Texas Tech University Computer Science.
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COMPUTER SCIENCE FAQ

What degrees in computing are offered by Texas Tech University?
  1. Computer Science (CS)
  2. Computer Engineering (Administered by the EE department)
  3. Management Information Systems (MIS)
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is a field that takes a broad approach to computing.  Computer Science students acquire deep theoretical and technical knowledge concerning computing hardware and software.  They learn to use a variety of operating systems, compilers, and computing languages and they learn to apply these tools in scientific, engineering, and business applications.  CS students take courses ranging from computer architecture through software project management.  This includes courses in basic programming, data structures, operating systems, artificial intelligence, programming language theory, algorithms, digital systems, networking, graphics, software engineering and database theory.
What kind of jobs are CS majors qualified for?
The kinds of jobs our students get in the computing field are as diverse as the applications on which computers are focused.  Student's can work for companies as diverse as Lockheed Martin and Wal-mart, or Cisco Systems and Intel.  These companies are engaged in advanced computer utilization, large-scale commercial retail and database applications, networking, integrated circuit manufacturing and process control.  You will find our students working for any firm in which computing or networking are essential activities.  Examples of such firms are Phillips Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, Nortel, Lucent Technologies, Toshiba, Dow Chemical, Sprint, and Raytheon.  These are just a few examples of the companies and fields of work in which our graduates are employed.
What preparation is required to enter the computer science program at Texas Tech?
High School seniors need to have a good science and math background including chemistry, physics, and pre-calculus.  All incoming freshman take placement exams in mathematics and chemistry to determine if they are ready for the first courses in these areas:  Calculus I and Principles of Chemistry I.  Students who do not demonstrate a mastery of high-school level mathematics and chemistry may be placed in preparatory courses.  These courses do not count towards the CS degree.  There is no placement exam in physics.  The only requirement is successful completion of a Physics course in high school.
What programming experience is expected?
Students planning to enter the Computer Science program at Texas Tech should take a programming course if it is available at their high school.  Before a computer science student can take the first Computer Science course, that student must be eligible to enroll in Calculus I and must be familiar with the basics of a least one programming language.  If a student has no programming skills an introductory programming course is offered.  This course is not part of the computer science degree plan.
What fraction of the degree plan consists of CS courses?
Upon graduation a computer science student will have taken 60 semester hours of computer science courses.  One university course is usually 3 semester hours.  A total of 123 semester hours is required for graduation from the computer science program.  See the University catalog for a complete description of the degree plan.
What about Transfer Credits?
Many of our students attend junior college before transferring to Texas Tech.  The typical junior college transfer student comes to Tech with all or some of the English, history, political science, humanities, chemistry and mathematics requirements completed.  Students should be aware that upon graduation, only credits earned at TTU count in the GPA.
Where can I get more information?
The Computer Science department web site is available at http://www.cs.ttu.edu/.
What is the Computer Engineering program?
The Electrical Engineering department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer Engineering.  It differs from computer science in that it requires the student to take 48 semester hours of electrical engineering courses.  Examples of some of the electrical engineering courses students will take in this program include electronics, linear systems analysis and electromagnetic theory.  In addition to the electrical engineering courses, computer engineering students take 22 semester hours of computer science courses.  Students need to see a representative of the Electrical Engineering department for more information on this program or visit their web site at http://www.ee.ttu.edu/.
What is the MIS program?
The college of business offers a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems.  The degree plan is divided into a lower division and an upper division.  In the lower division all business students take the same courses, regardless of what final degree they are pursuing.  Examples of some of the other business degrees are, marketing, accounting and finance.  When MIS students get to the upper division (3rd and 4th years) they take the courses that focus on the application of computers in a business environment.  Students need to see a representative of the College of Business Administration for more information on this program.  More information on the MIS degree is available at http://is.ba.ttu.edu/.