Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology

Kenneth Oberhoff, PhD, Chair
N704, 713-221-8089

Hong Lin, PhD, Assistant Chair
N704, 713-221-2781

Vassilios Tzouanas, PhD, Assistant Chair
N713, 713-226-5272

Faculty

Professors	Lin
Associate Professors	Feng, Sheinberg, Tzouanas, Yuan
Assistant Professor	Avrithi, Chang, Rahmatian, Shastri, Soibam,
Lecturers	Harris, Singh

Mission and Objectives

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology (CSET) offers degree programs that meet the demands of the greater Houston area. The Department provides an innovative teaching and learning environment. Classroom lecturing is typically combined with laboratory experiments and computer simulations. The degree programs aim to empower students with lifelong learning and continuous improvement capabilities. Members of the faculty are committed to providing extended support to students’ learning activities both inside and outside the classroom. Students and faculty also have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research sponsored by the Scholars Academy.

The Computer Science program 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 Bachelor of Science degree provides preparation for all career paths in computer science and information technology, including database systems, scientific computing and simulation, graphics, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and networking and telecommunications. By emphasizing broad-based studies including mathematics and science requirements and sustained development of writing and speaking proficiency, the degree furnishes students with the problem solving and communication skills that are in high demand in today’s job market and graduate schools. Possessing many areas of expertise, the computer science faculty shares UHD’s commitment to quality teaching in a challenging yet personal and supportive learning environment. This commitment helps our majors compete successfully for positions involving the use and support of current computer applications, as well as for positions designing and building the computer applications of tomorrow.

The Engineering Technology program strives to provide high quality engineering technology degree programs and unique curricula for students from diverse social, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. The program is committed to maintaining an educational environment in which students can significantly enhance their academic standing as well as their skills in computing, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. With a strong sense of professionalism, students are trained to become successful individuals who are socially responsible and professionally competitive. The faculty’s open-door policy and flexible class scheduling accommodate the needs of working students. The Engineering Technology curricula reflect the demands and requirements of industries and businesses in the greater Houston area. The close partnerships forged between the department and local industries ensure that our academic programs are dynamic and up-to-date. Such partnerships also benefit graduates when they seek employment.

The existence of student chapters of professional organizations promotes networking, career awareness and planning opportunities. Special scholarships are available to promote excellence in academics, service, and leadership.

Student Professional Organization Chapters

Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
International Society of Automation (ISA)

Facilities

The modern laboratory facilities in the Computer Science and Engineering Technology Department provide students with ample opportunities for hands-on practice. The focus of these laboratories include computer science, electronics, and control and instrumentation. These labs are equipped with materials, equipment, instruments, computers, and various industrial standard design and application software tools.

Semester Projects

In order to fulfill the accreditation requirements of ETAC of ABET, all courses in the Engineering Technology program include semester projects. The purpose of the project is to train students to work on real-industry problems in a team environment that they will encounter working in industry after graduation. In Computer Science the senior project allows the students to apply their course materials and learning experiences to semester long real world projects.

Requirements for Graduation

The requirements for graduation with a Computer Science major or an Engineering Technology major comply with the UHD policy on graduation requirements. In addition, the students should complete all the requirements listed for the specific degree program. It is the students’ responsibility to become familiar with the requirements listed in this Catalog and in their degree plan, and the students should refer to them each time they plan their semester program of study. All degrees in the department require a grade of “C” or better in all computer science (CS) and engineering technology (ENGR, ET, and EET) courses. 25% (30 hours) of the semester credit hours of course work toward the degree must be taken at the University of Houston-Downtown. A minimum of 18 semester hours of upper-level credit in computer science or engineering technology course work must be completed at UHD.

Programs

Major

Minor