Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology

Vassilios Tzouanas, PhD, Chair
N704C, 713-226-5272

Dvijesh Shastri, PhD, Assistant Chair
N704E, 713-223-7903

Kenneth Oberhoff, PhD, Assistant Chair
N713, 713-221-8089

Faculty

Professors	Lin, Shastri, Tzouanas, Yuan
Associate Professors	Feng, Oberhoff, Rahmatian, Soibam, Xu, Zhang
Assistant Professor	Foust, Hasan, Tito-Izquierdo, Yilmaz
Lecturers	Harris, Kamto, 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, data analytics, scientific computing and simulation, graphics, game development, artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking, and mobile computing. 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 programs provide high quality engineering technology degrees and unique curricula for students from diverse social, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. Our programs emphasize the application of technology to solve important societal and engineering problems, and prepare students for successful careers in industry and graduate school. Students are taught how to analyze, implement, and improve existing and emerging technologies in a number of engineering technology areas including: process automation, control, instrumentation, structural analysis and design. The close partnerships forged between the department and local industries ensure that our academic programs are current and meet industry needs. The Engineering Technology curricula reflect the demands and requirements of industries and businesses in the greater Houston area. The department’s faculty strives to achieve the highest quality in the design and delivery of our programs and involve students in high impact experiential learning activities. The programs are committed to maintaining an educational environment in which students can develop and significantly enhance their technical, problem-solving, communication, leadership and teamwork skills for a successful professional career. 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 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 programs include semester (capstone) projects. The purpose these projects 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