Computer Science and engineering

Your Future in Computer Science and Engineering

Can you handle multiple tasks simultaneously? Do you have strong computer skills? Are you detail-oriented? Then you should pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering at the University of North Texas.

Possible career fields include:

• computer programming
• digital information processing
• hardware and software design
• information systems management

Graduates with practical experience are expected to have favorable job prospects. This is a result of rapid growth in computer systems design and related services and the limited supply of qualified individuals.

Computer scientists and engineers also enjoy some of the highest starting salaries of any engineering profession.

What we offer

The computer science and engineering department provides you a high-quality education by balancing the theoretical and experimental aspects of hardware and software issues. All of our programs are characterized by their:

• collegial atmosphere
• challenging curriculum
• interdisciplinary learning approach
• learning outside the classroom
• exciting research opportunities

Small classes and laboratories, which average 20 students each, allow you to receive personal attention from faculty members and interact closely with your peers.

You will learn from faculty members who have been recognized by the National Science Foundation and earned the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Their expertise includes:

• computer networks and security — wired and wireless networks, sensor networks, cryptography and security
• computer science theory
• computer systems — architectures, compilers, grid computing and computational science
• software engineering — agents, service-oriented architecture, verification and validation
• user-centric design — data mining, natural language processing, image processing, semantic web and game development
• very-large-scale integration and computer-aided design

Research facilities and other resources

Our department operates top-ranked centers and laboratories to help you study and conduct research. They include the:

• Center for Computational Epidemiology and Response Analysis
• Center for Information and Computer Security
• Net-Centric Software and Systems Center
• Computer Systems Research Laboratory
• Global Software Development Laboratory
• Multimedia Information Group
• Network Security Laboratory
• Wireless Sensor Laboratory
• Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
• Trusted Secure Systems Laboratory
• Bioinformatics Laboratory
• Laboratory for Recreational Computing

The Net-Centric Software and Systems Center was selected as the 2012 Tech Titan of the Future at the university-level by the Metroplex Technology Business Council. The award recognizes higher education institutions in the Dallas-Fort Worth region that encourage and support students in choosing engineering and technology-related disciplines as a preferred path.

The recreational computing laboratory houses one of the top 50 best undergraduate game design programs in the country, according to The Princeton Review and GamePro magazine. The game design certification program allows you to study with students from the College of Visual Arts and Design to create 2D and 3D games, learn physics simulation and conduct research.

A Residents Engaged in Academic Living Community (REAL Community) brings together engineering students who live on campus to enhance academic and social experiences.

Located 4.5 miles north of the main campus and serviced by a free shuttle, Discovery Park houses the College of Engineering and the computer science and engineering department. This 300-acre research facility joins academic laboratories, offices and classrooms to maximize the potential for creativity, collaboration and technology innovation. Our students are preparing for engineering careers that solve societal problems, advance technology and improve the quality of life for people everywhere.

What to expect

The specific course requirements vary depending on the program you’re enrolled in. The courses are generally divided into:

• College of Engineering core courses
• department required courses
• specialty area electives

A 2.75 GPA is required for all advanced computer science and engineering courses. Our Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources that are available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Texas Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program or the equivalent in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at Apply Texas by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. More than 3,500 students transfer to UNT each year. The center is in the University Union, Room 320.