DEGREE
Bachelor of Arts
CAREER IDEAS
Computer & Information Scientist, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician, Computer Applications Engineer, Computer Programmer, Computer Security Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Administrator, Logistician, Materials Inspector, Radiation Protection Engineer, Technological Espionage Intelligence Agent
Students who pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science degree at Manhattanville College know that laptops, phones, and game consoles don’t just work by magic. These devices are understandable, they’re controllable, and majoring in computer science allows you to be part of the reason that magic happens. The computer science degree program at Manhattanville equips students for jobs in computer science or for further graduate study through hands-on projects, mentorships, and internships that teach the necessary skills to apply theoretical knowledge to real programs, systems, and devices. With a variety of course offerings and opportunities to complete real software development projects, Manhattanville’s bachelor’s in computer science degree program ensures graduates can use technology to solve the world’s problems and stand out in the highly competitive computer science job market.
Program Overview
Computer science majors will learn that while computer science is an applied science, where skills and knowledge are used to accomplish a goal or test a theory, it’s also a theoretical science. After earning a B.A. in Computer Science, you’ll not only understand the structures and limitations of computer science, but you’ll be able to devise algorithms and design languages that others can apply.
Whether you’re building the next Candy Crush, protecting a business from information-stealing hackers, or helping the government analyze reams of data to combat international threats, computer science skills are sought after in a variety of industries.
Through a foundation of mathematical and analytical skills, development projects, and courses in applied and theoretical computer science, the B.A. in Computer Science uniquely prepares undergraduates for careers in computer science or graduate computer science programs.
Watch Professor Jonathan Munson’s overview of the computer science department:
Degree Requirements and Outcomes
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree requires a minimum of 120 credits. Requirements for the computer science major consist of core classes in computer science and a final project completed in your senior year.
Manhattanville’s computer science major requires:
- Around 10 core computer science courses
- Two advanced computer science or math elective courses
- Completion of the Senior Evaluation, where students develop and present a capstone project like a new device or piece of software
With this degree program, you’ll learn fundamental and advanced computer science topics like:
- Program design
- Data structures, algorithms, and database design
- Computer architecture and low-level programming
- Java programming and programming languages
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity and computer networks
- Necessary math and science knowledge
Computer science majors can personalize their degree toward their interests, with courses often offered in AI, machine learning, and deep learning. Students also decide whether to direct a portion of core classes toward advanced mathematics or a path including applications of web development and interactive media systems.
In addition to core computer science courses and the senior evaluation project, the bachelor’s degree requires general education courses in subjects like math, science, humanities, global perspectives, and languages. The First Year Experience program specifically includes a freshman seminar and academic writing courses emphasizing critical thinking skills and effective communication.
Review complete computer science degree curriculum, including general education requirements.
Computer Science Courses and Senior Project
The bachelor’s in computer science program is designed to integrate valuable coding and programming with effective classroom instruction. Core computer science courses cover necessary math and programming skills, design and analysis skills, and formal processes used in the computer science industry.
As a computer science major, you’ll take courses like:
- Computer Programming I and II
- Database Design and Construction
- Programming Language
- Computer Systems Architecture and Programs
In these courses, you might work on actual client projects, create websites, or design apps, but the B.A. in Computer Science culminates in the Senior Evaluation project, where students spend their senior year researching, producing, and presenting a final project such as a program, device, or system.
Over the fall and spring semesters of your senior year, the Senior Evaluation will consist of:
- Identifying possible projects and conducting background research
- Proposing your project idea at the end of the fall semester
- Developing your final product in the spring semester
- Creating and presenting a report of your experience
Explore more computer science course offerings, including the Senior Evaluation.
In the below video, Jonathan Munson, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, provides an overview of the computer science program offerings and the Senior Evaluation project.
Data Lab: Computer Science Internship
The Data Lab is where a group of Manhattanville students and faculty members meet weekly in the Design Thinking Center to tackle actual client projects using technology. Whether other academic departments at Manhattanville need help to analyze data or a local organization needs assistance on a project, the Data Lab is a great way to get exposed to different applications of computer science in the real world.
Faculty in the Data Lab are happy to advise students who wish to do an Independent Study, or co-advise Senior or Capstone projects. If you work on a project at the Data Lab, it counts as an internship, showing future employers you have experience working with a team to achieve a result. Explore Data Lab projects.
For more information, interested students or prospective partners from local businesses and non-profits can contact Jonathan.Munson@mville.edu.
Application Requirements
Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, information assurance, or software development, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science is the first step toward a fulfilling career in any industry.
Review Manhattanville’s undergraduate admissions process and the scholarships and aid available to you.
Apply to the B.A. in Computer Science at Manhattanville College
Manhattanville’s Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree lets students practice the skills they’ve learned on actual projects, mastering math, computer, and communication skills they need for future employment or graduate degrees in technology.
To get started, request information about the degree in computer science, plan a campus visit, or start your application.
Faculty and Staff
Mirela Djordjevic
Paul Ellis
A. Mia Heissan
Phyllis Lefton
Jonathan Munson
Faculty Emeriti
Arnold Koltun
Edward Schwartz
Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information.
Division Chair: Christopher J. Pappas, Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu, (914) 323-1276
Related Programs
Masters in Education- CS+ (Coming soon!)
Related Minors
Data Science