Polytechnic College

Administrative Officers 

Name Title
Chad Hargrave, PhD Vice President & Chief Research Officer
Clayton Cottle Assistant Vice President of Operations & Strategic Initiatives
Jonathan Thomas Director of Strategic Partnerships & Technology Transfer
Scott Meyer, JD, PhD Program Director of Paralegal Studies; Assistant Professor of Practice
Stephen Mujeye, PhD Program Director of Computer Information Systems & Security; Assistant Professor of Practice
Oneil Fuller, CMHE Program Director of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Assistant Professor of Practice
James Harris, PhD Program Director of Health Information Technology; Assistant Professor of Practice
Ted Whitmer, JD Program Director of Real Estate; Assistant Professor of Practice

About Us

For 145 years, Sam Houston State University has championed student success, providing access to quality education, including first-generation students. Founded after World War II as the Josey School to support returning military members, the Polytechnic College continues SHSU's mission of workforce-aligned education. Today, it offers flexible, practical pathways to build valuable skills while keeping the option to pursue a four-year degree open.

Polytechnic certificates and applied associate degrees provide students with hands-on, practical experiences that translates directly into marketable skills and maximizes employment opportunities and career mobility.

Why SHSU Polytechnic? 

In a rapidly evolving workforce, Sam Houston State University's Polytechnic College is here to equip you with the skills you need to succeed. Our industry-aligned programs offer practical, applied education that meets current industry demands.

At SamPoly, we believe in the power of applied knowledge to transform lives and create lasting impact. Here, learning is hands-on, empowering and focused on preparing you to lead and thrive in your chosen field.

Polytechnic certificates and applied associate degrees provide students with hands-on, practical experiences that translates directly into marketable skills and maximizes employment opportunities and career mobility. Some course credit earned through SHSU Polytechnic certificates and applied associate degrees will apply towards four-year bachelor's degrees in a related academic discipline.

At SamPoly we believe collaboration is the key to unlocking innovation and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. By partnering with us, you can play a pivotal role in preparing students to meet the challenges of a dynamic and ever-evolving global economy. Together, we can bridge the gap between education and industry, creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. 

Educational Partners

We collaborate with educational institutions to develop innovative pathways, such as dual-credit courses and shared resources, to empower students at every stage of their academic journey. By working together, we can expand access to quality education, foster student success and build a stronger community of learners.

Industry Partners

Our programs are designed with input from industry leaders to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills employers need. By partnering with us, you can help shape curriculum, provide internships or apprenticeships and connect with a pool of job-ready talent. Whether you're looking to upskill your existing workforce or hire skilled graduates, our collaboration can drive innovation and deliver measurable value for your business.

Artificial Intelligence

ITAI 1370. AI Fundamentals & Platforms. 3 Hours.

Students acquire a foundational understanding of AI, its applications, and how to access and use AI platforms without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

ITAI 1371. AI Ethics and Society. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to the ethical implications of AI technologies, including issues of bias, privacy, and social impacts of AI deployment.

ITAI 1372. AI in Industry. 3 Hours.

Students explore how AI is being applied across different industries and identify potential opportunities for AI integration.

ITAI 1373. Data Analysis & Visualization. 3 Hours.

Students learn the basics of data analysis and visualization, focusing on turning raw data into actionable insights accessible tools.

ITAI 1374. Automating Workflows. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and learn how to automate repetitive tasks using UiPath.

ITAI 1375. AI-Powered Data Insights. 3 Hours.

Students generate AI-driven insights from data using Microsoft Power Bi.

ITAI 2370. AI for Customer Service. 3 Hours.

Students design, build, and deploy a basic customer service chatbot using Google’s Dialogflow platform.

ITAI 2371. Natural Language Processing. 3 Hours.

Students explore Natural Language Processing (NLP) and use IBM Watson to analyze and process text data.

ITAI 2372. Image and Text Analysis. 3 Hours.

Students employ Google Cloud AI's tools for analyzing images and text, enabling students to leverage advanced AI capabilities for media analysis.

ITAI 2373. Predictive Analytics. 3 Hours.

Students implement predictive analytics models using Microsoft Azure AI, enabling students to forecast outcomes based on data.

ITAI 2374. Automating Customer Insights. 3 Hours.

Students use IBM Watson Discovery to automate the extraction of insights from customer data, enhancing data-driven decision-making processes.

ITAI 2375. Capstone Project. 3 Hours.

Students apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to solve a real-world problem using AI technologies.

Computer Maintenance Technician

CPMT 1305. IT Essentials 1: PC Hardware and Software. 3 Hours.

Provides comprehensive overview of computer hardware and software and an introduction to advanced concepts addressed by Cisco certification. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

Data Processing

ITSC 1305. Introduction to PC Operating Systems. 3 Hours.

Introduction to personal computer operating systems including installation, configuration, file management, memory and storage management, control of peripheral devices, and use of utilities.

ITSC 1309. Integrated Software Applicatio. 3 Hours.

Introduction to business productivity software suites using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and/or presentation software.

ITSC 1316. Linux Installation and Configuration. 3 Hours.

Introduction to Linux operating system. Includes Linux installation, basic administration, utilities and commands, upgrading, networking, security, and application installation. Emphasizes hands-on setup, administration, and management of Linux.

ITSC 1342. Shell Programming. 3 Hours.

Reading, writing, and debugging shell scripts. Development of scripts to automate frequently executed sequences of commands. Covers conditional logic, user interaction, loops, and menus to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the user. Intended for programmers who are familiar with operating environments and reading and writing various shell scripts.

Electrical, Electronic and Communication Technology

EECT 1300. Technical Customer Service. 3 Hours.

General principles of customer service within a technical environment. Topics include internal/external customer relationships, time-management, best practices, and verbal and non-verbal communications skills.

Health Information Technology

HITT 1211. Health Information Systems. 2 Hours.

Introduction to health IT standards, health-related data structures, software applications, and enterprise architecture in health care and public health.

HITT 1253. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information. 2 Hours.

Concepts of privacy, security, confidentiality, ethics, health care legislation, and regulations relating to the maintenance and use of health information.

HITT 1301. Health Data Content and Structure. 3 Hours.

Introduction to systems and processes for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating primary and secondary health related information including content of health record, documentation requirements, registries, indices, licensing, regulatory agencies, forms, and screens.

HITT 1305. Medical Terminology I. 3 Hours.

Study of medical terms through word origin and structure. Introduction to abbreviations and symbols, surgical and diagnostic procedures, and medical specialties.

HITT 1311. Health Information Systems. 3 Hours.

Introduction to health IT standards, health-related data structures, software applications, and enterprise architecture in health care and public health.

HITT 1341. Coding and Classification Systems. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of coding rules, conventions, and guidelines using clinical classification systems.

HITT 1342. Ambulatory Coding. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of ambulatory coding rules, conventions, and guidelines.

HITT 1345. Health Care Delivery Systems. 3 Hours.

Examination of delivery systems including organization, financing, accreditation, licensure, and regulatory agencies.

HITT 2160. Clinical - Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. 1 Hour.

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

HITT 2239. Health Information Organization and Supervision. 2 Hours.

Principles of organization and supervision of human, financial, and physical resources.

HITT 2249. RHIT Competency Review. 2 Hours.

Review Health Information Technology (HIT) competencies, skills, and knowledge.

HITT 2335. Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies. 3 Hours.

Advanced coding techniques with emphasis on case studies, health records, and federal regulations regarding prospective payment systems and methods of reimbursement.

HITT 2339. Health Information Organization and Supervision. 3 Hours.

Principles of organization and supervision of human, financial, and physical resources.

HITT 2343. Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement. 3 Hours.

Study of quality standards and methodologies in the health information management environment. Topics include licensing, accreditation, compilation and presentation of data in statistical formats, quality management and performance improvement functions, utilization management, risk management, and medical staff data quality issues. Approaches to assessing patient safety issues and implementation of quality management and reporting through electronic systems.

HITT 2346. Advanced Medical Coding. 3 Hours.

Advanced concepts of ICD and CPT coding rules, conventions, and guidelines in complex case studies. Investigation of government regulations and changes in health care reporting.

Health Profession Skills

HPRS 1201. Introduction to Health Profess. 2 Hours.

An overview of roles of various members of the health care system, educational requirements, and issues affecting the delivery of health care.

Heating and Air Conditioning Technology

HART 1401. Basic Electricity for HVAC. 4 Hours.

Principles of electricity as required by HVAC, including proper use of test equipment, electrical circuits, and component theory and operation.

HART 1407. Refrigeration Principles. 4 Hours.

An introduction to the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer theory, temperature/pressure relationship, refrigerant handling, refrigeration components, and safety.

HART 1441. Residential Air Conditioning. 4 Hours.

A study of components, applications, and installation of mechanical air conditioning systems including operating conditions, troubleshooting, repair, and charging of air conditioning systems.

HART 1445. Gas and Electric Heating. 4 Hours.

Study of the procedures and principles used in servicing heating systems including gas fired furnaces and electric heating systems.

HART 2301. Air Conditioning and Refrige. 3 Hours.

HVAC standards and concepts with emphasis on the understanding, and documentation of the codes and regulations required for the state mechanical contractors license and local codes.

HART 2331. Advanced Electricity for HVAC. 3 Hours.

Advanced electrical instruction and skill building in installation and servicing of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including detailed instruction in motors and power distribution motors, motor controls, and application of solid state devices.

HART 2334. Advanced Air Conditioning Controls. 3 Hours.

Theory and application of electrical control devices, electromechanical controls, and/or pneumatic controls.

HART 2336. Air Conditioning Troubleshooting. 3 Hours.

An advanced course in application of troubleshooting principles and use of test instruments to diagnose air conditioning and refrigeration components and system problems including conducting performance tests.

HART 2345. Residential Air Conditioning System Design. 3 Hours.

Study of the properties of air and results of cooling, heating, humidifying or dehumidifying; heat gain and heat loss calculations including equipment selection and balancing the air system.

HART 2368. Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology/Technician. 3 Hours.

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student.

HART 2441. Commercial Air Conditioning. 4 Hours.

A study of components, applications, and installation of air conditioning systems with capacities of 25 tons or less.

HART 2442. Commercial Refrigeration. 4 Hours.

Theory and practical application in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration; medium, and low temperature applications and ice machines.

Information Science

ITNW 1309. Fundamentals of Cloud Computing. 3 Hours.

Introduction to cloud computing from a business and technical perspective, including cloud concepts, services, architecture, system integration, connectivity, data center migration, administration, security, compliance and technical support. Coverage includes preparation for industry certifications. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

ITNW 1325. Fundamentals of Networking Technologies. 3 Hours.

Instruction in networking technologies and their implementation. Topics include the OSI reference model, network protocols, transmission media, and networking hardware and software.

Information Security

ITSY 1300. Fundamentals of Information Security. 3 Hours.

An introduction to information security including vocabulary and terminology, ethics, the legal environment, and risk management. Identification of exposures and vulnerabilities and countermeasures are addressed. The importance of appropriate planning, policies and controls is also discussed.

ITSY 1342. Information Technology Security. 3 Hours.

Instruction in security for network computer hardware, software, virtualization, and data, including physical security; backup procedures; relevant tools; encryption; and protection from viruses. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

ITSY 2300. Operating System Security. 3 Hours.

Safeguard operating systems by demonstrating support skills and designing and implementing security processes. Identify security threats and monitor security implementations. Use best practices to configure operating systems to industry security standards.

ITSY 2301. Firewalls and Network Security. 3 Hours.

Identify elements of secure network design that may include segmentation, Firewall implementation or a combination thereof to mitigate various types of security threats and attacks. Use Best Practices to design, implement, monitor and manage a network security plan. Examine security incident postmortem reporting and ongoing network security activities.

ITSY 2330. Intrusion Detection. 3 Hours.

Computer information systems security monitoring, intrusion detection, and crisis management. Includes alarm management, signature configuration, sensor configuration, and troubleshooting components. Emphasizes identifying, resolving, and documenting network crises and activating the response team.

ITSY 2341. Security Management Practices. 3 Hours.

In-depth coverage of security management practices, including asset evaluation and risk management; cyber law and ethics issues; policies and procedures; business recovery and business continuity planning; network security design; and developing and maintaining a security plan.

ITSY 2342. Incident Response & Handling. 3 Hours.

In-depth coverage of incident response and incident handling, including identifying sources of attacks and security breaches; analyzing security logs; recovering the system to normal; performing postmortem analysis; and implementing and modifying security measures.

ITSY 2345. Network Defense & Countermeasu. 3 Hours.

This is a practical application and comprehensive course that includes the planning, design, and construction of defenses for a complex network that will sustain an attack, document events, and mitigate the effects of the attack.

Integrated Software Applications

ITSC 1305. Introduction to PC Operating Systems. 3 Hours.

Introduction to personal computer operating systems including installation, configuration, file management, memory and storage management, control of peripheral devices, and use of utilities.

ITSC 1309. Integrated Software Applicatio. 3 Hours.

Introduction to business productivity software suites using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and/or presentation software.

ITSC 1316. Linux Installation and Configuration. 3 Hours.

Introduction to Linux operating system. Includes Linux installation, basic administration, utilities and commands, upgrading, networking, security, and application installation. Emphasizes hands-on setup, administration, and management of Linux.

ITSC 1342. Shell Programming. 3 Hours.

Reading, writing, and debugging shell scripts. Development of scripts to automate frequently executed sequences of commands. Covers conditional logic, user interaction, loops, and menus to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the user. Intended for programmers who are familiar with operating environments and reading and writing various shell scripts.

Legal Assistant/Paralegal

LGLA 1303. Legal Research. 3 Hours.

Presents legal research techniques emphasizing the paralegal's role.

LGLA 1305. Legal Writing. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of legal writing techniques including case and fact analysis, citation formats, and legal writing styles emphasizing the paralegal's role in legal writing.

LGLA 1311. Introduction to Law. 3 Hours.

Presents legal terminology relating to substantive areas of law and the federal and state judicial systems. Emphasizes the paralegal's role in the legal system.

LGLA 1313. Introduction to Paralegal Studies. 3 Hours.

An overview of the paralegal profession including, professional regulation, trends and issues, ethical obligations, and the paralegal's role in the delivery of legal services.

LGLA 1317. Law Office Technology. 3 Hours.

Computer technology and software applications within the law office emphasizing the paralegal's role in the use of law office technology.

LGLA 1345. Civil Litigation. 3 Hours.

Presents fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation including pretrial, trial, and post-trial phases of litigation and emphasizes paralegal's role in civil litigation.

LGLA 1351. Contracts. 3 Hours.

Presents fundamental concepts of contract law including formation, performance, and enforcement of contracts under the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code with emphasis on the paralegal's role in contract law.

LGLA 1355. Family Law. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts of family law including formal and informal marriages, divorce, annulment, marital property, and the parent-child relationship with emphasis on the paralegal's role in family law.

LGLA 1380. Cooperative Education - Legal Assistant/Paralegal. 3 Hours.

Career-related activities encountered in the student's area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement among the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Includes a lecture component.

LGLA 2305. Interviewing & Investigating. 3 Hours.

A study of techniques used to locate, gather, document, and manage information with emphasis on developing interview and investigative skills, and the paralegal's role in interviewing and investigating legal matters.

LGLA 2307. Law Office Management. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of principles and structure of management, administration, and substantive systems in the law office including law practice technology as applied to paralegals.

LGLA 2313. Criminal Law and Procedure. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure from arrest to final disposition including principles of federal and state law emphasizing the role of the paralegal in the criminal justice system.

LGLA 2331. Advanced Legal Research & Writing. 3 Hours.

Builds on previous legal research and writing courses and covers standard and electronic research techniques and preparation of complex legal documents with emphasis on the paralegal's role.

LGLA 2333. Advanced Legal Document Preparation. 3 Hours.

Use of office technology skills in preparation of legal documents by paralegals based on hypothetical situations drawn from various areas of law.

LGLA 2335. Advanced Civil Litigation. 3 Hours.

Implementation of advanced civil litigation techniques with emphasis on the paralegal's role. Builds upon skills acquired in prior civil litigation courses.

LGLA 2337. Mediation. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts of mediation and alternative dispute resolution emphasizing the paralegal's role assisting in the mediation process.

LGLA 2339. Certified Paralegal Exam Review. 3 Hours.

A review of the mandatory and optional topics covered in the Certified Paralegal Examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.

LGLA 2341. Evidence. 3 Hours.

This course presents evidentiary concepts including gathering evidence, identifying evidentiary arguments, preparing evidence for trial, emphasizing the paralegal's role.

LGLA 2381. Cooperative Ed II- Paralegal Assistant. 3 Hours.

Career-related activities encountered in the student's area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement among the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Includes a lecture component.

Programming

ITSE 1359. Introduction to Scripting Languages. 3 Hours.

Introduction to scripting languages including basic data types, control structures, regular expressions, input/output, and textual analysis. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

Public Administration

PBAD 2347. Urban Planning. 3 Hours.

Examination of urban and regional planning. Topics include environmental analysis, growth and redevelopment strategies, planning, zoning, and subdividing.

Real Estate 

RELE 1200. Contract Forms. 2 Hours.

Provides and overview of promulgated contract forms, including but not limited to unauthorized practice of law, Broker-Lawyer Committee, current promulgated and approved forms, commission rules governing use of forms and case studies involving use of forms. Completion of promulgated contract forms and addenda based on given real estate scenarios.

RELE 1201. Principles of Real Estate I. 2 Hours.

A beginning overview of licensing as a real estate broker or salesperson. Includes ethics of practice as a license holder, titles to and conveyance of real estate, legal descriptions, deeds, encumbrances and liens, distinctions between personal and real property, appraisal, finance and regulations, closing procedures, and real estate mathematics. Covers instruction on federal, state, and local laws relating to housing discrimination, housing credit discrimination, and community reinvestment. Fulfills one-half of required instruction in Principles of Real Estate I and II for salesperson license.

RELE 1211. Law of Contracts. 2 Hours.

Fundamental elements of a contract, offer and acceptance, statute of frauds, specific performance and remedies for breach, unauthorized practice of law, commission rules relating to use of adopted forms, and disclosure requirements.

RELE 1219. Real Estate Finance. 2 Hours.

Examination of monetary systems, primary and secondary money markets, sources of mortgage loans, federal government programs, loan applications, processes and procedures, closing costs, alternative financial instruments, equal credit opportunity laws affecting mortgage lending, Community Reinvestment Act, and the federal and state housing agencies.

RELE 1238. Principles of Real Estate II. 2 Hours.

A continuing overview of licensing as a broker or salesperson. Includes ethics of practice as a license holder, titles to and conveyance of real estate, legal descriptions, deeds, encumbrances and liens, distinctions between personal and real property, appraisal, finance and regulations, closing procedures, and real estate mathematics. Covers instruction on federal, state, and local laws relating to housing discrimination, housing credit discrimination, and community reinvestment. Fulfills one-half of the required instruction in Principles of Real Estate I and II for the salesperson license.

RELE 1303. Real Estate Appraisal. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the central purposes and functions of an appraisal, social and economic determinants of value, appraisal case studies, cost, market data and income approaches to value estimates, final correlations, and reporting.

RELE 1307. Real Estate Investments. 3 Hours.

Introduction to characteristics of real estate investments. Includes techniques of investment analysis, time value of money, discounted and non-discounted investment criteria, leverage, tax shelters, depreciation, and applications to property tax.

RELE 1309. Real Estate Law. 3 Hours.

Legal concepts of real estate, land description, real property rights, estates in land, contracts, conveyances, encumbrances, foreclosures, recording procedures, and evidence of title.

RELE 1315. Residential Property Management. 3 Hours.

Examination of the role of the property manager, landlord policies, operational guidelines, leases, lease negotiations, tenant relations, maintenance, reports, habitability laws, and the Fair Housing Act.

RELE 1321. Real Estate Marketing. 3 Hours.

Real estate professionalism and ethics, characteristics of successful salespersons, time management, psychology of marketing, listing procedures, advertising, negotiation and closing financing; and the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.

RELE 1323. Real Estate Computer Application. 3 Hours.

A study of the availability of technology, especially software, and its ability to help a real estate agent become more productive. Includes data base mapping interest and software application.

RELE 1329. Fundamentals of Environmental Issues. 3 Hours.

Environmental issues affecting the real estate industry including hazardous substances, underground storage tanks, and wetlands.

RELE 1335. Real Estate Construction. 3 Hours.

Basic principles of design and construction of real estate properties. including cost estimates and permitting requirements.

RELE 2201. Law of Agency. 2 Hours.

Examination of the law of agency including principal broker relationship, the authority of an agent, the termination of an agent's authority, the fiduciary and other duties of an agent, employment law, deceptive trade practices, listing or buying representation procedures, and the disclosure of agency.

RELE 2331. Real Estate Brokerage. 3 Hours.

A study of law of agency, planning and organization, operational policies and procedures, recruiting, selection and training of personnel, records and control, and real estate firm analysis and expansion criteria.

RELE 2381. Cooperative Education - Real Estate. 3 Hours.

Career-related activities encountered in the student's area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement among the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Includes a lecture component.

Science Technology

SCIT 1307. Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 3 Hours.

An applied systematic study of the structure and function of the human body. Includes anatomical terminology, cells, tissues, and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Emphasis on homeostasis.

SCIT 1308. Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 3 Hours.

A continuation of Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I. The following body systems are included: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, renal/excretory, and reproductive. Emphasis is on homeostasis.