Department of Computer Science

Contact

Student Services Office

GOL-3005
585-475-2995
cs-dept@rit.edu

Overview

The computer science program provides students with a broad and deep foundation in theory and modern software and hardware concepts as well as introduces students to numerous programming languages and paradigms. Students have an opportunity to engage in significant programming and software development work, learning to innovate as well as invent new technologies, and we also offer students opportunities to collaborate on both traditional and applied research. In addition to required computer science courses, students have an opportunity to take electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, architecture and operating systems, computer graphics and computational media, data science, distributed systems, programming languages and tools, security, and theory.

Dukka KC

 We take immense pride in shaping the next generation of leaders in computer science and are dedicated to advancing the field through cutting-edge research and excellence in education.
from the Department Chair

Department Chair
Dukka KC

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at RIT (CS@RIT)! With over 50 faculty and staff and more than 1,350 students, our department is a vibrant hub of innovation and learning. We take immense pride in shaping the next generation of leaders in computer science and are dedicated to advancing the field through cutting-edge research and excellence in education.


This is an exhilarating time for CS@RIT as we undergo significant growth—not only in our student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates, but also in faculty and research initiatives. In addition to strengthening core Computer Science areas, we are enhancing offerings in AI-related disciplines by expanding faculty, developing new curricula, and positioning CS@RIT at the forefront of AI research.


Our commitment to interdisciplinary research drives us to build robust collaborations within RIT and beyond, fostering advancements that span multiple domains. This dedication is reflected in our program rankings: our Bachelor’s in Computer Science is ranked 54th, our Master’s in Computer Science is ranked 71st by U.S. News & World Report, and the Ph.D. program in Computing and Information Sciences stands at 56th according to CSRankings.


At CS@RIT, we are excited about the future and invite current and prospective students, alumni, colleagues, stakeholders to connect and engage with us. Join us as we explore new opportunities and contribute to the ever-evolving field of computer science.

Go Tigers!

Latest News

  • July 26, 2026

    megazone cloud logo in black and white

    South Korean tech firm picks Perinton as U.S. headquarters

    Rochester Beacon spotlights RIT alumnus Bob Moore '91 (computer science), whose company, MegazoneCloud, is bringing its U.S. headquarters to Perinton, N.Y., while expanding opportunities for RIT students and graduates through its existing partnership with the university.

  • July 16, 2026

    Students sit and stands in a white room with a maroon bottom border. Next to a student on the left is a white robot sitting on a table.

    Undergrads from colleges across the U.S. come to RIT for summer research

    RIT is hosting four Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program sites this summer, which are designed for students to develop a passion for research and receive guidance for pursuing graduate careers. The university has a longstanding history hosting REU sites, which are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation.

  • May 29, 2026

    radiology scans of a brain are shown lit up on a board in a medical office

    Radiology in the age of AI

    Rochester Beacon examines how artificial intelligence is being integrated into radiology workflows at regional health systems, featuring insights from Ashique KhudaBukhsh, assistant professor in the Department of Software Engineering, on the risks, limitations, and reliability challenges of AI systems in health care.

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Undergraduate Programs

The Bachelor of Science in computer science program provides students with a solid background in foundational computer science, as well as in-depth knowledge in specialized areas. Students are exposed to programming and software developmental work, as well as traditional and applied research. Combined with mandatory co-ops, the program prepares students for exciting careers.  Check out the Five Years Curriculum at a Glance.

View Undergraduate Student Resources

Specialize in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, graphics, and more with RIT’s flexible and powerful computer science degree.

Learn more about the Computer Science BS program

Graduate Programs

The Master of Science in computer science program is designed for students with a strong background in applied computing and prepares them for exciting professional, academic, and research careers in computer science.  The program includes foundational and advanced courses in a variety of areas and concludes with a capstone thesis or project.  Students have the opportunity to specialize in artificial intelligence, computer graphics and computational media, data science, distributed systems, programming languages and tools, security, and theory.

View Graduate Student Resources

Explore the human mind through psychology, neuroscience, AR, and more in RIT’s interdisciplinary Ph.D.

This degree program is offered jointly between the College of Liberal Arts, the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, the College of Science, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and the College of Engineering Technology.

Learn more about the Cognitive Science Ph.D. program

Earn a Ph.D. in computing from RIT. Conduct advanced research with expert faculty and explore challenges in and beyond computing.

Learn more about the Computing and Information Sciences Ph.D. program

Specialize in AI, data, and graphics in this dynamic, future-focused computer science degree.

Learn more about the Computer Science MS program

Advance your understanding of artificial intelligence in computer science by learning to implement AI to solve a range of problems in business, computing, engineering, and more.

Learn more about the Artificial Intelligence in Computer Science Adv. Cert. program

A big data certificate that will develop your expertise in managing, analyzing big data.

Learn more about the Big Data Analytics Adv. Cert. program

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Prospective Students

Students who earn a degree in Computer Science develop many valuable skills and depending on their interests and experiences, can market themselves to work in many different types of industry. Remember that Computer Science is all about inventing and problem solving. A good way to think about computer scientists is that they develop the brains that actually run the computer programs people use. For example, when you search for a book online and you find the book you want and the website also tells you about similar books you might enjoy, computer scientists were the people who developed the brains for that website that give you those other recommendations based on your interests. This is just one example of the countless inventions that computer scientists develop every day.

We encourage prospective Computer Science students and their families to meet with a department representative before making a decision about what college to attend or program to study.  Our goal is to give you a better understanding of what Computer Science is, explain the details of the Computer Science program and curriculum, and answer any questions you might have.  You will also have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the Computer Science floor to see what our labs, classrooms, and student areas are like.

We encourage you to call our Student Services Office in advance at +1.585.475.2995.  A member of our staff will be able to assist you in setting up a one hour appointment with our Manager of Student Services. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate same day appointments and availability during the week fills up quickly.

The Department of Computer Science evaluates and awards Advanced Placement (AP®) credit based on the following chart:

AP Credit Chart for Semesters

Placement Exams When Entering RIT

RIT Math Placement Exam (ALEKS or MPE)

The Computer Science program at RIT requires a calculus sequence as part of your course requirements. In an effort to enable you to succeed in your college math courses, the math department has developed an on-line calculus placement test. The purpose of this exam is to assess mastery of some of the fundamental mathematical concepts that you may have seen in your high school math courses. In particular, it tests skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and functions, all of which are crucial to succeed in the various calculus sequences at RIT. The placement exam has no effect on your GPA. It simply provides a strong recommendation to us in the CS department regarding the suitable course to begin your required mathematics sequence.

All entering students whose program requires a calculus sequence, including those who have AP credit and those who may have transfer credit, will need to take this exam online (once credit is received and processed, this may affect a student's course placement). The Computer Science department will not be able to register you for a math course until you have taken this exam.

Failing to take this exam may affect your ability to be placed in the appropriate course at a later date because seats are limited. In addition, your financial aid may be affected if your schedule does not include the minimum number of credits (12). Therefore, the placement exam will be available for your convenience online at the College of Science's Math Placement Exam webpage each year. Technical support is available Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm by calling 585-475-7060.
 

RIT Writing Placement Exam (WPE)

The purpose of the WPE is to determine whether students are able to be registered directly into a writing course or if they must take the Basic Writing course first. The WPE is a writing test in which the student is asked to write an essay of four to five paragraphs. Students may have fifty (50) minutes to write the essay. Students may take the WPE only once, so they should endeavor to do their best on the exam.

Students do NOT have to take the WPE if they meet the following criteria:

- An SAT verbal score of 560 or higher
- An SAT essay exam score of 6 or higher
- An ACT English portion score of 23 or higher

The WPE is available online at http://mycourses.rit.edu only during the month of June. To access the exam, students use their RIT username and password to log in to MyCourses. All students were sent a postcard in May outlining the exam details.

We encourage prospective Computer Science students and their families to meet with a department representative before making a decision about what college to attend or program to study.  Our goal is to give you a better understanding of what Computer Science is, explain the details of the Computer Science program and curriculum, and answer any questions you might have.  You will also have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the Computer Science floor to see what our labs, classrooms, and student areas are like.

We encourage you to call our Student Services Office in advance at +1.585.475.2995.  A member of our staff will be able to assist you in setting up a one hour appointment with our Manager of Student Services. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate same day appointments and availability during the week fills up quickly.

Also, RIT's admissions web site contains a wealth of information that will guide you through the admissions process and help you to schedule a campus visit. Or you can check our collection of videos and resources about RIT and Rochester. In addition to a listing of admissions events, you will also find detailed maps and travel information that will help you find our campus. We look forward to meeting you and hope you make Computer Science at RIT a part of your life.

Welcome to RIT and to the Computer Science (CS) department of the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS)! Here you will find information regarding the CS orientation events for fall semester, depending on whether you are an entering first-year, transfer, or graduate student.  Plus learn about AP Exams and the RIT Math Placement Exam, as well as our Frequently Asked Questions.

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