Computing Exploration
Exploring majors in computer science in our computing exploration program allows you to experience the different fields of computer science before choosing a major.
Overview for Computing Exploration
With eight undergraduate majors in computer science, the computing exploration option is a great way for you to gain an overview of the computing field while you take the time to decide which major best meets your personal and professional aspirations.
The computing exploration option provides students with the opportunity to explore seven of the college’s undergraduate computing majors—computer science, computing and information technologies, computing security, human-centered computing, new media interactive development, software engineering, and web and mobile computing. Students complete courses in computer science, computing security, and web development. They may also take additional courses in other computing majors as they decide on which major best fits their career goals and aspirations.
Plan of study
Students may stay in the exploration option for up to two semesters (one academic year). Each student has an assigned academic advisor who provides guidance on the requirements of each major, course selection, minors, and career options. All courses taken in the exploration option are accepted by the seven computing majors; all credits earned are applicable to a student’s chosen major and maintain the student’s track toward graduation.
The computing exploration option offers students the opportunity to explore the field of computing before declaring a specific major. All students in this undeclared major take a one-credit course, Computing Exploration Seminar, which provides an overview of the seven computing majors. Students learn about the course of study in each program and career opportunities in each field. Through the seminar and courses, they are introduced to the faculty, students, and laboratory facilities in each program.
While in the computing exploration option, each student will take a two-course sequence in both programming and mathematics, appropriate for all degrees. An academic advisor will consult one-on-one to ensure that each student stays on track. Students may choose a major at the end of the fall or spring semester while in the exploration program – all course work taken while in the computing exploration option will be applied to the new program of study.
-
#64 Best Computer Science Undergraduate Programs, 2025
RIT’s computing majors are ranked among the Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs nationally.
Featured Work and Profiles
-
![Quincy Myles Jr.]()
From Computing Exploration to Microsoft
Quincy Myles Jr. ’25 Meet Quincy Myles Jr., a fifth-year software engineering student pursuing a plus-one MBA.
Read More about From Computing Exploration to Microsoft
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Computing Exploration
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Computing Exploration, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CINT-101 | Computing Exploration Seminar A one credit-hour course for the Computing Exploration students, including an overview of the computing disciplines and an introduction to seven computing and informatics academic programs: Computer Science, Computing and Information Technologies, Computing Security, Human-Centered Computing, New Media Interactive Development, Software Engineering, Web and Mobile Computing, as well as a few other computing programs outside the college. Curricula requirements of the seven programs and career opportunities in the computing fields are discussed. Potential employers discuss job opportunities. Introductions to the faculty, students, and laboratory facilities of the seven programs are provided. Cooperative education, study abroad, and innovation fellowship program opportunities available to the students are explored. Lecture 1.25. (Fall). |
1 |
| ISTE-140 | Web and Mobile This course provides students with an introduction to internet and web technologies, and to development on Macintosh/UNIX computer platforms. Topics include HTML and CSS, CSS3 features, digital images, web page design and website publishing. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals, concepts and standards. Additional topics include the user experience, mobile design issues, and copyright/intellectual property considerations. Exercises and projects are required. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| MATH-181 | Calculus I (General Education-Mathematical Perspective A) This is the first in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of the derivative, Riemann sums, definite integrals, and indefinite integrals. (Prerequisites: MATH-111 or (NMTH-220 and NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275) or equivalent courses with a minimum grade of B-, or a score of at least 60% on the RIT Mathematics Placement Exam.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| MATH-182 | Calculus II (General Education-Mathematical Perspective B) This is the second in a two-course sequence. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers techniques of integration including integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals, applications of integration, representing functions by infinite series, convergence and divergence of series, parametric curves, and polar coordinates. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-181 or MATH-181A or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| MATH-190 | Discrete Mathematics for Computing (General Education) This course introduces students to ideas and techniques from discrete mathematics that are widely used in Computer Science. Students will learn about the fundamentals of propositional and predicate calculus, set theory, relations, recursive structures and counting. This course will help increase students’ mathematical sophistication and their ability to handle abstract problems. (Co-requisites: MATH-182 or MATH-182A or MATH-172 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| GCIS-123 | Software Development and Problem Solving I A first course introducing students to the fundamentals of computational problem solving. Students will learn a systematic approach to problem solving, including how to frame a problem in computational terms, how to decompose larger problems into smaller components, how to implement innovative software solutions using a contemporary programming language, how to critically debug their solutions, and how to assess the adequacy of the software solution. Additional topics include an introduction to object-oriented programming and data structures such as arrays and stacks. Students will complete both in-class and out-of-class assignments. Lab 6 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| GCIS-124 | Software Development and Problem Solving II A second course that delves further into computational problem solving, now with a focus on an object-oriented perspective. There is a continued emphasis on basic software design, testing & verification, and incremental development. Key topics include theoretical abstractions such as classes, objects, encapsulation, inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism, software design comprising multiple classes with UML, data structures (e.g. lists, trees, sets, maps, and graphs), exception/error handling, I/O including files and networking, concurrency, and graphical user interfaces. Additional topics include basic software design principles (coupling, cohesion, information expert, open-closed principle, etc.), test driven development, design patterns, data integrity, and data security. (Prerequisite: C- or better in SWEN-123 or CSEC-123 or GCIS-123 or equivalent course.) Lab 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
4 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
General Education-First Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
General Education- Elective |
3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| CSEC-140 | Introduction to CyberSecurity This course will introduce many fundamental cybersecurity concepts. The course will teach students to think about information systems using an adversarial mindset, evaluate risk to information systems, and introduce controls that can be implemented to reduce risk. Topics will include authentication systems, data security and encryption, risk management and security regulatory frameworks, networking and system security, application security, organizational and human security considerations, and societal implications of cybersecurity issues. These topics will be discussed at an introductory level with a focus on applied learning through hands-on virtual lab exercises. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| NMDE-111 | New Media Design Digital Survey I This project-based course is an investigation of the computer as an illustrative, imaging, and graphical generation tool. It develops foundational design skills in raster and vector image creation, editing, compositing, layout and visual design for online production. Emphasis will be on the application of visual design organization methods and principles for electronic media. Students will create and edit images, graphics, layouts and typography to form effective design solutions for online delivery. (This course is restricted to students in the WMC-BS or HCC-BS or NMDE-BFA or NWMEDID-BS or DIGHSS-BS program.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| SWEN-250 | Personal Software Engineering This is a project-based course to enhance individual, technical engineering knowledge and skills as preparation for upper-division team-based coursework. Topics include adapting to new languages, tools and technologies; developing and analyzing models as a prelude to implementation; software construction concepts (proper documentation, implementing to standards etc.); unit and integration testing; component-level estimation; and software engineering professionalism. (Prerequisite: CSCI-105 or CSCI-141 or GCIS-123 or SWEN/CSEC/ISTE-123 or IGME-105 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
Co-requisite: CSCI-142 or GCIS-124 or GCIS-127 or SWEN/CSEC/ISTE-124 or CSCI-140 or CSCI-242 or IGME-106 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Fall, Spring). |
|
Wellness Education* |
0 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 32 |
|
Please see General Education Framework for more information.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirements for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
Admissions and Financial Aid
First-Year Admission
A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 4 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred.
- 2-3 years of science is required and must include chemistry or physics; both are preferred.
- Computing electives are preferred.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Contact
- Michael Yacci
- Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
- Dean’s Office
- Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
- 585‑475‑5416
- mayici@rit.edu