CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme emphasises practical and applied aspects of modern computing. Core topics typically include advanced data structures and algorithms, software engineering and design, databases and information systems, operating systems and networking, and principles of programming languages. Applied and elective modules allow specialisation in areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, data science and big data analytics, cloud computing and distributed systems, cybersecurity and privacy, computer vision, and mobile or web application development.

Students usually complete a mix of taught courses and a culminating applied project or practicum. The applied project gives you the chance to work with industry partners, multidisciplinary teams or faculty-led research groups to deploy a system, conduct an empirical study, or build a production-ready application. Coursework emphasises hands-on labs, group projects and industry-relevant tools and frameworks.

Typical modules and subjects

• Advanced Algorithms and Complexity
• Software Engineering and System Design
• Databases, Data Management and Query Optimisation
• Machine Learning, Statistical Methods and Applied AI
• Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems
• Computer and Network Security
• Data Mining, Big Data Analytics and Data Visualisation
• Capstone Project or Applied Practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Candidates with degrees in adjacent fields may be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient programming and mathematics preparation through prior coursework or professional experience.

Typical application materials include official academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation. Some programmes may request examples of coding work or a technical portfolio. Admissions may consider standardised test scores where provided, but requirements vary by campus and programme pathway.

For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency is required in line with university policy. Work experience in computing is beneficial for applied tracks and can strengthen an application, particularly for applicants transitioning from other fields.

Career prospects

Graduates build careers in software engineering, systems architecture, data science and analytics, machine learning engineering, cloud and platform engineering, and cybersecurity. Applied training prepares students for roles that require building and deploying robust, scalable systems, such as backend or full-stack developer, data engineer, ML engineer, site reliability engineer and security analyst.

The programme also supports graduates who pursue technology leadership roles, product or technical management, or further research training at doctoral level. Proximity to New York City’s broad industry base — including startups, financial services, media, healthcare and public sector organisations — creates strong internship and employment pipelines.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to a large, diverse public university system embedded in New York City, providing close links to a dynamic local tech ecosystem and many potential industry partners. Faculty are active in applied research and maintain collaborations with industry and public institutions, giving students opportunities for project work, internships and practical placements.

The university emphasises accessibility and career-focused education, with flexible scheduling and part-time options at many campuses to accommodate working professionals. Students benefit from the resources of multiple campuses across the system, including research centres, computing facilities and career services that support job placement and employer engagement in the metropolitan area.