Program: M.S. in Computer Science - Hofstra University

Jun 21, 2025

2004-2005 Graduate Bulletin

This program is differentiated from the M.A. in Computer Science by the provision for a balance between the three major areas of computer science, namely theory, software and hardware. In addition to the fundamental courses in algorithms and operating systems, this program requires students to select one additional course from each of these three primary areas. Four elective courses allow a student to narrow their specialization into a specific area or subfield in computing. The program thus ensures that students take courses that provide both breadth and depth in computer science courses. The two-semester thesis capstone experience challenges students to expand the frontiers of the discipline. It also provides a path towards a terminal degree (Ph.D. or D.Sc.) in computer science. Students have completed capstone experiences in areas such as data mining, distributed computing, medical imaging, network emulation, archeological artifact assembly, and character recognition.

Admission Requirements

Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
An undergraduate minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Achievement in General (verbal, quantitative and analytical writing) GRE scores.

Prerequisite Requirements

Students may satisfy any or all of the prerequisites listed below by having completed, or enrolling in, these courses or their equivalents at an accredited institution. With the permission of the Graduate Program Director, eligible students may elect to sit for proficiency examinations. Applicants without undergraduate computer science degrees may be admitted as provisionally matriculated students if they meet all admission criteria except for the required prerequisites. They can enroll in graduate courses if they meet individual course prerequisites and satisfy the general requirements before completing 12 semester hours of graduate study. This condition is automatically lifted as soon as the prerequisites or their equivalents are satisfactorily completed.

Discrete Mathematics
Computer Science I
Computer Science II
Algorithms and Data Structures
Computer Organization/Computer Architecture
Operating Systems
Theory of Computing (Formal Languages and Automata Theory)
Calculus II (Integral Calculus and Analytical Geometry)

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 33

The M.S. in Computer Science requires the satisfactory completion of a 33 semester hour program including 4 required courses (including the thesis courses), 3 breadth courses and 4 electives. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters. Part-time students usually complete the program in 6 or 7 semesters. Courses taken in other departments as electives require written departmental approval. At least 27 semester hours must be in graduate computer science courses. Up to 6 semester hours of graduate courses in areas outside of computer science may be taken with the written approval of the Graduate Program Director. At least 27 semester hours must be completed in residence at Hofstra. A minimum 3.0 average with a grade of C or better in all courses is required.

Required Courses

CSC 204 - Algorithms I: Sorting and Searching Credits: 3 s.h.
CSC 256 - Advanced Operating Systems Design Credits: 3 s.h.
CSC 301 - Thesis Credits: 3 s.h.
CSC 302 - Thesis Credits: 3 s.h.

Breadth Courses

Choose 1 course from each area

Elective Courses - Semester Hours: 12

Choose any graduate level course in computer science or from other graduate programs with written approval.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all program requirements.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.

Bulletin

M.S. in Computer Science