To get you started, here are some of the most Freqently Asked Questions.

Question: Do the course numbers indicate the order in which I should complete the courses?

Answer: Not exactly!! Courses that begin with the number one, are freshman level courses, but the last two digits are simply an identification. You should consult an advisor or check the prerequisites to see which order to take the courses. The suggested sequence for freshman and sophomore courses is 1380, 1381, (2380, 2333), 2344. The required junior level courses can be taken in any order (3333,3334,3336) and 3340. after completing the sophomore courses.

Question: Is it possible to graduate under the degree plan you started with when you began college?  I started with my CS degree plan from 1998, but then I transferred to STCC, now that I am back, they have me under the 2004 degree plan.  So is it possible to switch back.

Answer: Yes it is possible and we do it all the time. The online computer is not set up to handle it but we handle it when we do the final audit.  You should fill out the degree plan with the department so we can settle any issues.
You must finish the degree by 7 years from the catalog under which you entered college.

The online degree planner has a modeling option that allows you to explore a different major and different catalog, but does not allow you to check different minors.

Question: I finished an associate'­s degree from a Community College, what core courses must I complete at UTPA?

Answer: For the BSCS Major, you must complete PHIL 2390, since it is a degree requirement. In general UTPA will require you to complete an additional 3 hours since our core is 48 hours and some community colleges have a 45 hour core. If you have not completed 9 hours of English, you must also complete a total of 9 hours of English before enrolling in ENG 3333 Technical Writing, which is a requirement for the Computer Science Major.

Question: What is the difference between the BSCS and the BSCS with Engineering Emphasis?

Answer: They are both the same degree. The BSCS with Engineering Emphasis is simply and advising version that shows how a student can give a computer engineering flavor to the BSCS degree by selecting certain computer science electives that are usually a part of a computer engineering degree and by completing an optional Electrical Engineering minor (ELEN) that selects ELEE courses that would be part of a computer engineering degree. The advanced ELEE courses fill in the advanced general electives that are part of the BSCS degree to meet the 51 advanced hour requirement.

Question: What is the difference between the BSCS - Broad Field Major and the BS in Computer Science degrees?

Answer: UTPA defines a Broad Field major as a major that requires a minimum of 48 hours in a broadly integrated area and requires no minor. The BSCS plan is the one that is accredited by ABET/CAC, The computing accrediting commission of Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. The BS degree is a 39 hour degree, requires a minor field, and does not meet the Math and Science requirements of ABET, but has fulfilled the needs of students requiring a less rigorous degree plan.

Question: I am enrolled in the BSCS degree. Can I also complete a minor even though one is not required?

Answer: Yes, and many students choose to do so. By declaring the minor, it will be shown on the transcript upon graduation. Completing the ELEN (Electrical Engineering Minor) gives a computer engineering flavor to the degree. Finishing one more math advanced elective, allows you to complete a math minor. Other minors may add additional hours to the degree, but are allowed as well if a student chooses to do so.

Question: What certification do I need to teach Computing in the secondary schools?

Answer: The BS degree in Computer Science with teacher certification in Computer Science [formerly Computer Information Systems]or the 24 hour Computer Science minor with teacher certification is needed to teach Computer Science I and Computer Science II in the secondary schools. Currently this course is being taught in Java programming language, to comply with the Advanced Placement Programs. The State Board of Education previously named the certification program Computer Information Systems, which should not be confused with the UTPA CIS program. The EXCET exam for this certification is now available. To teach the Business Applications course in high school, one must be business certified. To teach a course given by the vocational technical departments in the school district, one must be vocationally certified.

Teacher certification requires registration with the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education and currently requires 21 (18 advanced) hours of professional development courses

Question: What are the requirements for the CSCI 4390 Senior Project course? 

Answer: Contact the department for Guidelines for Senior Project. Also available on CS Web Site under Undergraduate Programs.

Question: I am taking the Senior Project course.  Can it be done as a group project between 2 people?

Answer: Yes, it can be 2 people if your course supervisor approves it.  You should define roles each of you will play in the proposal and also in the final report.  Much of it will be joint work, but you should try to identify aspects that are the responsibility of each student.

Question: When should I file my degree plan with the department?

Answer: Usually after you have completed 60 hours, but definitely by the time you apply for graduation. We recommend students keep a personal copy from the time they are freshman and bring it to the advisor each semester.

Question: I am an honors student. Can I use the honor's thesis as my senior project?

Answer: Yes, The Computer Science Department will make a substitution in your degree plan substituting HONR 4387 for CSCI 4390.

Question: What are the steps I must take to actually graduate?

Answer: You must apply for graduation by filling out a form with the Office of Admissions and Records, and pay the $25 graduation fee. The deadline is printed in the Class schedule each semester and is usually in April for Fall graduation and Sept for Spring graduation. If you miss the deadline, you can still apply and pay a late fee. The registrar will contact the department, where the department will check your transcript along with your degree plan to certify that your have met all the requirements and make final approval of all substitutions that may have been made. If you receive a letter indicating you are deficient in some areas, contact the Computer Science Undergraduate Program Coordinator for assistance.

Question: What must I do if I do not finish my requirements for the date I applied to graduate?

Answer: You must contact the Office of Admissions and Records to extend your graduation date. There is an additional fee for this.

Question: Can I take graduate courses as an undergraduate student?

Answer: Yes, in your last semester, if you qualify for graduate school admission gpa, you may enroll in graduate courses to count toward your master's degree. The courses cannot count towards the undergraduate degree. Consult your advisor for information.

Question: What must I do to receive course credit for an Internship in Computer Science?

Answer: You must arrange a job with a company that agrees to register with UTPA Career Placement Office and get a job description for the internship job. You must then get the job approved by the Computer Science Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

The requirements for CSCI 3300 are detailed on the Computer Science Web site and are available from the department office.

Question: What is the difference between Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Computer Information Systems?

Answer: For more information consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics links below.

References:

Computer Systems Analysts, Database Administrators, and Computer Scientists:

• Education requirements range from a 2-year degree to a graduate degree.
• Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies.
• Job prospects are favorable.

http://bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm

Computer Software Engineers:

Computer software engineers apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that enable computers to perform their many applications.

• Computer software engineers are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2002-12 period.
• Highly favorable opportunities are expected for college graduates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science and with practical work experience.
• Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills in conjunction with the rapid changes in computer technology. http://bls.gov/oco/ocos267.htm

Computer Hardware Engineers:

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers.
Computer software engineers (often simply called computer engineers) design and develop the software systems that control computers

http://bls.gov/oco/ocos266.htm

Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators:

• Computer support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2002-12 period.
• There are many paths of entry to these occupations.
• Job prospects should be best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies; certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

http://bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm#top