B.S. in Computer Science
Academic Advisor: https://computing.njit.edu/advising
B.S. in Computer Science
The B.S. in Computer Science builds a rigorous foundation in computing fundamentals, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity, developing the critical thinking and research skills that translate across a rapidly changing field. The degree may be earned with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Privacy, AI: Learning and Reasoning, or AI: Systems and Infrastructure.
Program Requirements
The program requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credits. The following plan of study illustrates a typical path to completion.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | Credits | |
| CS 100 | Roadmap to Computing | 3 |
| MATH 111 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 | English Composition: Introduction to Academic Writing | 3 |
| PHYS 111 | Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 111A | Physics I Lab | 1 |
| FYS SEM | First-Year Student Seminar | 0 |
| Term Credits | 14 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| CS 113 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| MATH 112 | Calculus II | 4 |
| ENGL 102 | English Composition: Introduction to Writing for Research | 3 |
| PHYS 121 | Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 121A | Physics II Lab | 1 |
| Term Credits | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 1st Semester | ||
| CS 114 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 201 The Artificial Neuron | 1 | |
| CS 275 Learning Algorithms | 1 | |
| YWCC 207 | Computing & Effective Com | 1 |
| MATH 337 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| History and Humanities GER 200 level | 3 | |
| General Elective 1, 2 | 3 | |
| Term Credits | 15 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| CS 241 | Foundations of Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 280 | Programming Language Concepts | 3 |
| CS 307 Graphs, Tensors, and AI Computing | 1 | |
| IS 350 | Computers, Society and Ethics | 3 |
| COM 312 or COM 313 | Effective Communication or Writing in the Workplace | 3 |
| MATH 333 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Term Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| 1st Semester | ||
| CS 288 | Intensive Programming in Linux | 3 |
| CS 332 | Principles of Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 341 | Foundations of Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 356 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS/IS/IT/DS Elective 200 or above 2 | 3 | |
| Term Credits | 15 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| CS 331 | Database System Design & Mgmt | 3 |
| CS 350 | Intro to Computer Systems | 3 |
| CS 351 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| YWCC 307 | Professional Dev in Computing | 1 |
| CS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| Social Science GER | 3 | |
| Term Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1st Semester | ||
| CS 435 | Advanced Data Structures and Algorithm Design | 3 |
| CS 490 | Guided Design in Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| CS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| History and Humanities GER 300+ level | 3 | |
| Term Credits | 15 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| CS 491 | Senior Project | 3 |
| CS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| CS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| CS/IS/IT/DS Elective 300 or above 2 | 3 | |
| Humanities and Social Science Senior Seminar GER | 3 | |
| Term Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1.
A general elective is any 3 credit course except a course that is already required for your program or any course covering prerequisite material for first semester courses in your program.
- 2
- Rules on Electives:
- Students who want to earn their B.S. with a concentration must carefully select their elective courses in order to satisfy the concentration requirements. Students are advised to read the corresponding catalog section, and consult the YWCC academic advisors.
- CS 485, DS 485, IS 485, IT 485: At most 6 credits from these Special Topics courses may count toward the degree. If 6 credits are used, at least 3 must be from CS 485. Only approved CS 485 special topics courses may be used to satisfy concentration requirements.
- YWCC 310, YWCC 410, YWCC 411: At most 3 credits from these Co-OP courses may count toward their general elective requirements.
- These courses cannot count as electives: Computing Literacy GER, ENGL 099, PHYS 102,
MATH 105, MATH 107, MATH 226, MATH 244, MATH 326, MATH 341, DS 340, IS 331.
Minimum Grade Requirements
- Students are expected to earn a grade of B or better in CS 100 Roadmap to Computing.
- Students are expected to earn a grade of C or better in all CS courses that serve as prerequisites of required courses.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required to enroll in co-op courses.
B.S. Computer Science Concentrations
Students may complete a concentration by selecting 5 courses from one approved concentration course list below. These courses are completed within the existing CS/IS/IT/DS elective and CS elective requirements of the B.S. in Computer Science.
AI: Learning and Reasoning
Number of Credits: 15
Description:
This concentration focuses on the algorithmic and mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence, specifically how models represent knowledge, acquire it from data, and perform autonomous reasoning. Students explore knowledge representation, learning, and reasoning—including machine learning, deep learning, and probabilistic methods—emphasizing the design, optimization, and rigorous evaluation of intelligent systems. The curriculum balances theoretical depth with the responsible application of AI, preparing graduates for careers in research, model engineering, and advanced data science.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Courses | 6 | |
| CS 370 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 375 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| Depth Electives: Select at least one of the following courses | 3-6 | |
| CS 477 Neural Networks | 3 | |
| DS 469 | Reinforcement Learning | 3 |
| Advanced Elective: Select at least one to complete 15 credits | 3-6 | |
| CS 470 Neurosymbolic AI | 3 | |
| CS 474 Generative AI | 3 | |
| CS 476 Explainable AI | 3 | |
| CS 485 | Selected Topics In CS (advisor approval required) | 3 |
AI: Systems and Infrastructure
Number of Credits: 15
Description:
This concentration focuses on the engineering and computational frameworks necessary to build, deploy, and manage AI systems at scale. Students examine the full AI stack, including distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and specialized hardware accelerators such as GPUs and TPUs. The curriculum prioritizes the performance, reliability, and security of production-grade AI, covering topics like MLOps, scalable inference, and data pipelines to prepare graduates for roles in AI systems engineering and infrastructure development.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Courses | 9 | |
| CS 343 Introduction to Cloud Computing | 3 | |
| CS 375 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| CS 443 AI Systems and Infrastructure | 3 | |
| Electives: Select two of the following courses | 6 | |
| CS 370 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CS 444 | Big Data Systems | 3 |
| CS 455 | Introduction to GPU Cluster Programming | 3 |
| CS 485 | Selected Topics In CS (advisor approval required) | 3 |
| DS 440 | Intelligent Systems Design | 3 |
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Number of Credits: 15
Description:
This concentration builds core foundations in network security and cryptography, then develops depth in secure systems and security practice, with additional breadth in areas such as ethical hacking, forensics, privacy, and mobile security. Graduates learn to recognize threats and apply security principles across modern computing platforms.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Concentration Courses | 6 | |
| CS 357 | Fundamentals of Network Security | 3 |
| CS 408 | Cryptography and Internet Security | 3 |
| Depth Electives: Select two of the following courses | 6 | |
| CS 457 Trusted Computing and Secure Architecture | ||
| CS 459 Counter Hacking Techniques | ||
| IS 393 | Usable Security and Privacy | 3 |
| Breadth Elective: Select one of the following courses | 3 | |
| CS 485 | Selected Topics In CS (advisor approval required) | 3 |
| CS 487 | Smartphone Security and Reliability | 3 |
| IT 330 | Computer Forensic | 3 |
| IT 331 | Privacy and Information Technology | 3 |
| IT 332 | Digital Crime | 3 |
| IT 430 | Ethical Hacking for System Administrators | 3 |
See the General Education Requirements “Refer to the General Education Requirements for specific information for GER courses"
This curriculum represents the maximum number of credits per semester for which a student is advised to register. A full-time credit load is 12 credits. First-year students are placed in a curriculum that positions them for success which may result in additional time needed to complete curriculum requirements. Continuing students should consult with their academic advisor to determine the appropriate credit load.
