Long Island Schools with Computer Information Systems Programs
The private technology institute and two state universities highlighted below are among six schools in Long Island area that provide training for computer information systems specialists. In addition to the program summaries, the following resource includes a comparison table with key institutional facts and a brief description of two community colleges that offer programs in information technology.
- The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is a career-oriented school with campuses on Long Island, in New York City and overseas. At the School of Engineering and Computer Science, students can pursue company-specific training programs, including those for Brookhaven National Laboratories, Con Edison, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and Verizon.
- The State University of New York College at Old Westbury is a little over nine miles away from NYIT, and the school is one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the northeastern United States. Through the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, financially disadvantaged and underrepresented students can acquire the training they need for careers in health, science or technology.
- One of four university centers in the state system, Stony Brook University is located approximately 50 minutes away from Old Westbury on the North Shore.
Comparison of Schools
Use the following table to compare the cost of attendance and acceptance rates at our three featured schools. Find additional information about graduation and retention rates.
| New York Institute of Technology | State University of New York College at Old Westbury | Stony Brook University (State University of New York) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year; private not-for-profit | 4-year; public | 4-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 6,696* | 4,381* | 26,608* |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Large suburb | Large suburb |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023) | $42,000* | $8,368 for in-state students; $18,278 for out-of-state students* | $10,560 for in-state students; $28,480 for out-of-state students* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 98%* | 78%* | *82% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 80%* | 77%* | 48%* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 77% for full-time students; 22% for part-time students* | 73% for full-time students* | 89% for full-time students; 75% for part-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (students who enrolled in 2015) | 56%* | 48%* | 78%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
New York Institute of Technology
The School of Engineering and Computing Sciences consists of nine main departments devoted to the study of computer science and security, electrical and computer engineering, information technology and telecommunications network management. In addition to the general admission requirements, first-year applicants to the engineering programs should have a satisfactory score on the SAT and be adequately prepared for Calculus I. The undergraduate program in information technology is offered at both the Long Island and Manhattan campuses.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
The undergraduate program in information technology includes both day and evening courses that are especially convenient for working adults. Students who are accepted into the program can receive the training they need to design and devise computer systems and solutions, work with computer-human interfaces and oversee networks. As graduates, they may be qualified for a variety of positions, including those in database management, information systems administration, Internet security and network administration.
The degree requires between 120 and 122 credits to complete and includes the same foundational studies and some of the major coursework found in the computer science program. To fulfill the 9-credit professional concentration, students can also specialize in information and network security or pursue a more general, elective-based option. Additional requirements include courses in engineering management, science and technology.
Through courses specific to information technology, students become familiar with a variety of programming languages, such as C#, HTML and JavaScript and are taught how to work with advanced, Web-based programming techniques. The course in operating systems security can also provide them with the opportunity to study UNIX, Windows and other current software collections. This 4-year program culminates in a guided seminar project in computer science that includes oral and written reports.
State University of New York College at Old Westbury
Although the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Science (School of Arts and Sciences) is a combination of two divisions, the university's computer science unit has been in existence since 1979. In its present form, the department offers undergraduates a unified approach to computational and mathematical studies, and all full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees in computer science or other related areas. Admission to the university is selective, and although some students who major in computer science, information systems or math may need to take prerequisite courses, the department offers a number of advising, tutoring and other student support services.
Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
This degree program is a combination of business and information processing courses, and its purpose is to train students to enter the workforce as systems analysts. In addition to learning how to organize and implement a computer system, students also pursue topics in advanced Visual Basic, computer networking and multimedia design. Areas of study associated with the business portion of the program also provide undergraduates with the chance to study accounting, marketing and organizational behavior.
The coursework for the major requires 66 credit hours, and the curriculum is similar to that of the computer science degree. Common areas of study include topics in computer programming, database management, software engineering and technical communications. While the computer science curriculum includes 8 credits of math, this program requires just two courses in discrete mathematics, calculus or statistics. To earn their degree, students take two classes in economics. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should leave with an understanding of how technology can advance an organization's operational and strategic planning functions.
Stony Brook University (SUNY)
The Department of Computer Science (College of Engineering and Applied Sciences) offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, and the undergraduate program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). The computing facilities are extensive and include multimedia, programming and teaching laboratories. Freshman applicants are expected to have a strong high school background in calculus and physics and outstanding scores on the math portion of the ACT or SAT tests. Participation in math, science and research competitions is a plus.
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
This technical degree program teaches students how to design and implement automated data processing systems and those that support decision-making operations for businesses and other organizations. Aspiring professionals are introduced to a wide variety of applications, including those related to accounting and finance, computer-aided design, databases, production management systems, multimedia, networks and telecommunications. The specializations include those in business and economics, technological systems management and a self-designed area of study.
Students who are pursuing a degree in information systems have to complete 64 credits of major coursework in computer science or organization, programming and Web design. At the upper level, they also take classes in network or system administration, database design the ethical, legal and social issues related to information systems. Students who specialize in technological systems management will receive a broad introduction to the relationship shared by science, society and technology and be able to take courses in analysis, engineering economics and project management. To fulfill the 2-course elective requirement, they can also learn how to design computer games, explore communication systems or start their own high-tech business. Additional degree requirements include courses in mathematics, technical writing and upper-level electives.
Minor in Information Systems
This is a 21-credit course of study that includes a prerequisite course in programming and Web design. Courses in the minor include introductory programming, computer science and four electives in information systems.
Other School Options
Although a 4-year degree is the usual requirement for working with computer information systems, there are two community colleges on Long Island that offer terminal and transferable degree programs in computer studies. At Suffolk Community College, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology at the Brentwood, Riverhead and Selden campuses. In Garden City, Nassau Community College offers a Certificate in Computer Information Systems and an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology.
