Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Computer Science degree program at the University of Houston-Downtown offers students a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts of computer science. Combined with sound practical training relevant to the common applications of computing in business and industry, the degree provides preparation for all career paths in computer science and emerging areas of computing, including:

• database systems
• data mining
• visualization
• computer graphics and gaming
• software engineering
• web development
• computer networks and security
• mobile computing

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates who earn a BS in Computer Science will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of various aspects of computing environments, including hardware organizations, programming languages and paradigms, operating systems, and other computing tools.
• Master the fundamental concepts of computer programming, including data models and abstraction, control structures, symbolic logic, algorithmic thinking and testing and debugging with various computing environments.
• Be proficient in conveying Computer Science knowledge, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate ethical awareness and teamwork skills.

DEGREE PLAN INFORMATION

The following four-year degree plan is based on the UHD 2016-2017 academic catalog. Students should meet with a UHD Academic Advisor to develop their own plan.

• Catalog Degree Description
• Four Year Degree Plan
• Transfer Information
• Minor Requirements  

ADMISSIONS AND DECLARATION OF MAJOR

Students may be admitted to and declare a major in Computer Science if they meet the following criteria:

CAREERS

Computer Science professionals design and create fun and valuable apps for iPhones, iPads, Android and Windows 8 devices, to name a few. They design and build software and devise effective solutions to real-world problems. The computer science curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers such as:

• Software Developer
• Database Designer/Administrator
• Software Quality Assurance Engineer
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Web Developer
• Network and Computer system Administrator
• Information Security Analysts
• Computer Programmer
• Mobile App Developer
• Medical Imaging
• Digital Forensics

Computer science graduates not only work in classic high-tech companies like IBM, Microsoft, Dell, etc., but in all sectors of information and computing systems ranging from insurance, banking, and finance, to telecommunications (e.g. American National Insurance, Capital One, and AT&T). Graduates also work in the petrochemical sector for corporations such as Exxon Mobil and Transocean.

According to Forbes Top 12 Jobs for 2014, careers in computing have produced the most post-recession jobs with Software Developers making the number one spot. In addition, job-listing site CareerBliss, released The Happiest and Unhappiest Jobs of 2014 ranking Database Administrator as number one, while Software Quality Assurance Engineer ranks as number two.

SUGGESTED MINORS

• Bioinformatics 27 hours minimum
• Engineering Technology 20 hours minimum

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• H-LSAMP Scholarship
• Ongard Sirisaengtaksin Scholarship
• Scholars Academy

FINANCIAL AID

• Apply for Financial Aid

USEFUL LINKS

• Top 10 reasons to major in computing
• Computer Science career paths

We aim to foster your academic, personal, and professional goals. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the program coordinator.

ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION