introduction to Computer Programming (No Prior Experience) with a C or better from registering for CSCI-UA 3 Introduction to Computer Programming (Limited Prior Experience); students who complete CSCI-UA 467 Applied Internet Technology with a C or better from registering for CSCI-UA 61 Web Development and Programming; and students who complete CSCI-UA 479 Data Management and Analysis with a C or better from registering for CSCI-UA 60 Database Design and Implementation.
- CAS students (in any major or minor) are not permitted to take computer science courses in the Tandon School of Engineering.
- Those interested in the honors program should start the major early enough to take major electives starting in the first semester of junior year.
- Those interested in spending a semester away should work out their schedule with an adviser as early as possible.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
College of Arts and Science Policies
A full list of relevant academic policies can be found on the CAS Academic Policies page.