The Department of Computer Science is accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET
Chair: Peter A. Cooper (936) 294-1569
Faculty: David Burris, Lei Chen, Hyuk Cho, Ken Hartness, Jiahuang Ji, Timothy McGuire, Karon Murff, Gary Smith,Li-Jen Shannon, Cihan Varol
Website: Computer Science: http://cs.shsu.edu/
Digital Forensics: http://www.df.shsu.edu
Mission
The Department of Computer Science is a community of faculty, staff and students, centered in the computer science disciplines. The Department of Computer Science is dedicated to providing the highest quality education possible to its graduate and undergraduate students through excellence in teaching and excellence in research. The department is committed to furthering the pursuit of knowledge and meeting the needs of a diverse society.
The Department of Computer Science seeks to provide an environment that encourages innovative thinking, academic rigor and the pursuit of scholarship in an atmosphere that promotes high ethical and moral values and mutual respect, embracing diversity, and working towards a goal of instilling a life-long love of learning.
Academic Programs
BS in Computer Science
The Computer Science program offers major study plans for students wishing to pursue careers as a programmer/analyst/software engineer, as network and database administrators, as digital forensics and information security professionals, or to prepare for advanced studies at the graduate level. Minor study plans are offered which can be tailored to the needs of students majoring in almost any field. A plan leading to secondary teacher certification in Computer Science is also offered.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Sam Houston State University has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., the recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. ABET accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing its students with a quality education.
Highlights
Sam Houston State University provides a comprehensive computing environment for students. The Computer Services Department operates a large number of computing laboratories containing desktop computers, and workstations. A variety of operating systems, network protocols, programming languages and application packages are available. Students have full access to the Internet and E-mail facilities when on campus and through dial-up facilities from off-campus. In addition to the institutional facilities, the Department of Computer Science operates a range of lab facilities to support its mission and programs, including network robotics and Unix labs, a data recovery lab and a network security lab. The department operates a 40-node symmetric multiprocessing system for use in parallel processing, digital forensics, cryptanalysis, and steganographic research. The department also has access to state of the art visualization facilities. As part of its operations, the department of Computer Science houses the Sam Houston State University Center of Excellence in Digital Forensics, a center dedicated to the development of digital forensics training for law enforcement personnel and research opportunities into forensics and security issues.
Career Opportunities
Computing professionals support many scientific, governmental, and commercial enterprises though network and communication systems management, application (computer program) development and maintenance, and hardware design. The management of computing resources within organizations is typically a mission critical activity and computing professionals occupy key organizational roles as network and database administrators, software engineers, systems analysts and programmers. Of key concern in today’s modern environment is the protection, assurance, and recovery of computing resources, providing opportunities for those wanting to work in the information assurance and digital forensics fields.
Suggested Minors
Because computer systems are a part of our everyday lives, they have application to many academic fields. Many of our computer science students select minors in a scientific field such as mathematics, physics, chemistry or GIS, or in business related fields such as accounting. However, other minors are equally valuable, including Art, English, Music, and particularly Criminal Justice, given the connected world in which we live and the need to protect our systems and ourselves from digital crime.
Student Organizations
Sam Houston Association of Computer Scientists - The club sponsors fieldtrips, campus visits by guest speakers and occasional student/faculty outings.
Internships
The Computer Science department does not operate internships as part of its degree program.
Scholarships
The Department of Computer Science offers the following scholarships:
- The Johnny Cook Kelly Memorial Scholarship: awarded to undergraduate computer science majors with a preference given to students from Walker County.
- The Mohamed Ahmed Noman Scholarship: awarded to full time undergraduate students working toward a degree in Computer Science.
- The Kailas and Becky Rao Scholarship in honor of Mr. Albert Kidd: awarded to full time graduate or undergraduate students in good standing and majoring in Computer Science.
Each of these scholarships requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and registration in courses leading to a degree in Computer Science. Other criteria are also pertinent to individual scholarships. More information can be obtained through the department.
Program Specific Requirements
The baccalaureate degree in Computer Science has the following program specific requirements:
Mathematics: 15-17 hours (6 upper level).
The specific requirements are: MTH 142/143 or 199/299, MTH 295, MTH /STA 379 and 3 hrs. Advanced MTH/STA. The math sequence MTH 142/143 is essential for students interested in aerospace and engineering disciplines.
Science: 16 hours.
The specific requirements are: two 4-hour labs (3 hours lecture + 1 hour lab) in each of the two sciences.
Curriculum
Major in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science major requires a total of 44 hours of Computer Science coursework. General degree requirements must also be met. The 44 hours of coursework for the Computer Science major should be distributed as follows (Note: CTE courses may not be used to meet this requirement):
| REQUIRED COURSES: CS 146, 147, 272, 334, 362, 437, 482, DF 492 | 26 hrs. |
| Students are expected to select an emphasis from one of the following concentrations: | |
| Computer Science: CS 278("C or better"), 333, 430, 431, 6 additional hours of CS | 18 hrs. |
| Information Systems: CS 278 (COBOL), 234, 336, 463, 6 additional hours of CS | 18 hrs. |
| Information Assurance: DF 138,CS 278 (C or better), DF 291,DF 391, DF 491, 6 additional hours of CS or DF | 18 hrs. |
| The total must include a minimum of 21 advanced hours: Total | 44 hrs. |
CS 431 is recommended for students electing to complete the Information Systems concentration. Computer Science and Information Assurance tracks require CS 278 (C or better). Information Systems tracks require CS 278 (COBOL).
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Computer Science (CS) |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
||
6 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) KIN 215 <KINE 2115> |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
8 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 ADV MTH <MATH> hours |
3 |
Senior |
SCIENCE 1 (8hrs), SCIENCE 2 (8hrs) |
16 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
CS <COSC> Electives |
6 |
|
Electives |
||
Electives |
12 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Note: 1MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement. |
||
The minimum number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree is 120. The minimum number of advanced credit hours for a baccalaureate degree is 42. Students may take free elective courses beyond the hours identified in the recommended 4-year plan to meet the overall credit hour and advanced credit hour requirements. |
||
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Computer Science (IS) |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
| Component Area I (Communication) ENG 164 <ENGL 1301> and ENG 165 <ENGL 1302> |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences)2 |
8 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
||
6 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
8 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 ADV MTH <MATH> hours |
3 |
Senior |
SCIENCE 1 (8 hrs), SCIENCE 2 (8 hrs)2 |
16 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
CS <COSC> Electives |
6 |
Junior |
General Electives |
12 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Note: 1MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement. |
||
28 hours of science satisfies the requirement for Component Area III and the degree specific requirement. |
||
The minimum number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree is 120. The minimum number of advanced credit hours for a baccalaureate degree is 42. Students may take free elective courses beyond the hours identified in the recommended 4-year plan to meet the overall credit hour and advanced credit hour requirements. |
||
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Computer Science (IA) |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences)2 |
8 |
See Degree Specific Requirements |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
||
6 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
8 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 ADV MTH hours |
3 |
Senior |
SCIENCE 1 (8 hrs), SCIENCE 2 (8 hrs)2 |
16 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
CS Electives |
6 |
Sophomore/Junior |
General Electives |
9 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Note: 1 MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement. |
||
28 hours of science satisfies the requirement for Component Area III and the degree specific requirement. |
||
The minimum number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree is 120. The minimum number of advanced credit hours for a baccalaureate degree is 42. Students may take free elective courses beyond the hours identified in the recommended 4-year plan to meet the overall credit hour and advanced credit hour requirements. |
||
Students with extensive high school programming experience may elect to begin a major or minor program with CS 147 or CS 272. |
||
Students who have taken the advanced placement computer science examination may be eligible for credit for CS 146 and CS 147. |
||
Minor in Computer Science
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
A Computer Science Minor consists of 21 or more hours of Computer Science coursework of which at least 9 hours must be advanced. Two recommended minor plans are shown here. Modifications may be made to meet individual student needs as approved by the Computer Science Department Chair. Individualized minor plans are available for students seeking a Computer Science minor for Certification.
Computer Science Minor:
Students will select an emphasis from one of the following tracks:
| Information Systems: CS 146, CS 278(COBOL), CS 234, 334, 373, 336, 463 | 22 hrs. |
| Computer Sciences: CS 146,147, 272, 278, 333, 334, CS (Advanced) 3 hrs | 23 hrs. |
| Information Assurance: CS 146, 234, DF 138, 291, 390, 491, DF/CS(Advanced) 3 hrs | 22 hrs. |