Computer Programming and Information Systems

Bachelor of Science Degree

Demand continues to be strong for students skilled in Information Technology. Of the top 10 degrees in demand for bachelor’s degree levels, four are computer related. They include the following degrees:

Computer Science
Information Science and Systems
Computer Engineering
Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing

As reported in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of programmers, web developers, systems analysts and network architects is projected to grow in the range of 22 – 30 percent in the decade 2020 to 2030, faster than the average projected growth for overall occupations that is 8%.

The Computer Programming and Information Systems baccalaureate degree program requires a set of core courses that all graduates must take. The Core courses provide a diverse but fundamental foundation in technology necessary to create a technology savvy individual. In addition, the student selects elective courses, each of which provides a deeper dive into one or more of the areas of computing, including programming, systems development, networking, web development, database, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.

This program touches on all aspects of computer programming and information systems. It provides a practical hands-on approach to programming with an emphasis on solving business problems.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Software Engineer
Mobile Application Developer
Programmer/Analyst
Web Developer
Database Administrator
Network Administrator
AI Engineer
Quality Assurance Technician
Systems Analyst
IT Support Engineer

Programmers convert project specifications, addressing problem statements and procedures, into detailed coding in a computer language. They will also develop and write computer programs to store and retrieve documents, data and information.

The Systems Analyst analyzes business, scientific and technical problems for application to computer-based systems.

For those interested in networking, our program offers courses in conjunction with the Cisco Networking Academy. Students taking and passing these courses receive training certifications for each course directly from Cisco. These courses prepare each student for taking the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.

Web Development professionals are in demand due to the growth of the Internet and the expansion of the World Wide Web (the graphical portion of the Internet). This rapid growth has generated a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of Web sites and their servers.

Database professionals will be prepared to design and administer the advanced databases that industry relies on.

Computer Programming & Information Systems (BS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will be trained as technical problem solvers and will receive the knowledge and skills necessary to function and grow in this high-demand workforce.
  • Graduates will have had experiential learning opportunities such as internships and/or capstone projects.
  • Graduates will have an understanding of social and ethical issues as it relates to information technology.
  • Graduates will be effective communicators and work successfully in teams.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Computer Programming and Information Systems | Dr. David Gerstl | cpis@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2190

Fall 2024

Subject to revision

College Requirement (1 credit)
FYE First Year Experience* 1

Liberal Arts and Sciences (61-63 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
EGL 310 Technical Writing OR
PCM 324 Report Writing and Technical Communications OR
Upper Division Liberal Arts Elective as advised 3
Communication- Written and Oral (SPE 130, SPE 202, SPE 330, SPE 331 / PCM 331) (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
Social Sciences (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning (GE) 6-8
MTH 130 Calculus I w Applications (GE) 4
MTH 110 Statistics 3
300 level Arts & Sciences Elective 9
Any level Arts & Sciences Elective 9
Arts & Sciences Elective 300 level if SPE 130 or SPE 202 used for oral communications gen ed 3
Required: Business & Computer Systems (60 credits)
BCS 109 Introduction to Programming 3
CSC 111 Computer Programming I 3
BCS 160 Computers, Society, and Technology 3
CSC 211 Computer Programming II 3
BCS 215 UNIX Operating System 3
CSC 229 Data Structures and Algorithms I 3
BCS 260 Introduction to Database Systems 3
BCS 262 Data Communications OR
BCS 208 Introduction to Networks 3
BCS 300 Management Information Systems 3
BCS 301W Systems Analysis and Design 3
CSC 325 Software Engineering 3
BCS 350 Web Database Development 3
BCS 378 Information Security 3
BCS 430 Senior Project 3
BUS/BCS/CSC Elective** 3
BCS/CSC Elective** 3
BCS/CSC upper-level elective 12

Curriculum Summary

*First Year Experience is required for all first time full time students

**BCS 102 cannot be used to meet this elective

Technical Electives can be fulfilled with any appropriate level BCS/CSC courses

The following courses must be completed in residency

  • BCS301W System Analysis and Design,
  • BCS350 Web Database Development,
  • BCS378 Information Security, and
  • BCS430 Senior Project

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 121-122

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.

As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

1: For all BCS/CSC courses that require a BCS/CSC prerequisite, the BCS/CSC prerequisite must be completed with a grade of C or better.
2: Students must complete at least 18 credits with BCS/CSC designation at Farmingdale.
3: Students with life experience may challenge up to 3 courses (9 credits via credit-by-evaluation).

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

EGL 310 Technical Writing

A detailed study of the fundamentals of writing technical reports and other technical communications. Topics emphasized include the elements of a technical report, the interpretation of statistics and data, and the composition of letters, memos, and informal reports containing technical information. Assignments and student exercises are drawn from the student's technical area. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

PCM 324 Technical Communications

A practicum in which students produce a variety of business oriented and technical documents. This course provides students with a survey of current practices and techniques appropriate to writing for forums, especially for technical journals, newspapers, and magazines. It is also designed to make students proficient at writing professional articles and reports such as new product information sheets, technical correspondence, periodic reports, summaries, process and technical descriptions, instructions and analysis, and to allow students to incorporate graphs, tables and other illustrative matter with textual content. Prerequisite(s): Upper division standing or permission of department chair.

SPE 130 Public Speaking

This course prepares students in the following areas of effective expository and persuasive public speaking: audience analysis; topic selection; appropriate use and documentation of supporting material; organization and outlining techniques; aspects of delivery which include appropriate eye contact, posture, use of notes, elements of voice such as rate and volume, and the use of presentational visual aids. Group discussion and problem solving exercises will also be provided, and students will engage in peer feedback throughout the course.

SPE 202 Interpersonal Communications

An Introduction to effective interpersonal communication skills covering areas such as effective and active listening, feedback techniques, the effects of self-concept and perception in daily communications, and non-verbal and cross-cultural communication. These skills will be developed through class lectures, group exercises, and individual activities and assignments. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

SPE 330 Professional and Technical Speech

A course designed to prepare students to develop and deliver oral presentations in a professional, business, scientific, or technical context, stressing methods of presenting information specific to students’ disciplines. Students use audio-visual materials or technology to enhance their presentations. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

SPE 331 Advanced Oral Communications

This course is designed to develop effective and professional communication in the areas of communication theory, advanced presentation skills, and voice and diction. A major component of the course provides students with a personalized voice and diction diagnostic profile which informs each student of specific speech characteristics they present that deviate from Standard Eastern Dialect. Particular attention is given to New York Regional Dialect and foreign accent reduction. The course also introduces various theoretical systems of communication. There is a strong focus on the development and effective application of presentational skills in both public and group/team environments with an emphasis on professional settings. All aspects of the course contain written components which include student readings and reports as well as comprehensive speech outlines. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MTH 130 Calculus I with Applications

This is a calculus course for those not majoring in Mathematics. Topics include the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, applications of the derivative and the definite integral. Applications are taken from technology, science, and business. Problem solving is stressed. A graphing calculator is required. Note: Students completing this course will not receive credit for MTH 150. This course may be non-transferable to science programs, such as Engineering Science or Computer Science, at other institutions. Prerequisite(s): MP4 or MTH 117 or 129

MTH 110 Statistics

Basic concepts of probability and statistical inference. Included are the binominal, normal, and chi-square distributions. Practical applications are examined. Computer assignments using Minitab form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

BCS 109 Introduction to Programming

Using Python, this course covers the basic concepts of computer programming. Python is an easy-to learn, high-level computer programming language that is widely used in many applications. This course introduces the fundamental elements of programming such as expressions, conditionals, loops, functions, files, and then use these elements to create simple interactive applications. This course covers also simple GUI and animation-based applications.

CSC 111 Computer Programming I

This is an introductory programming course. Students will be taught basic concepts of computer programming and problem solving using an object-oriented language. Selection, repetition, methods, classes, and arrays will be covered. Note: CSC 101 is recommended as a prerequisite, but not required for this course. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for BCS 120.

BCS 160 Computers, Society and Technology

This is an introductory course that provides students with the knowledge to stay current and informed in a technology-oriented, global society. Students will receive instruction in basic computer concepts and terminology, the fundamentals of the Windows operating system and have hands-on experience at the beginning to intermediate level using Microsoft Excel and Access. The Internet will be used to supplement textbook and lecture materials. Note: Students taking this course may not receive credit for BCS 102.

CSC 211 Computer Programming II

This course expands upon the knowledge and skills presented in Computer Programming I. Topics covered include: stack and heap memory, exception handling, inheritance, polymorphism, recursion, abstract types, unit testing, and basic GUI programming. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for BCS 230 Prerequisite(s): CSC 111 OR BCS 120 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 215 UNIX Operating Systems

This course develops the fundamental knowledge of computer operating systems using UNIX. Topics include basic understanding of the UNIX system, utilizing the file system, programming language and security system. BCS 120 or CSC 111 may be taken as a Prerequisite or Corequisite. Prerequisite(s): BCS 120 or CSC 111 Corequisite(s): BCS 120 or CSC 111

CSC 229 Data Structures & Algorithms I

This course is the first of a two course sequence that teaches students to efficiently apply programming techniques to problems commonly encountered in application programming. Fundamental data structures, including stacks, queues, lists, and trees are discussed and implemented. Students are introduced to the asymptotic analysis of algorithms into standard equivalency classes. Emphasis is placed on good programming practices. Students are evaluated both on their theoretical knowledge as well as on their performance on a variety of programming projects. NOTE: Students completing this course may not receive credit for BCS 370. Prerequisite(s): CSC 211 or BSC 230 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 260 Introduction to Database Systems

This course provides the fundamental knowledge of database concepts. Topics studied will include the history and advantages of database systems, and the process of database design including entity-relationship diagrams and database normalization. Students will have hands-on experience using SQL (Structured Query Language). Prerequisite(s): (BCS 120 or CSC 111) and BCS 160 all with a grade of C or higher

BCS 262 Data Communications

This course is an introduction to the concepts and applications of computer networking and its role in the business world today. Topics include: history of networking and applications, voice and data communications, hardware, transmission, network topologies, network analysis, the OSI model, design, implementation and management issues.

BCS 208 Introduction to Networks

This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple LAN’s, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. The laboratory component of this course will give the students hands-on experience configuring equipment needed to build a LAN. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore status

BCS 300 Management Information Systems

Managers have increasing responsibility for determining their information system needs and for designing and implementing information systems that support these needs. Management information systems integrate, for purposes of information requirements, the accounting, finance, and operations management functions of an organization. This course will examine the various levels and types of software and information systems required by an organization to integrate these functions. Prerequisite(s): BUS 109, BCS 109, BUS 111, or BCS 160

CSC 325 Software Engineering

This course discusses the fundamental knowledge of software engineering methods and supporting tools in the context of modern software development. This course takes a close look at the various phases of software projects: definition, design, development, .delivery, management, and maintenance. The modern methodologies used in each of these phases will be explored, as well as their integration into successful projects. Students will learn through individual and team projects how to use version control systems and apply the principles of V software quality assurance. Prerequisite(s): CSC 229 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 350 Web Database Development

This advanced course prepares the student to use database management systems with web server software to develop and maintain the information content of a web site. Students in the course should have prior knowledge of programming and database management systems. Prerequisite(s): BCS 260 with a grade of C or higher.

BCS 378 Information Security

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of computer and network security. Topics covered include fundamental concepts and principles of computer security, basic cryptography, public key infrastructure, authentication and access control, threats and vulnerabilities, intrusion detection/prevention systems and network security, operating system security, software and data security, web security, and managerial and ethical issues in computer security. Prerequisite(s): (BCS 262 or BCS 208 or CSC 332) and (BCS 230 or CSC 211) with a grade of C or higher

BCS 430 Senior Project

The primary objective of this capstone course is to give Computer Programming and Information Systems students an opportunity to integrate techniques and concepts acquired in their other courses. Elements will be drawn primarily from BCS 301 (Systems Analysis and Design) and BCS 260 (Database) in addition to other courses in the student's selected track of study. The course is experiential in nature, i.e. the student will be required to produce results for use by real individuals and will be evaluated both on process and product. Note: Students cannot get credit for BCS 430 and 430W; BCS 430W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): BCS 301W, BCS 350 and CSC 325 all with a grade of C or higher.

Last Modified 7/11/24