Advanced certificate program in parallel and distributed computing
HEGIS code 0799.00
NYS SED program code 32771

Program not accepting applications for 2014-2015.

How does Google use 450,000 computers to answer my questions so quickly?

How do financial firms predict market trends or the weather bureau crunch the weather forecast?

Many operations such as these need faster and more thorough computing to produce practical solutions. The Advanced Certificate in Parallel and Distributed Computing will give you the necessary skills to master the latest problem-solving technologies and large-scale computing that are needed to meet ever evolving technological advances.

Computers used to be made faster and more efficient by increasing their speed. The practical limits of such speeds has been reached. The only way to continue making ever-faster computers is to combine many of them for use in solving individual problems. The science and art of solving problems this way is the subject of our new Advanced Certificate. Top-of-the-line computers are now sold routinely with multiple processors, and those who know how to program them are at a decided advantage in software development.

Someone with a Bachelor's degree in computer science or with significant programming experience and appropriate background in computer methodology can take 6 graduate courses that will familiarize them with this new world of computing. The courses include the subjects of parallel and distributed systems and applications programming, parallel computer and distributed network design, parallel problem solving methods, and practical systems administration. Once these 6 courses are completed successfully, the Advanced Certificate is awarded. The Advanced Certificate courses are also credited to a Master's degree in Computer Science, if desired, or the Advanced Certificate can be taken as a standalone program.

Program Heads

Office Hours
Whitlock, Paula A Program Director 718-951-5657 2109 Ingersoll Hall whitlock @ call/email for appointment


Admission Requirements

This program is not accepting applications for Fall 2014.

Department Computer And Information Science
Fall Application Deadline August 1st
Spring Application Deadline November 1st
Supporting Documents for Matriculation:
Submit to the Office of Admissions: official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, two letters of recommendation.
TOEFL (paper, computer, internet) 525, 195, 70


Students admitted to the program will have significant programming experience, an undergraduate or graduate course in operating systems, an undergraduate or graduate course in algorithms, and an undergraduate or graduate course in computer organization or computer architecture.

Program Requirements

Computer and Information Science 7100X, 7212X, 7312X, 7340X, 7342X, and 7350X.

Up to 3 courses credited towards the advanced certificate may also be credited to the master of arts degree in computer science and the master of science degree in information systems.