Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


Computer Science, B.S. Degree Map  

The plan in Computer Science (CS) leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This plan emphasizes the development of the skills and analytical abilities necessary to specify, design and develop computer-based solutions to complex systems problems. Students receive extensive instruction in software and hardware principles, in scientific, industrial and commercial applications, and in the supporting mathematical tools. The curriculum allows students to develop a broad background in computer science areas relating to system and application software development.

The mission of the undergraduate Computer Science program is to prepare students for productive careers in computing by providing an excellent and diverse environment for learning, research and practice of computing theories, computer applications and software development.

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives of the Computer Science (CS) program strike a balance between theory and practice of Computer Science. Graduates of the CS program are equipped with sound technical knowledge and skills and strong computer science fundamentals. They are provided a broad education to attain productive employment, prepare them for success in further studies and continue lifelong learning. Specifically, we want students engaged in:

Professional Practice

Graduates will be highly proficient in computer science in various capacities, including, but not limited to, programmer, systems analyst, technical consultant, researcher and project manager.

Professional Growth

Graduates will demonstrate continuous career improvement, evidenced by increasing responsibility and leadership, participation in further studies, or transition into other technical or professional careers. Associated skills include initiative, innovation, creativity, effective communication and teamwork.

Professional Conduct

Graduates will possess an awareness of the social and ethical implications of their work and their behavior. The Computer Science program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Scholastic Performance Requirements for Computer Science Undergraduates

The UHCL graduation requirements stipulate that a student must achieve an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. The Computer Science program imposes additional requirements for students to be accepted into, and progress through, the upper-level Computer Science curriculum. The courses listed below (or equivalent courses as approved by the departmental academic adviser) are considered the Lower-Level Core (LLC) for Computer Science and must be completed with a grade of C- or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher:

CSCI 1470 , CSCI 1471 , CSCI 2315 , PHYS 2325  and lab, PHYS 2326  and lab, MATH 2413 , MATH 2414 , MATH 2305  and WRIT 1301 .

Students may enroll in upper-level (3000-level) Computer Science or Computer Engineering courses after successfully completing the Computer Science LLC. Admission to upper-level status will be granted to students who successfully complete the Computer Science LLC courses during their freshman or sophomore years and have an overall UHCL GPA of 2.5 or higher. No LLC course may be attempted more than two times without consulting an assigned faculty adviser.

Requirements

This degree requires 122 hours and includes 42 hours of University Core. However, some of the major requirements courses listed below also satisfy University Core. If other courses are taken to satisfy University Core, the major requirements below are still necessary for graduation and substitutions are not accepted.

University Core Requirements (42 hours)


Communication (6 hours)


Mathematics (3 hours)


Additional Information


Three (3) hours of Calculus will count toward the University Core and one (1) hour will count toward the Major.

Life and Physical Sciences (6 hours)


Creative Arts (3 hours)


American History (6 hours)


Government/Political Science (6 hours)


Major Requirements (64 hours)


Required minimum for all Major Requirements is C-.

Elective Requirements (15 hours)


Electives


Choose 9 credit hours of CSCI-Approved upper-level electives and 6 credit hours of CSCI/CINF/CENG Approved upper-level electives. CSCI 3311 (Programming with Visual Basic) and CSCI 3303 (Fundamentals of Programming) will not count as approved electives.