2025-2026 UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG
Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology
|
|
 Return to: Programs of Study in the College of Sciences and Technology
Vassilios Tzouanas, PhD, Chair
N704C, 713-226-5272
Dvijesh Shastri, PhD, Assistant Chair
N704E, 713-223-7903
Henry Foust, PhD, Assistant Chair
N704, 713-221-5798
Faculty
| Professors |
Lin, Shastri, Tzouanas, Yuan |
| Associate Professors |
Feng, Rahmatian, Soibam, Tito-Izquierdo, Xu, Zhang |
| Assistant Professors |
Foust, Hasan, Izadi, Pakhrin, Yilmaz |
| Senior Lecturers |
Harris, Singh |
| Lecturers |
Kamto |
Mission and Objectives
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology (CSET) offers degree programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the greater Houston area. The Department fosters an innovative teaching and learning environment, combining traditional classroom instruction with laboratory experiments and computer simulations. These programs aim to equip students with the skills necessary for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. The faculty members are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for students, both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring a rich and holistic learning experience. Additionally, students and faculty are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research through the Scholars Academy.
The Computer Science program provides students with a robust foundation in the core principles of computer science, along with practical training relevant to common computing applications in business and industry. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for a wide range of careers in computer science and information technology, including fields such as database systems, data analytics, scientific computing, graphics, game development, artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking, and mobile computing. The program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that includes mathematics and science courses, along with a focus on developing strong writing and communication skills-attributes highly valued in today’s competitive job market and graduate school environments. The Computer Science faculty, with their broad expertise, shares the University of Houston-Downtown’s commitment to high-quality education, delivering a challenging yet supportive learning environment. This dedication enables students to excel in securing positions that involve the application and support of current technologies, as well as in roles focused on the development of future computing innovations.
The Engineering Technology programs offer high-quality degrees and distinctive curricula for students from diverse social, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. These programs focus on the application of technology to address significant societal and engineering challenges and prepare students for successful careers in both industry and academia. Students are trained to analyze, implement, and improve both existing and emerging technologies across various engineering technology disciplines, including process automation, control systems, instrumentation, structural analysis and design, and safety management. Strong partnerships between the department and local industries ensure that our academic offerings remain relevant and responsive to industry needs. The curricula are designed to meet the demands of businesses and industries in the greater Houston area. The department is committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences through high-impact experiential learning opportunities, aiming to develop students’ technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, leadership capabilities, and teamwork proficiency. The programs emphasize professionalism, preparing students to become socially responsible and competitively skilled professionals. To accommodate working students, the faculty maintains an open-door policy and offers flexible class scheduling.
Student chapters of professional organizations offer valuable networking, career development, and planning opportunities. Special scholarships are also available to recognize and promote academic excellence, service, and leadership.
Student Professional Organization Chapters
Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Facilities
The state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology provide students with ample opportunities for hands-on learning. These laboratories focus on areas such as computer science, control and instrumentation, and structural analysis and design. They are equipped with advanced materials, instruments, computing resources, and a range of industry-standard design and application software tools, ensuring students are well-prepared for professional practice.
Semester Projects
While most engineering technology courses incorporate semester-long projects, specific courses are dedicated to two-semester senior (capstone) projects to comply with the accreditation standards set by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET. These capstone projects offer students the opportunity to address real-world industry challenges in a collaborative, team-based environment, simulating the types of problems they will encounter in their professional careers.
In the Computer Science program, the senior project enables students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to extended, real-world projects, further deepening their practical experience.
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. In general, 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.
ProgramsMajorMinorCoursesComputer ScienceEngineeringEngineering Technology
Return to: Programs of Study in the College of Sciences and Technology
|
