CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This programme blends computer science fundamentals with applied media and application development. You will take modules that cover programming, software engineering and systems design alongside courses in multimedia production, user interface and experience, and web and mobile application development.

• Core computing modules: programming (often with languages like Java, Python or JavaScript), data structures and algorithms, databases, operating systems and networking fundamentals.
• Software engineering and systems: software development lifecycle, version control, testing and quality assurance, project management and collaborative development.
• Media and front-end technologies: web design and development (HTML/CSS/JavaScript frameworks), interactive media, digital audio and video production, and animation or graphics fundamentals.
• Human-centred design and UX: user research, interface design, accessibility, usability testing and prototyping tools.
• Platforms and mobile: mobile application development, responsive design, cross-platform frameworks and deployment considerations.
• Practical and integrative work: lab-based classes, team projects and a capstone or senior project that requires designing and delivering a full application or media-enabled system. Many students also complete an internship or practicum with a local company or media organisation.
• General education and electives: as with most CUNY bachelor’s degrees, you will also complete general education requirements and may choose electives that complement the major, such as business, communications or digital marketing courses.

Entry requirements

Admissions to CUNY undergraduate programmes typically require a high school diploma or recognised equivalent and submission of official transcripts. Specific departmental expectations for this programme emphasise readiness in mathematics and introductory computing; candidates with coursework in algebra, geometry and basic programming will be better prepared.

• Prospective students should review CUNY’s undergraduate admissions process for documentation requirements; some applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency if they are international students.
• A portfolio is not usually required, but applicants with prior coding projects, multimedia work or relevant internships can strengthen their application.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; prior college-level coursework in computer science, media production or related fields may be considered for transfer credit.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of technical and creative roles that sit at the intersection of software and media. The programme emphasises practical skills and project experience that employers in the New York technology, media and creative industries seek.

• Software developer, web developer or full‑stack engineer in startups, agencies and established tech firms.
• Mobile application developer and cross‑platform app specialist.
• Front‑end developer, UX/UI designer, interaction designer or usability specialist working on consumer or enterprise interfaces.
• Multimedia developer, digital content producer, or interactive media specialist for media companies, advertising agencies and educational publishers.
• Quality assurance/test engineer, technical analyst or product support roles.
• Opportunities to continue to graduate study in computer science, human‑computer interaction, digital media or related disciplines.

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

CUNY offers access to a large, diverse public university system located in New York City, providing strong links to technology, media and cultural industries. The system’s campuses combine academic programmes with hands‑on labs, industry partnerships and internship opportunities across the city’s commercial and cultural organisations.

• Location and industry access: proximity to tech companies, media organisations, startups and cultural institutions creates internship and employment pathways.
• Applied learning: many CUNY programmes emphasise project work, team collaboration and real‑world assignments that produce portfolio‑ready outcomes.
• Support and resources: students benefit from career services, tutoring, makerspaces and media labs available across campuses in the CUNY system.
• Diverse student community: CUNY’s student body brings varied backgrounds and perspectives that are valuable in collaborative design and development work.
• Affordability and flexibility: as a public university system, CUNY offers relatively accessible tuition and multiple campus options, including part‑time and evening course availability for students balancing work and study.