Mission Statement

The mission of the program is twofold: (1) to provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of computer science in order to help them develop into knowledgeable, responsible professionals and lifelong learners, able to create and implement the latest computing technologies for the betterment of society; and (2) to develop independent thinkers who can provide leadership in the computing industry or academia, and who will have deep insights into the fundamentals of computer science, a broad perspective in the established and emerging fields of computing, and expertise in fields of their choice.

Program Description

The combined degree program in computer science provides outstanding CSC students at Hofstra an opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within approximately five years. Among the 30 semester hours of required graduate-level courses, 6 semester hours, to be taken when the qualified undergraduate student has attained senior standing, can be used toward both the BA and MS degrees.

Direct admission to the dual-degree program (BA and MS)

Incoming first-year students may apply for direct admission to this dual-degree program. For those who choose to submit a standardized test score, a 1240 or better on the critical reading and mathematics sections of the SAT (or an ACT score of 25) is recommended.  Applicants must have an overall high school GPA of 3.5 (or be in the top 15 percent of their high school graduating class) in order to be considered for admission. First-year students admitted directly to the dual-degree program will be admitted automatically to the MS program in computer science at the end of their junior year provided they fulfill the following requirements:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application to the MS program, or upon completion of 78 s.h. of course work toward their BA degree in computer science.
2. Successful completion core CSC courses: CSC 014, 015, 016, 017, 110, and at least one of the courses CSC 112, 120 or 123 by the end of the semester in which they apply for admission to the dual-degree program.

Admission requirements for currently enrolled Hofstra students

Eligible Hofstra undergraduate computer science majors may apply for admission to the program. The following requirements must be met:

1. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
2. Completion of core CSC courses: CSC 014, 015, 016, 017, 110, and at least one of the courses CSC 112, 120 or 123.
3. Applicants must submit applications after successfully completing a minimum of 78 undergraduate credits but prior to enrolling in their last 12 credits of course work toward the BA in computer science.

Overall GPA of at least 3.0 must be maintained after admission to the program. 

Program Requirements

Students must meet all degree requirements as stated in the curricula of the BA program in computer science and the MS program in computer science. The only exception is that 6 semester hours of graduate work may be used toward both degrees. Students must discuss the eligible courses with the graduate adviser. Students who have received a grade of B or above in any of CSC 112, CSC 120, or CSC 123 should not take the corresponding course: CSC 204 , 252 , or 256 . The same applies to any CSC elective which is cross-listed with a graduate course. In any of these cases, the student will select, under the advisement of the graduate director, alternative CSC graduate courses to fulfill the degree requirement. A student who has earned a grade lower than B in CSC 112, or CSC 120, or CSC 123 must retake the corresponding graduate course (CSC 204 , 252 , or 256 ) in order to satisfy the degree requirements.

Computer Science, BA Major in (requirements)

Computer Science, MS  (requirements)

Graduation Requirements

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