EITEL LAURIA, Ph.D., Graduate Director, Department of Computing Technology

In addition to its undergraduate major in Computer Science, the Department of Computing Technology also offers a Master of Computer Science/Software Development degree. Acknowledging the exceptional caliber of some undergraduate students, whose coursework mirrors the depth and quality usually seen at the graduate level, the Department thus recognizes that these students could successfully participate in graduate classes. For these reasons the Department offers a five-year program in Computer Science, at the end of which the student will earn both B.S. and M.S. degrees. 

This program offers an accelerated way of obtaining a Master’s degree. Instead of remaining three additional semesters as full-time students to gain the MS at 152 credits (120 + 32), those CS undergraduate students who are admitted to this program will be required to take only 143 credits, or 23 additional credits that can be completed in two semesters, normally the fall and spring following their undergraduate studies. 

The five-year program is not appropriate for all students. Qualification occurs in the sixth semester. A cumulative GPA of 3.0, as well as a GPA of 3.0 in the major, is required for acceptance into and continuation in the program. Students interested in entering the five-year program should speak to any CS faculty member early in their studies at Marist, but no later than the beginning of their sixth semester. A faculty recommendation is required for admittance into the program. 

Two Concentrations 

The Master of Science Computer Science/Software Development at Marist College offers two concentrations to choose from while earning your MSCS degree. Five-year students are encouraged to explore the concentration that best suits their interest, background and/or career goals. 

• Cloud Computing Concentration: Designed to equip students with hands-on experience and practical skills directly applicable to real-world industry scenarios, this concentration encompasses comprehensive courses in Networking, Security Protocols and Cloud Computing, ensuring a robust understanding and proficiency in these critical technological areas. 

• Artificial Intelligence Concentration: The newly developed AI concentration is crafted for students aiming to specialize in the fusion of AI methodologies with computational systems, offering an in-depth exploration of reasoning, planning and search, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning and applications such as natural language processing and computer vision. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application, students will develop the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape 

Dual Degree (Five-Year) Program 

In the current program, students apply in the second semester of their junior year and if accepted, begin the five-year program in the first semester of what would have been their senior year. Students in the current program earn 143 credits. Students take up to three graduate classes in their senior year that count toward their undergraduate degree in terms of credits. In the fifth year, students take all graduate classes to complete their degree. See the tables below for details. (Programs Requirements and Recommended Sequence of Courses).