Computer science is the study of the theory and practice of computation. A computer scientist creates new hardware and software that is more efficient, effective, and reliable.
Computer information systems is the study of the use of computers for systematic organization of data that supports efficient and accurate collection, processing, analysis and retrieval of information. An information system specialist applies existing technology to solve real world problems.
Cybersecurity is the study of the creation, operation, analysis, and testing of secure computer systems, networks, and online data to protect them from attack and compromise. A cybersecurity specialist applies computing, information systems, and security knowledge to identify risks, troubleshoot security lapses, and help protect people and organizations.
These fields incorporate aspects of several other fields: mathematics, to analyze the properties of algorithms and data structures; engineering, to design and construct practical programs and machines; the experimental sciences, both to investigate the behavior of programs running on real machines and to use programs for modeling scientific phenomena; the cognitive sciences, to develop “intelligent” programs and to study computation in relation to human intelligence; and business administration, to identify information needs of organizations; and criminal justice, to understand cybercrime, digital forensics, risk, law, and ethical responsibilities.
Computer science, computer information systems, and cybersecurity are young and rapidly developing fields. Presently, their chief areas, reflected in regular course offerings at the University, are: algorithms, data structures, programming languages, software engineering, object-oriented design and development, systems analysis, software project management, computer organization, architecture, operating systems, artificial intelligence, decision support and expert systems, computer networks, computer and network security, cybersecurity fundamentals, ethical hacking, enterprise security and firewalls, database and web security, information assurance and incident response, database systems, data mining, web publishing, multimedia, electronic commerce, cloud computing, data analytics, human-computer interaction, etc. Other areas are covered in independent study, topics courses, graduate courses, thesis work, practicum experiences, and internships. In addition, students can gain valuable job experience through internship programs and Brockport Career Exploration courses (BCEC).
The programs offered by the department provide students with an excellent basis for a variety of careers and for undergraduate and graduate study. Possible careers include programming, system analysis and design, cybersecurity analysis, network and security administration, information security, maintenance, management and user support of software in areas such as business, science, engineering, cybersecurity, and computer systems. Fields of graduate study include computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, information systems, information management, and various areas of science and engineering.
Computing Science Programs at Brockport
The Department of Computing Sciences at Brockport was established as a separate department in 1989. In addition to teaching a wide variety of courses the faculty members are actively engaged in scholarship.
A plethora of students are enrolled as majors, encompassing a wide spectrum of people - from traditional college-age undergraduates seeking their primary degree to older students returning to upgrade their knowledge in a discipline essential to compete in today’s high-tech society. The department now also serves graduate students through the Master of Science in Computing Sciences, first offered in Fall 2025.
SUNY Brockport offers a wide variety of courses in many areas of Computer Science, Information Systems, and Cybersecurity:
- programming methodology
- design and analysis of algorithms
- software engineering
- programming languages
- database systems
- computer architecture
- modeling and simulation
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- data analysis and predictive modeling
- computer networking
- computer security and cybersecurity
- cybersecurity fundamentals
- ethical hacking
- enterprise security and firewalls
- database and web security
- information assurance and incident response
- cloud computing
- human-computer interaction, etc.
Our department currently offers both a major and minor in Computing Sciences, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity. The department also offers a Master of Science in Computing Sciences. A degree in computing sciences provides students with an excellent basis for a variety of careers and for graduate study. Possible careers include programming, system analysis and design, cybersecurity analysis, maintenance, management and user support of software in areas such as business, science, engineering, cybersecurity and computer systems. Fields of graduate study include computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, information systems, information management, and various areas of science and engineering.
The Master of Science in Computing Sciences prepares students to become advanced technology specialists. The 30-credit program helps students build foundational skills in information systems, programming, and security, and then develop advanced knowledge in areas such as Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. Students complete the program through either a thesis option or a practicum option.
Student Advisement
Students should strive to choose a coherent set of courses aimed at achieving their educational goals. An individual student’s program should, however, be discussed with his or her computing sciences faculty advisor. It is suggested that students consider a minor, second major, graduate study, internship, thesis, or practicum experience when these options support their academic and career goals.