Frequently Asked Questions for Students

The Computer Science major requires a minimum of five semesters to complete.

What success in CS requires:

• Have reliable access to a laptop/desktop with internet. If you do not have personal access, budget time to use campus labs or loaner programs.
• Expect a solid math core (e.g., Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, and possibly Linear Algebra) across both Computer Science and Mathematics.
• Time commitment: plan ~8 to 12 hours per week outside class for each programming-heavy course (reading, coding, debugging, and labs).
• Build a daily coding habit and start assignments early to leave room for debugging short, frequent practice beats cramming.

Undergraduate Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science – A liberal arts oriented curriculum combining computing with broader arts and sciences requirements. Limited to students pursuing a double major or closely related minor.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science – A more technical and mathematically intensive track designed to prepare students for technical careers or graduate study. Includes optional concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Programming, Software Engineering, Systems, and Web Development.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – Focuses on programming, statistics, and machine learning.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Information Systems (CIS) – Blends computing, information management, and business processes for students interested in IT, systems analysis, or technology management.

Minors:

• Minor in Computer Science – Introduces programming and computational thinking for students majoring in another field.
• Minor in Computer Application – Focuses on using technology tools and software for data and productivity.

Certificate:

• Digital Technology & Electronics (DTE) – 23-credit program covering circuits, computer architecture, and machine-level programming.

Graduate Program:

• M.S. in Computer Science – Provides advanced technical and theoretical knowledge.

Computer Science (CMP): Prepares students to understand the principles behind how computers operate, software design and development, and computing's influence on modern society. Students learn to design algorithms, write efficient code, manage and analyze data, and create software systems for real-world challenges.

Computer Information Systems (CIS): Focuses on business and applied computing for business/IT systems. Emphasizes databases, networks, and organizational applications rather than theoretical foundations.

Data Science and AI: Concentrates on programming, statistics, and machine learning, with concentrations available in data theory, analytics, AI, and spatial data science.

Visit the Computer Science Undergraduate Programs page for complete and up-to-date program requirements.

Course sequences vary by program. View detailed degree maps at the CS Degree Maps page.

Holds must be cleared by the office that placed them. If you have a computer science advising hold, contact a CS advisor to have it reviewed and cleared.

Common reasons for holds:

• Missing or rescheduled advising appointments
• Incomplete or missing required forms or documents
• Pending financial aid verification or paperwork

If you're unsure about your hold, contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.

After Lehman's general transfer evaluation, schedule a meeting with the CS Undergraduate Advisor. They will determine how your prior CS coursework applies to major requirements.

Lehman accepts up to 90 transfer credits total. However, only 60 credits can come from a two-year college. Departmental advisors can provide guidance on how specific CS courses may apply to your program.

Visit the Department Internships page for details on internship courses and requirements.

• Career Exploration and Development Center (CEDC) – Hosts career fairs, resume workshops, and maintains job posting boards.
• CUNY 2X Tech Talent Pipeline (TTP) – Connects Lehman students to tech bootcamps and internship opportunities.
• Department Emails – Check your email regularly for CS-specific internship announcements.

The Computer Science Lab (Gillet Hall 222) offers free drop-in group and virtual tutoring options.

Visit their website or contact cs.lab@lehman.cuny.edu for up-to-date information.

Required software include Eclipse, VS Code, Python IDLE, and various compilers.

The CS Lab hosts review sessions before midterms and finals.

Check the CS Lab website for specific dates and times.