COURSE CURRICULUM

The Computer Science BS curriculum at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a structured five-year program totaling 126 credit hours, designed to provide a strong balance between theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience. In the first year, students establish a solid foundation in programming and mathematics through courses such as Computer Science I and II, Calculus I and II, and discrete mathematics, along with general education subjects including writing, arts, ethics, and global perspectives.During the second year, the program deepens students’ understanding of core computer science concepts, including programming mechanics, computer science theory, probability and statistics, algorithms, software engineering, and linear algebra. Lab sciences and general education courses continue to broaden their academic background, while a cooperative education seminar prepares students for real-world work experiences.The third year introduces more advanced topics such as computer systems, data management, and artificial intelligence, alongside immersion courses and electives that allow students to explore specific interests. A key component of the program is cooperative education, where students gain hands-on industry experience through full-time co-op placements, helping them apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.In the fourth year, students study specialized subjects like distributed systems and programming language concepts, while also completing computer science electives and general education immersion requirements. The fifth year further emphasizes experiential learning through another co-op opportunity, along with advanced electives and final coursework. Overall, the curriculum combines rigorous academics with practical training, preparing graduates for careers in software development, artificial intelligence, data science, and other technology-driven fields, as well as for advanced graduate studies.