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The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is designed to prepare students for leadership in software development, algorithm design, systems programming, and emerging technologies. Housed within the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, RIT’s program emphasizes a balance between theoretical foundations and hands-on technical skills. A key feature of the curriculum is RIT’s cooperative education (co-op) model, which integrates full-time paid work experience into the academic journey.
The BS in Computer Science at RIT requires completion of 126 semester credits, including computer science core, math and science courses, liberal arts, and professional electives.
Core Computer Science Courses:
CSCI 141: Computer Science I
CSCI 142: Computer Science II
CSCI 243: The Mechanics of Programming
CSCI 262: Introduction to Computer Science Theory
CSCI 261: Analysis of Algorithms
CSCI 251: Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Systems
CSCI 331: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 351: Programming Languages
CSCI 462: Introduction to Cryptography
CSCI 510: Capstone in Computer Science or approved senior project
Mathematics and Science Requirements:
MATH 181 & 182: Calculus I & II
MATH 190: Discrete Mathematics for Computing
STAT 205: Applied Statistics
Natural science sequence with labs (e.g., Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
General Education & Liberal Arts:
Students complete courses in Ethical Reasoning, Social Perspective, Global Awareness, and Communication, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.
Professional Electives:
Students select from advanced electives in areas like:
Artificial Intelligence
Data Mining
Human-Computer Interaction
Machine Learning
Mobile App Development
Game Development
Software Engineering
Cybersecurity
Capstone Project:
The program culminates in a Capstone Project (CSCI 510) or a research-oriented independent study, where students develop a complete software system or conduct theoretical research under faculty mentorship.
RIT is nationally recognized for integrating work and study through immersive, career-building opportunities:
Cooperative Education (Co-op):
A signature of the program, RIT’s mandatory co-op requires students to complete two blocks (typically 6–12 months)of full-time, paid employment with industry leaders. Students gain hands-on experience with companies like Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Microsoft, and many others.
Undergraduate Research:
RIT promotes research opportunities through faculty labs and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program. Students engage in fields like robotics, AI, and computational theory.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The RIT MAGIC Center and Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship support students interested in launching tech startups, games, or digital media ventures.
Clubs and Competitions:
RIT has a vibrant tech community, including organizations like:
Computer Science House (CSH)
Women in Computing (WiC)
Cybersecurity Club (RITSEC)
Game Dev Club
Hackathons like BrickHack and TigerHacks
RIT Computer Science graduates are highly sought after for their practical skills and real-world experience.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates secure positions such as:
Software Developer
Systems Engineer
Data Scientist
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Security Analyst
Full Stack Developer
RIT has one of the highest post-graduation employment rates in the country, with employers including Facebook, Epic, Tesla, Adobe, Cisco, and the U.S. government.
Graduate Studies:
The program also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in computer science, AI, data science, and software engineering, both at RIT and top-tier universities worldwide.
RIT’s Computer Science program blends academic excellence with industry immersion, creating career-ready graduates equipped to shape the future of computing through innovation, ethics, and engineering excellence.
Other Deadline details: If you’ve missed the application deadline, don’t worry — we’ll continue to review applications on a rolling basis as long as space is available. If you’d like to explore your enrollment options or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at [email protected] or call us at 585-475-6631. We’re here to help!SAT/ACT Update: RIT is test-optional, so you don’t need to submit SAT or ACT scores unless you want to. It’s completely your choice! If you don’t include them in your application, we won’t see them — even if you’ve taken the test.You can apply through the Common App and RIT applicationEnglish Language Proficiency: International students must show English language proficiency. RIT offers: Full Admission if you meet the required scores. Conditional Admission if your scores are slightly below, with support from RIT’s English Language Center. Minimum Scores for Full Admission TOEFL iBT: 79 PTE Academic: 58 IELTS: 6.5 Lower scores may qualify you for conditional admission.Kate Gleason College of Engineering Requirements: 4 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred. Chemistry and physics are required. Biomedical Engineering requires biology.Recommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 4 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 4 Optional.Writing Requirements: Common App essay- Required. Supplemental essays- Not required.General Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s applicants should have a solid college-prep background, including: 4 years of English, 3 years of social studies/history, 3–4 years of math (requirements vary by program), 2–3 years of science (requirements vary by program), and a high school diploma or equivalent.Career Pathway:
Software Engineering: DeveloperFull-Stack EngineerMobile App Developer
AI & Data Science: Machine Learning EngineerData ScientistAI Researcher
Cybersecurity & Cloud: Cybersecurity AnalystCloud EngineerEthical Hacker
Finance & Business Tech: Quantitative AnalystFintech DeveloperBlockchain Specialist
Product & Management: Product ManagerTechnical Program Manager
Entrepreneurship: Startups and innovation
Further Studies: MS or PhD in AIcybersecurityor data science for research rolesMBA for leadership and management positions
Long-Term Growth: Engineering: Software Engineer → Tech Lead → CTO
Data & AI: Data Scientist → Head of AIManagement: Product Manager → VP of Engineering
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Rochester Institute of Technology
