BS in Computing Science: 4+1 MS Computing and Data Science

The Bachelor of Science in computing science portion of the 4+1 offers three concentrations with slightly varied coursework:

  • Computing Science: coursework focused on computer architecture, compiler design and construction, and operating systems.
  • Information Assurance (IA): coursework focused on digital forensics, information assurance, cryptography, and information security.
  • Information Systems (IS): coursework focused on information system design and management and network theory.

Students will work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who specialize in a wide range of theories, systems, and application of computing systems. The Department of Computer Science has five dedicated classrooms with high performance computers, supported by a dedicated virtual farm that provides students with the capability to develop apps and perform security research. The department also operates labs for network, robotics, Unix/Linux, data recovery, and network security.

The 4+1 option for MS in computing and data science program is exclusively for existing undergraduate computer science (CS) students who meet the necessary academic prerequisites. That includes those who started their study as freshmen at SHSU majoring in computing science and also those who transferred.
The graduate portion of the program can be completed in one year.

The BS in computing science program is accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which demonstrates the program’s commitment to providing our students with a quality education. The information assurance concentration is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency.


Digital and Cyber Forensic Science Hardware, Sam Houston State University

Research Areas

Big Data Analytics

Data Visualization

Soft Computing

Deep Learning

Distributed Computing

Computer Vision






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FAQ

  • Q: What are the requirements for admission?

  • Q: What is the cost of enrollment?

    You can locate cost information at the Cashier's Office.

    • While costs vary from student to student, answering the cost calculator questions may assist with estimating your cost of attendance for one semester at SHSU.
  • Q: Where can I learn more about Scholarships and Financial Aid?

    Please see the information available at the Office of Financial Aid website.

  • Q: When do I apply for graduate school?

    Students planning to pursue the 4+1 CDS option must complete the Graduate Application process and be accepted to the MS in CDS program.

    • In order to apply to the 4+1 CDS program students must complete all undergraduate degree plan requirements (minimum of 120 semester credit hours) and all admission requirements.
    • The graduate program will begin in the Summer I semester term each year and will run as a cohort model.
    • Students may apply to the program while coursework is in-progress but may not begin the graduate CDS program until the 120 semester credit hours and admission requirements are completed.
  • Q: How does the 4+1 program work?

    The 4+1 option for MS in Computing and Data Science program is exclusively for existing undergraduate Computer Science (CS) students who meet the necessary academic prerequisites. Currently, computing science students are required to take 6 hours of advanced electives beyond the requirements of the CS program in order to meet the 42 advanced hours required by the university. Students recruited into the 4+1 program will take 6 hours of post-baccalaureate coursework (research project) to further enhance their advanced computing science experience and that will count as credit towards the graduate portion of the program. Given the above, the graduate portion of the program could be completed in one year (fall 9 hours; spring 9 hours; summer 6 hours).