Computer Science

Articulation Agreement

Cooperative program leading to the Associate of Science Degree and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science at Sam Houston State University

Computer Science is an inter-disciplinary field encompassing mathematics, logic, science, communication, and engineering. Fundamental to a study of Computer Science is the development of intellectual tools and practical skills in the design and implementation of technology-based solutions to real world scientific, business, and human problems. The Sam Houston State University undergraduate computer science degree program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET).

The Computer Science program offers major study plans for students wishing to pursue careers as a analyst/designer/programmer/software engineer (scientific, engineering, business), 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 baccalaureate degree in Computer Science consists of 6 components:

• A 26-hour computer science core. This represents the body of knowledge that all computer science professionals should know.
• An 18-hour concentration. The department offers three concentrations, computing science (CS – writing operating systems, networking, end user applications e.g., office suites, etceteras), information systems (IS – business data processing, financial, inventory control, management, etceteras) and information assurance and security (IA – security oriented curriculum).
• A 16-hour science component. This comprises eight semester credit hours in each of two natural sciences.
• A 15 to17-hour mathematics component. Students taking the CS or IA concentrations encouraged to take the scientific/engineering math sequence consisting of Calculus I/II (Mth142 and MTH143) but may complete the business calculus sequence (MTH 199 and MTH 299). Students opting for the IS concentration may take either Calculus I/II or Business Calculus I/II. Please note completing the scientific/engineering mathematics sequence provides access to all career opportunities. The business calculus sequence provides access to approximately 85% of career opportunities.
• A 31-hour general education component.
• Electives to bring the total hours to 120.

Participants of 2+2 programs at community colleges are especially welcome and encouraged to complete the Bachelor of Science degree at Sam Houston State University. Additional information may be found at http://www.cs.shsu.edu/.

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 a network lab, data recovery 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.