The Software Development program is designed to meet the needs of computer professionals, allowing them to gain the state-of-the-art education and skills without interrupting their current career paths. Computer Science classes are held late afternoons and evenings at Marist's main campus in Poughkeepsie, and the regular course offerings take into consideration the needs of part-time as well as full-time students. Students may thus elect to study on a full or part-time basis. Courses are chosen in consultation with the programs' directors who serve as student academic advisors.
The Software Development program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely allied field. Those with little formal exposure to the field may acquire the appropriate preparation via undergraduate course work in computer science and mathematics. Prerequisite requirements can range from 0-27 credits depending on a student's background.
For those applicants with no prior undergraduate exposure to either mathematics or computer science, Marist offers an undergraduate Computer Programming Certificate that can be structured to meet most of the prerequisite requirements for admission to the MS program.
Admission to the MS program is selective. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. As a rule, students admitted to the program must have an above average academic record. However, other factors, such as work experience and academic course work beyond the baccalaureate, are also taken into consideration.
In addition to the formal application for admission, applicants should provide official transcripts of all academic work, and are encouraged to submit a resumé as well as a listing of any non-credit/in-service course work.
There are additional requirements for international students seeking admission to graduate study.
The Program
The objective of Marist's graduate program in Software Development is to prepare students for the challenges faced by professionals in the rapidly changing field of computer science. The program provides students with a comprehensive theoretical foundation in computer science together with the state-of-the-art skills required of those interested in the design, development and implementation of software systems. Students may select from a broad base of advanced courses in software design and development, systems programming, database design and programming, computer architecture, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, and graphics.
Upon graduation students in the program would have acquired the advanced education and experience necessary to embark upon a career, or advance their current career, in computer science. The program is particularly relevant for people currently working, or seeking jobs as application programmers, database designers, network specialists or systems developers in industry, government or education. Graduates are also well prepared to pursue doctoral study.
In addition, we recognize our responsibilities to the community we serve, and strive to provide opportunity for continuing education at many levels through certificate and undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Sensitivity to the non-traditional student is reflected in our scheduling and mode of delivery as well as in the content of our courses.
The department has the further commitment to maintain a quality program consistent with the overall mission of the College and the ever-changing demands of the profession.
Some of the Careers Available to Graduates of this Program
Highlights From the Last Year
