Department of Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computing Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Sam Houston State University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) for the B.S. Degree in Computing Science, concentration in Information Assurance (IA), by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Chair: Dr. Bing Zhou (936) 294-1590
Websites: Computer Science / Digital Forensics
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
The Computing Science program offers major study plans for students wishing to pursue careers in industry or government (as programmers/analysts/software engineers, as network and database administrators, and 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.
The Bachelor of Science in Computing 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. Students can elect to concentrate in Computing Science, Information Systems, or Information Assurance.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is designed to provide the skills and competencies required by students wishing to prepare for careers in software development.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares students for professional work in business and industry, as well as government and law enforcement, as a digital forensic analyst; including the collection, preservation, analysis, and reporting of digital evidence.
Highlights
Sam Houston State University provides a comprehensive computing environment for students. The Office of Information Technology Services 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 remote access 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/Linux 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 virtualization facilities. As part of its operations, the department of Computer Science houses the Sam Houston State University Cyber Forensics Intelligence Center (CFIC), 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 programs) 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.
Program Specific Requirements
The baccalaureate degree in Computing Science has the following program-specific requirements:
Mathematics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| MATH 1420 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1430 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2395 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Advanced MATH/STAT | 3 | |
| STAT 3379 | Statistical Methds in Practice | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| Science | 8 | |
