Brooklyn College has a large and distinguished graduate program in computer science. The department, established in 1972, is recognized for excellence. The faculty includes two Distinguished Professors.

The department’s graduate course offerings cater to a diverse range of interests. The department offers courses in artificial intelligence, database management and information processing, theory of computing, computer architecture, operating systems and compilers, communications, signal processing, object-oriented programming, graphical user interfaces, and many other areas. Specialized topics are offered as interest arises.

An outside evaluation ranked Brooklyn College's Computer and Information Science (CIS) Department as one of the best in the New York metropolitan area. In addition, the faculty is actively engaged in research in which students may become involved.

The department provides a stimulating environment for those interested in studying computer science. There is enthusiastic interaction among students and faculty, and there are strong research groups. Advanced graduate students have the opportunity of doing research under the guidance of department faculty. The department has significant grant support for research, with faculty supported by such agencies as NIH, NSF, ONR, and NASA.

The department’s academic goal in the graduate program is to train graduate students for careers in computing research and applications. The two primary graduate programs of the department are a Master of Arts (M.A) degree in Computer Science, oriented toward computer science research and development applications; and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Information Systems, oriented towards organizational and administrative uses of computing. Both programs include study of advanced applications and methodology. The M.A. degree also prepares students for Ph.D. study. The department plays a major role in the Ph.D. Program in Computer Science of the City University of New York.

Graduates of the programs in computer science at Brooklyn College have achieved success in a wide variety of areas. For example, Brooklyn College students have received Ph.D. degrees from such prestigious schools as NYU, Harvard, and Stanford University; some Brooklyn College graduates are teaching at Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford. Each year the CIS Department awards more than 50 Master's degrees. Some of the graduates continue their studies towards the Ph.D. degree, while most work as professionals in the computer field. Recent Master's recipients are enrolled in doctoral programs at the City University of New York, SUNY at Stony Brook, M.I.T., the University of Delaware, and the University of Maryland. CIS Department Master's graduates are employed at numerous companies in the New York metropolitan area, including AT&T, Bellcore, Bell Labs, Citibank, IBM, Metropolitan Life, Keyspan Energy, Con Edison, the Port Authority, CBS, Chase, and other major corporations. Many international students have returned to their native lands to pursue careers there.