Overview

Graduates of UTEP's Computer Science program go on to positions of leadership, responsibility, and advancement at

• Major corporations like Microsoft, Boeing, Phillips, and State Farm,
• Local engineering firms and high-tech startups,
• Government agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and White Sands Missile Range, and
• Masters and doctoral programs at UTEP and other great universities.

UTEP's Computer Science Program provides a strong base in problem solving skills, programming skills, knowledge of computer architecture, computer science theory, and practical experience in applying the computer to the solution of problems. Numerous upper-division technical electives help students specialize.

Our faculty are committed to great teaching, providing innovative, student-focused education so that our graduates will be able to apply techniques, methodologies, tools and skills to build high-quality computing systems that function effectively and reliably in the emerging information infrastructure. Graduates will be able to work in teams, to apply theoretical and analytical methods, to apply principles of software engineering, and to model real-world processes and objects. Graduates will be able to serve as productive and ethical members of society and the profession. They will have the motivation and the ability to adapt to evolving computing methodologies.

Educational Objectives and Program Outcomes

The B.S. in Computer Science program’s educational objectives address the department’s mission to serve the region, nation, and the world by graduating highly competent students with the potential to become leaders in their profession.

• Our graduates will have productive careers in industry, academia, and government in which they use theoretical and technical computer science knowledge to design and implement computing systems of different levels of complexity (Quality of Program).
• Our graduates will contribute to the economic health of the southwest, in particular the Paso del Norte region, through technical expertise and complementary skills such as communication, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking (Economic Impact).
• Our graduates will be able to adapt to new technologies, tools and methodologies through graduate studies or other means of self-advancement, to remain at the forefront of computer science practice with the ability to respond to the challenges in the workplace (Life-Long Learning).

Student Outcomes: Upon graduation from the B.S. in Computer Science program, students will have:

• Outcome 1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing, mathematics, science, and engineering.


• Outcome 2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.


• Outcome 3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet requirements.


• Outcome 4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.


• Outcome 5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.


• Outcome 6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.


• Outcome 7. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of computer science solutions on individuals, organizations, and society.


• Outcome 8. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.


• Outcome 9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.


• Outcome 10. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.


• Outcome 11. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.