• Computer Science (CSE) focuses on software, programming, algorithms, and the theory behind computing. Students learn how to write code, build applications, design software systems, and understand how computers solve problems.
  • This major is ideal for students who enjoy coding and problem solving
• Information Systems (ISE) focuses on designing and building large computer systems that businesses and organizations use. It’s more about how technology fits into the bigger picture of a company, helping things run smoothly.
  • This major is ideal for students who want to bridge technology and business operations.
• Data Science (DAS) involves programming, but with a strong emphasis on statistics, data analysis, and machine learning. Students will learn to work with large datasets, clean and analyze data, build predictive models, and communicate findings.
  • This major is ideal for students who love patterns, data and prediction. 

While both fields involve computing and programming, they focus on different aspects of technology:

• Computer Science (CSE) focuses more on software, programming, algorithms, and the theory behind how computers process information. Students learn how to design and build software systems, work with data, and explore areas like AI, cybersecurity, and web development.
• Computer Engineering (ECE) combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It focuses on how computers and digital devices are built and how software interacts with hardware. Students work with circuits, processors, embedded systems, and low-level programming.

If you enjoy coding and problem-solving at a software level, CSE is a great fit. If you are interested in how computers physically work and like working with hardware, ECE might be the better choice.

The CSE major at SBU covers a wide range of topics to prepare you for careers in tech, research, and beyond. You will  learn how computers work from the ground up, starting with theory and building all the way up to real-world applications.

• Programming & Software Development: learn how to code, design software, and solve complex problems using popular programming languages and tools.
• Algorithms & Data Structures: build efficient solutions with stacks, queues, trees, and graphs while understanding how to evaluate performance.
• Computer Systems & Hardware: understand how computers operate at a low level, including memory, processors, and operating systems.
• Databases & Data Science: explore how to manage, analyze, and visualize data.
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: discover how computers learn from data, make predictions, and power technologies like chatbots and recommendation systems.
• Cybersecurity: learn how to protect systems and data against threats
• Web, Mobile & Cloud Computing: get hands-on experience building scalable applications for the web, mobile devices, and the cloud.
• Human Computer Interaction (HCI): design user-friendly interfaces and applications that people love to use.

Below are the different languages taught in our core curriculum courses: 

• Python: it is one of the easiest coding languages to read and learn. People use it for making websites, analyzing data, building AI, and automating tasks.
  • Courses: CSE 101, CSE 103, CSE 310, CSE 351, CSE 357, ISE 316
• Java: a programming language that lets you give clear, step-by-step instructions to a computer. It's very structured, so the computer knows exactly what to do each time. People use Java to make apps, games, and websites.
  • Courses: CSE 114, CSE 214, CSE 307, ISE 316
• C Programming: C is a basic programming language that communicates directly with the computer's hardware. It is like using building blocks to create the engine of a car. It teaches you how computers actually work inside.
  • Courses: CSE 220, CSE 320
• OCaml: a different style of coding that focuses on what you want done, not how. It is used to solve problems in a smart and different way.
  • Courses: CSE 307
• Javascript: is the language that makes websites fun and interactive, like making buttons work or pictures move when clicked.
  • Courses: CSE 316, CSE 356, CSE 416
• SQL: think of this language as a controller for a database. Just like a video game controller tells a game what to do, SQL tells the database what to do.
  • Courses: ISE 305

Graduates with a computer science degree are in demand across multiple industries, not just tech. Computer skills are valuable almost everywhere, from healthcare and finance to education and entertainment. Some common job titles include: 

• Software Development
  • Software developer/Engineer, Mobile App. Developer, Web Developer
• Cybersecurity and Systems
  • Cybersecurity Analyst, Systems Administrator, Cloud Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
  • Data Scientist, Data Engineer

As an Information Systems (ISE) major, some common career paths include:

• Database Administrator: design, maintain, optimize databases; ensure data security and availability.
• Systems Analyst: analyze business needs, design how information systems can meet those needs, coordinate between business & tech teams.
• Network/Systems Administrator: maintain networks, servers, user systems; ensure uptime, security; troubleshoot infrastructure.
• Project Manager: lead cross‐functional teams; plan workflows, scheduling; deliver projects; manage resources and risks.
• Financial Information Systems/FinTech: build/support systems for finance applications: trading platforms, risk management, financial analytics.

The Data Science major at SBU prepares students for a wide range of careers across tech, finance, healthcare, government and more. Some common roles include:

• Data Scientist: analyze large and complex datasets to extract actionable insights using machine learning, statistical modeling, and data visualization
• Data Analyst: collect, clean, and interpret data to help businesses make decisions.
• Machine Learning Engineer: design and implement algorithms that allow systems to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed.
• Ethical Hacker / Data Security Analyst: test systems for vulnerabilities, analyze security risks in data systems, and help protect against breaches.
• Healthcare Data Scientist: analyze patient records, clinical data, and research to improve diagnostics, treatment plans, or public health strategies.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science (CSE),  Information Systems (ISE) and Data Science (DAS) at Stony Brook requires 120 credit hours for degree completion. These programs are constructed to be completed within 4 years. A sample course sequence for all of these can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Most courses in the program are offered in person, providing students with valuable face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning experiences. In addition to lecture, many of our required introductory courses have a recitation and/or lab component.  

Please note that course formats/offerings can vary each semester. Be sure to check the course offerings page and use the Schedule Builder to see when each course is being offered.

Owning a laptop or computer is not required for students. Many labs are open at various times throughout the day and are available for all students to use for assignments, projects, or study. You can also consider taking advantage of SBU’s student laptop loaner program.

There are many ways to get involved beyond the classroom as a student in the department of Computer Science: 

• Research: Many faculty members welcome undergraduate students to join their research labs. You can explore research areas on the department website and reach out to professors whose work interests you.
• Student Clubs & Organizations: Join computer science-related student groups such as Stony Brook Computing Society, Women in Computer Science, Colorstack and the Artificial Intelligence Community. These clubs often host coding competitions, guest speakers, workshops and networking events
• Hackathons & Competitions: Participate in hackathons, coding challenges, and innovation contests. These are great for applying your skills, building your resume, and meeting peers and industry professionals.
• Internships & Career Fairs: Look for internship opportunities through Handshake or by connecting with companies directly. 

Visit the Computer Science Department website for detailed information about the department, including degree programs, admission requirements, research areas, and other academic offerings. It’s the best place to explore what we offer and how to get started.