Program Overview

AP Coordinator Kaitlin Hoffmann, 845-257-3533, hoffmank4@newpaltz.edu
Program ID BS Mathematics AP (512B), MS Computer Science AP (270)
Credits BS Mathematics AP (59-67 credits – inclusive of 6 GR credits), MS Computer Science (30 credits)
Program Length The Accelerated Pathway program in Computer Science may be completed in 10 semesters, but students must complete the graduate degree within 7 years.
Modality In-person
Full-time/Part-time Full-time or Part-time
Transfer Credits 6 graduate credits will be applied to both the BS and MS degree programs.
Graduate Capstone Comprehensive Exam or Thesis

Program Description 

This accelerated plan of study provides a pathway to earning a master’s degree in computer science along with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Students enrolled in the BS/MS program complete 6 graduate-level credits during their senior year. These credits are offered at the reduced undergraduate tuition rate and fulfill both undergraduate and graduate program requirements.  
 
The master’s degree in computer science is designed to help students from all backgrounds advance to new careers in technology fields. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of application developers, start-up entrepreneurs, and business analysts to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The program focuses on building a strong foundation in the theoretical concepts of computer science, while introducing applicable skills in areas like machine learning, web and database development, cybersecurity, and data science. Courses are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields with active research programs. Our network and security lab provides advanced computing facilities. The curriculum is constantly evolving in step with current trends in technology, emphasizing the skills that employers – especially in the Hudson Valley’s growing tech industries – need right now.  

How does it work? 

Get started by declaring the Mathematics AP major (512B) as an undergraduate: 

  • Meet with AP advisor, Kaitlin Hoffmann, to declare the Mathematics AP major. 

  • Work with your AP advisor to enroll in two graduate computer science courses during your senior year. 

  • Apply for the MS Computer Science program in your senior year. 

  • Transfer 6 credits of graduate electives taken as an undergraduate into your graduate program. 
     

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programGraduate Admission Requirements

Graduate admission requires submission of: 

  • Graduate application - select major 270. 

  • One set of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work, including a baccalaureate transcript from a regionally accredited institution, indicating at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.   

  • Grades of B or higher in graduate computer science courses taken as a senior. 

 Admission Deadlines

July 31 Fall Admission
January 1 Spring Admission
 

Accepting on a rolling basis until the program is full. However, applications must at least be started by the deadline, or they will not be considered. 

Curriculum Requirements

BS Mathematics AP (major 512B)

Required Mathematics Courses (36 Credits)
MAT251Calculus I 4
MAT252Calculus II 4
MAT260Introduction to Proof3
MAT303Foundations of Analysis3
MAT304Foundations of Algebra3
MAT353Calculus III4
MAT359Ordinary Differential Equations 3
or MAT341 Applied Mathematics I
MAT362Linear Algebra 3
MAT381Probability and Statistics I 3
MAT431Real Analysis I3
MAT441Abstract Algebra I3
Elective Courses (9 Credits)
Select three from the following upper division electives:9
MAT310
Number Theory
MAT331
Axiomatic Geometry
MAT332
Modern Geometry
MAT342
Applied Mathematics II
MAT354
Calculus IV
MAT363
Combinatorics
MAT375
Numerical Methods
MAT382
Probability and Statistics II
MAT393
Math Selected Topic
MAT432
Real Analysis II
MAT442
Abstract Algebra II
MAT483
Actuarial Mathematics
MAT488
Partial Differential Equations
MAT490
Research in Mathematics
MAT493
Math Selected Topic
MAT495
Indep Study Math
Required Science Sequence (8 Credits)
CPS210Computer Science I: Foundations 4
CPS310Computer Science II: Data Structures 4
Additional Science Sequence by Advisement (6-8 Credits)
Select one GE Natural Science sequence:6-8
BIO201, BIO211, BIO202, BIO212
CHE201, CHE211, CHE202, CHE212
GLG201, GLG211, GLG202
PHY201, PHY211, PHY202, PHY212
OR, if GE Natural Science is complete, select: 
ECO206, ECO207
Graduate Computer Science Electives (6 Credits)
Select two graduate computer science electives with advisement6
Total Credits65-67

MS Computer Science (major 270)

Graduate study in Computer Science enables students to individualize their program of study by pursuing ten computer science courses (30 credits) and passing a comprehensive exam or completing eight courses (24 credits) and delving into a 6-credit thesis project. This flexibility allows students to explore conceptually based classes, enhance technical skills through applied learning courses, stay abreast of current trends in the field through a wide range of special topics courses, and engage in research by pursuing an optional six-credit thesis. 

Sample comprehensive exam track
Transfer Credit (6 Credits)
Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate.6
Individualized Comprehensive Exam Track: (24 Credits)
Select 8 courses by advisement24
CPS502
Discrete Structures
CPS526
Advanced Data Structures
CPS530
Computer Networks
CPS534
Foundations of Computer Science
CPS536
Machine Learning
CPS540
Artificial Intelligence
CPS551
Programming and Data Structures
CPS553
Web and Database Programming
CPS554
User Interface Programming
CPS580
Functional Programming
CPS593
Computer Science Selected topic *
CPS594
Fieldwork Comp Science
Comprehensive Exam
Total Credits30
*

Recently offered special topics courses include Cybersecurity and Database Management.

Sample thesis track
Transfer Credit (6 Credits)
Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate.6
Individualized Thesis Track (24 Credits)
Students select six graduate courses by advisement and complete a 6-credit thesis.18
CPS502
Discrete Structures
CPS526
Advanced Data Structures
CPS530
Computer Networks
CPS534
Foundations of Computer Science
CPS536
Machine Learning
CPS540
Artificial Intelligence
CPS551
Programming and Data Structures
CPS553
Web and Database Programming
CPS554
User Interface Programming
CPS580
Functional Programming
CPS593
Computer Science Selected topic *
CPS594
Fieldwork Comp Science
CPS590Thesis in Computer Science 6
Total Credits30
*

Recently offered special topics courses include Cybersecurity and Database Management.

Academic Standing Requirements for Accelerated Pathway Students 

A cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 in graduate-level courses taken in the undergraduate portion of an accelerated pathway program precludes the student’s good standing.  Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 to 2.99 are strongly advised to reconsider continuing into the graduate program.  

Graduation Checklist 

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.  

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.   

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study  

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.  

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher.  

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment.  

BS Mathematics Program Learning Outcomes 

Candidates who successfully complete all required components of the BS in Mathematics at SUNY New Paltz will: 

  • Computation 

    Students can reliably perform numeric and symbolic computations.  

  • Representation  

    Students can construct and apply standard symbolic and graphical representations of mathematical objects.  

  • Estimation 

    Students are able to estimate, approximate, and check results for reasonableness.  

  • Modeling  

    Students can construct appropriate mathematical models for real-world problems.  

  • Communication  

    Students are proficient at oral and written communication of mathematical content.  

  • Comprehension  

    Students are able to read and comprehend a mathematical argument, identifying any flaws in its reasoning.  

  • Definitions  

    Students can state and apply mathematical definitions and theorems.  

  • Proving 

    Students are able to write formal mathematical proofs.  

  • Hypothesizing 

    Students are able to use abstraction and generalization to make, test, and revise mathematical hypotheses.  

  • Novelty 

    Students can apply their mathematical knowledge to a novel situation.  

  • Independence 

    Students are proficient at thinking independently and creatively.  

  • Breadth 

    Students are able to use techniques from a number of different fields of mathematics.  

MS Computer Science Program Learning Outcomes 

Candidates who successfully complete all required components of the MS in Computer Science program at SUNY New Paltz will: 

  • Develop skill in programming in several high-level languages, assembly language, machine language, and microcode.  

  • Develop the ability to learn new programming languages without formal instruction.  

  • Design and analyze algorithms.  

  • Design a new programming language and write a compiler or interpreter for it.  

  • Apply object-oriented programming and software engineering principles.  

  • Design and implement digital circuits.  

  • Understand the structure and operation of a modern operating system.  

  • Understand theoretical computer science concepts, such as the Turing machines and automata and computability theory.  

  • Understand continuous and discrete mathematical structures relevant to computing.