Computer Science and Engineering - Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers three programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree: the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, and the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
In all three programs of study, design experiences are included throughout the first three years of the curriculum and culminate in a major team-oriented project in the senior year that approximates an industrial work experience. All programs strive to provide students with opportunities to interface with the profession through avenues such as cooperative education programs, professional society activities, plant trips, special projects, and industry speakers programs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)
The BSCS program has been formulated so that graduates may:
- enter the computing profession or advanced studies supported by their knowledge of computing and mathematics, along with abilities in computational problem-solving and software system construction;
- advance in this profession supported by their ability to work in teams, consider trade-offs in the design of computer-based systems, design solutions to meet desired needs and implement these solutions using current computer software tools and technologies; and
- demonstrate success and leadership while advancing the practice of computing by contributing to the growth of their employers, communities, and professional societies through their proficiency in communication, understanding of professional issues and the broad impact of computing, and the ability to engage in continuing professional development.
The BSCS program has been accredited since 2002 by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE)
The BSCpE program has been formulated so that graduates may:
- enter the engineering profession or advanced studies supported by their fundamental knowledge of mathematics, basic science, engineering principles, computing systems and science;
- advance in the engineering profession supported by their ability to work in teams, analyze complex computing systems, design solutions and engineer these solutions using computer software and hardware tools and technologies; and
- demonstrate success and leadership while advancing the practice of engineering by contributing to the growth of their employers, communities, and professional societies through their proficiency in communication, understanding of professional ethics, and the need for life-long learning.
The BSCpE program has been accredited since 1983 by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .
Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering (BSSE)
The BSSE program has been formulated so that graduates will:
- pursue the software engineering profession or advanced studies supported by their abilities to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, computer science and supporting disciplines, and software engineering;
- advance in the software engineering profession supported by their abilities to effectively communicate and work in one or more significant application domains, function in multi-disciplinary teams, analyze, design, verify, validate, implement, and maintain software systems using software engineering technologies and tools; and
- demonstrate success and leadership while advancing the practice of software engineering by contributing to the growth of their employers, communities, and professional societies through life-long learning, understanding professional ethics and responsibilities, and the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
The BSSE program has been accredited since 2002 by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .
Student Learning Outcomes
From the educational objectives of the BSCS program (described above), the department designed the program to develop in its graduates:
- an ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
- an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
- an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
- an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
- an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
- a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
- an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
- 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 in design choices
- an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity
From the educational objectives of the BSCpE and BSSE programs (described above), the department designed these programs to develop in their graduates:
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- an ability to design and construct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- an ability to communicate effectively
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
- a recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in, lifelong learning
- a knowledge of contemporary issues
- an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission as a CS, CpE or SE pre-major or major are governed by the requirements stated under the College of Engineering section of this catalog. CS, CpE or SE pre-majors become majors upon completion of required pre-professional English, science, mathematics, and CSE courses, with a 2.25 or better grade point average.
All entering students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering are permitted to enroll in general education and pre-professional courses for which they are qualified. Students completing these pre-professional courses must meet the academic requirements specified by the College of Engineering prior to applying for admission to the professional program. The Computer Science and Engineering Department requires a 2.25 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale in each of three categories: (1) overall, (2) required science, mathematics, and engineering courses, and (3) required CSE courses. Students not in the professional program must have permission from the department chairperson to receive credit for courses listed in the professional program category. Application for admission to the professional program is made to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Prior Preparation
The BSCS, BSCpE, and BSSE are four-year programs and requirements for the degrees are based upon prior high school preparation through either an honors or college track. More specifically, entering students are expected to have a background in mathematics through precalculus, high school chemistry, and programming in a high-level language such as C, C++, Java or Python.
Students who have not had the appropriate preparation should contact the departmental advising office for assistance in structuring a degree plan that will include leveling courses. Students requiring leveling courses may require a longer period of time to complete their undergraduate program.
Readiness Examinations
Students will be required to pass readiness examinations before enrolling in the courses listed below unless the course prerequisite was taken at UT Arlington and passed with a C or better grade. Students not passing the readiness examination must take the prerequisite course. A readiness examination may be taken only once per course and only before enrolling in any CSE courses. Additional information is available in the departmental office.
| CSE 1320 | INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 1325 | OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING | 3 |
Student Advising
CS, CpE, and SE pre-majors and majors are required to be advised by a departmental advisor each semester. Consult the departmental bulletin boards or Web site for advising hours. New and transfer students must also be advised prior to the beginning of the semester in which they first enroll.
Transfer Students and Transfer Credit
After admission and prior to registration, transfer students should contact the Department of Computer Science and Engineering for advising. At the time of advising, a transfer student must present to the undergraduate advisor an official transcript (or copy) from each school previously attended. Only the equivalent courses in a program accredited by ABET or equivalent freshman, sophomore, or general education courses accepted by the department chairperson can be counted toward a degree in computer science and engineering.
A student, once admitted to The University of Texas at Arlington and enrolled in the CS, CpE or SE program, cannot enroll in courses at another college or university and transfer those courses for credit toward a CS, CpE or SE degree without having obtained prior written permission from the chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Cooperative Education Program
Cooperative education or Co-op programs are arrangements where students alternate periods of full-time employment with periods of full-time study, usually during the last two years of a degree program. The employment is directly related to the student's major and pays an attractive salary. Thus, Co-op students gain valuable career related experience before graduating, while earning a meaningful income. Cooperative education opportunities are plentiful for CS, CpE, and SE students.
Honors Programs
The Computer Science and Engineering Department encourages qualified CS, CpE, and SE majors to participate in the Honors College described elsewhere in this catalog. Projects may be pursued in any one of the areas of concentration within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Graduate Degree Paths
Computing is a rapidly changing discipline requiring lifelong learning by its professionals. Completing a graduate degree enhances an individual's ability to assimilate and apply their knowledge and skills to meet on the job challenges and the needs of society. Pursuing a graduate degree on a full-time basis immediately after completing the baccalaureate is an attractive option for many students. Students are encouraged to discuss possibilities with a Graduate Advisor upon advancement to a Bachelor of Science professional program.
Fast Track Program for Master's Degree in Computer Engineering
The Fast Track Program enables outstanding UT Arlington senior undergraduate students in Computer Engineering to satisfy degree requirements leading to a master's degree in Computer Engineering while completing their undergraduate studies. When senior-level students are within 15 hours of completing their undergraduate degree requirements, they may take up to nine hours of graduate level coursework designated by the Computer Engineering Program to satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. In the limiting case, a student completing the maximum allowable hours (9) while in undergraduate status would have to take only 21 additional hours to meet minimum requirements for graduation in a 30-hour thesis master's degree program (M.S.) or 27 additional hours for a non-thesis master's degree program (M.S.)
Interested UT Arlington undergraduate Computer Engineering students should apply to the Computer Engineering Program when they are within 30 hours of completing their bachelor's degrees. They must have completed at least 30 hours at UT Arlington, achieving a GPA of at least 3.0 in those courses, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all college courses. Additionally, they must have completed at least 11 hours of specified undergraduate foundation courses with a minimum GPA of 3.3 in those courses. Contact the Undergraduate Advisor or Graduate Advisor in Computer Science and Engineering for more information about the program.
Direct Acceptance to Doctoral Programs from Bachelor's Degree Program
Excellent undergraduate students may qualify for acceptance to doctoral studies without the intermediate completion of a masters degree. Students should discuss the expected level of commitment and possibilities for long-term support with a Graduate Advisor.
Oral Communication and Computer Competency Requirement
CS, CpE, and SE students will satisfy the oral competency requirement by completing COMS 2302 PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. They will satisfy the computer use competency requirement by completing CSE 1105 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
Course Offerings
All 1000- and 2000-level CSE courses are typically offered each semester and in the 11-week summer session. All 3000-level courses and required 4000-level courses are typically offered at least twice per year. Other 4000-level courses are typically offered only once per year unless there is a high demand. Refer to the CSE department bulletin boards or Web site for more specific and current information. The CSE department reserves the right to move students among equivalent sections of the same course.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science
| General Education Courses | 24 | |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | ||
| GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES | ||
| STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT | ||
Approved Language, Philosophy and Culture elective 2 | ||
Approved Creative Arts elective 2 | ||
| Program Requirements | ||
| Pre-Professional Courses 1 | ||
| ENGL 1301 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| MATH 1426 | CALCULUS I (fulfills common core) | 4 |
| MATH 2425 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
| PHYS 1443 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I | 4 |
| PHYS 1444 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II | 4 |
| CSE 1104 | INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1105 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1320 | INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 1325 | OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2312 | COMPUTER ORGANIZATION & ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2315 | DISCRETE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 2320 | ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES | 3 |
| Professional Courses 3 | ||
| IE 3301 | ENGINEERING PROBABILITY | 3 |
| CSE 3302 | PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES | 3 |
| CSE 3310 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3315 | THEORETICAL CONCEPTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3320 | OPERATING SYSTEMS | 3 |
| CSE 3330 | DATABASE SYSTEMS AND FILE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 3380 | LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR CSE | 3 |
| or MATH 3330 | INTRODUCTION TO MATRICES AND LINEAR ALGEBRA | |
| CSE 4314 | PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES | 3 |
| CSE 4316 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT I | 3 |
| CSE 4317 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT II | 3 |
| CSE 4344 | COMPUTER NETWORK ORGANIZATION | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| COMPUTER GRAPHICS | ||
| COMPILERS FOR ALGORITHMIC LANGUAGES | ||
| ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE I | ||
| Approved Science elective 2 | 4 | |
| Approved Mathematics elective 2 | 3 | |
| Approved Technical electives 2 | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
| 1 | All pre-professional courses must be completed with a C or better before enrolling in professional courses |
| 2 | A list of acceptable electives is available from the departmental office or Web site. |
| 3 | All prerequisites for professional courses must be completed with a C or better |
Note: Total hours will depend upon prior preparation and academic qualifications. Also, students who do not have two units of high school foreign language will be required to take modern and classical language courses in addition to the previously listed requirements.
Refer to the College of Engineering section of this catalog for information concerning the following topics: Preparation in High School for Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission to the Professional Program, Counseling, College of Engineering Academic Regulations, Transfer Policies, College of Engineering Probation, Repeating Course Policy and Academic Honesty.
Recommended Core Curriculum
Computer Science and Engineering students will satisfy the university core curriculum requirement by completing all General Education courses specified under “Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science” along with ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1426, MATH 2425, PHYS 1443 and PHYS 1444, which are within the Pre-Professional Program. The university core curriculum allows each degree plan to designate a component area to satisfy three hours of the core requirement. For the Computer Science degree plan, the designated component area is Communication and COMS 2302 is selected to satisfy the requirement.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering
| General Eduction Courses | 24 | |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | ||
| GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES | ||
| STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT | ||
Approved Language, Philosophy and Culture elective 2 | ||
Approved Creative Arts elective 2 | ||
| Program Requirements | ||
| Pre-Professional Courses 1 | ||
| ENGL 1301 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| MATH 1426 | CALCULUS I | 4 |
| MATH 2425 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
| PHYS 1443 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I | 4 |
| PHYS 1444 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II | 4 |
| CSE 1104 | INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1105 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1320 | INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 1325 | OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2312 | COMPUTER ORGANIZATION & ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2315 | DISCRETE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 2320 | ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 2441 | INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LOGIC | 4 |
| EE 2440 | CIRCUIT ANALYSIS WITH LAB | 4 |
| Professional Courses 3 | ||
| IE 3301 | ENGINEERING PROBABILITY | 3 |
| CSE 3310 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3313 | INTRODUCTION TO SIGNAL PROCESSING | 3 |
| CSE 3320 | OPERATING SYSTEMS | 3 |
| CSE 3323 | ELECTRONICS FOR COMPUTER ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3380 | LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR CSE | 3 |
| or MATH 3330 | INTRODUCTION TO MATRICES AND LINEAR ALGEBRA | |
| CSE 3442 | EMBEDDED SYSTEMS I | 4 |
| CSE 4314 | PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES | 3 |
| CSE 4316 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT I | 3 |
| CSE 4317 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT II | 3 |
| CSE 4323 | QUANTITATIVE COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE | 3 |
| CSE 4340 | MOBILE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING | 3 |
| or CSE 4342 | EMBEDDED SYSTEMS II | |
| CSE 4344 | COMPUTER NETWORK ORGANIZATION | 3 |
| Approved Mathematics elective 2 | 3 | |
| Approved Science elective 2 | 4 | |
| Approved Technical elective 2 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
| 1 | All pre-professional courses must be completed with a C or better before enrolling in professional courses |
| 2 | A list of acceptable electives is available from the departmental office or Web site. |
| 3 | All prerequisites for professional courses must be completed with a C or better |
Note: Total hours will depend upon prior preparation and academic qualifications. Also, students who do not have two units of high school foreign language will be required to take modern and classical language courses in addition to the previously listed requirements.
Refer to the College of Engineering section of this catalog for information concerning the following topics: Preparation in High School for Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission to the Professional Program, Counseling, College of Engineering Academic Regulations, Transfer Policies, College of Engineering Probation, Repeating Course Policy and Academic Honesty.
Recommended Core Curriculum
Computer Science and Engineering students will satisfy the university core curriculum requirement by completing all General Education courses specified under “Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering” along with ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1426, MATH 2425, PHYS 1443 and PHYS 1444, which are within the Pre-Professional Program. The university core curriculum allows each degree plan to designate a component area to satisfy three hours of the core requirement. For the Computer Engineering degree plan, the designated component area is Communication and COMS 2302 is selected to satisfy the requirement.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering
| General Education Courses | 24 | |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | ||
| GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES | ||
| STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT | ||
Approved Language, Philosophy and Culture elective 2 | ||
Approved Creative Arts elective 2 | ||
| Program Requirements | ||
| Pre-Professional Courses 1 | ||
| ENGL 1301 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| MATH 1426 | CALCULUS I | 4 |
| MATH 2425 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
| PHYS 1443 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I | 4 |
| PHYS 1444 | GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II | 4 |
| CSE 1104 | INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1105 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 1 |
| CSE 1320 | INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 1325 | OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2312 | COMPUTER ORGANIZATION & ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2315 | DISCRETE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 2320 | ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES | 3 |
| Professional Courses 3 | ||
| IE 3301 | ENGINEERING PROBABILITY | 3 |
| CSE 3302 | PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES | 3 |
| CSE 3310 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3311 | OBJECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3315 | THEORETICAL CONCEPTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 3 |
| CSE 3320 | OPERATING SYSTEMS | 3 |
| CSE 3330 | DATABASE SYSTEMS AND FILE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 3380 | LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR CSE | 3 |
| or MATH 3330 | INTRODUCTION TO MATRICES AND LINEAR ALGEBRA | |
| CSE 4314 | PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES | 3 |
| CSE 4316 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT I | 3 |
| CSE 4317 | COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT II | 3 |
| CSE 4321 | SOFTWARE TESTING & MAINTENANCE | 3 |
| CSE 4322 | SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| CSE 4361 | SOFTWARE DESIGN PATTERNS | 3 |
| Approved Mathematics elective 2 | 3 | |
| Approved Science elective 2 | 4 | |
| Approved Technical electives 2 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
| 1 | All pre-professional courses must be completed with a C or better before enrolling in professional courses |
| 2 | A list of acceptable electives is available from the departmental office or Web site. |
| 3 | All prerequisites for professional courses must be completed with a C or better |
Note: Total hours will depend upon prior preparation and academic qualifications. Also, students who do not have two units of high school foreign language will be required to take modern and classical language courses in addition to the previously listed requirements
Refer to the College of Engineering section of this catalog for information concerning the following topics: Preparation in High School for Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission to the College of Engineering, Admission into the Professional Program, Advising, College of Engineering Academic Regulations, Transfer Policies, College of Engineering Probation, Repeating Course Policy and Academic Honesty.
Recommended Core Curriculum
Computer Science and Engineering students will satisfy the university core curriculum requirement by completing all General Education courses specified under “Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering” along with ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1426, MATH 2425, PHYS 1443 and PHYS 1444, which are within the Pre-Professional Program. The university core curriculum allows each degree plan to designate a component area to satisfy three hours of the core requirement. For the Software Engineering degree plan, the designated component area is Communication and COMS 2302 is selected to satisfy the requirement.
Minor in Computer Science
To receive a minor in Computer Science, a student must not be receiving his/her major degree from the department and must complete all courses listed with a grade of C or better in each course. Any substitutions must be approved in advance by the department chairperson.
Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science
To receive a minor in Computer Science, a student must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better in each:
| CSE 1320 | INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 1325 | OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING | 3 |
| CSE 2315 | DISCRETE STRUCTURES | 3 |
| CSE 2320 | ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES | 3 |
| Any two 3000 or 4000 level courses with a grade of C or better in each as well as all required prerequisites for the chosen courses | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | Grade of C or better in each, as well as all required prerequisites for the chosen courses. |