SHSU Computer Science Program Accredited by ABET

After years of hard work, Sam Houston State University's computer science program and its graduates have earned "instant" credibility.

The undergraduate computer science degree program offered by the Department of Computer Science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission, part of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET).   

CAC/ABET accreditation is awarded to degree programs in engineering and technology that meet high standards in curriculum quality, faculty preparedness, assessment procedures, and resource provision.

"Gaining accreditation through ABET says something about the quality of the degree program and the department," said Peter Cooper, chair of the Computer Science Department and director of the Center of Excellence in Digital Forensics.   

"We have a vibrant, exciting and innovative curriculum in our undergraduate degree program.   Our new Information Assurance and Security track is part of the accredited program and, together with the more traditional information systems and scientific tracks we can offer a degree program that is tailored to meet the needs of any aspiring computer professional."

Cooper said the success of his program is due to a campus-wide effort.

"We are fortunate to have a superb support system in place on campus, from the Mathematics Department who provide us with high quality support classes, to the dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Hebert, and the provost, Dr. Payne, who have given us the motivation, support and resources necessary to achieve this success," said Cooper.

He also had praise for the Computer Science faculty's "long-term dedication, direction, and desire.

"We have always known that we had a high quality degree program," he said. "Our professors have been recognized for their excellence in teaching, our research record is good and improving, and our support for state law enforcement through our digital forensics work is beginning to be recognized."   

The accreditation will mean instant credibility for the program's students as well.

"Students graduating from Sam Houston with a baccalaureate degree in computer science will have many more professional options open to them," Cooper said.

ABET is an international organization dedicated to promoting and assuring quality in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.   It is the accreditation agency of choice in the United States for departments of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology.   More information about ABET and the benefits of accreditation can be found on its Website at www.abet.org .  

At the undergraduate level, the Department of Computer Science at Sam Houston State University provides a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.   The department also offers graduate degree programs (Master's level) in Computer Information Systems, Digital Forensics and Information Assurance and Security.  

For more information visit the department's Web site at www.cs.shsu.edu , the Digital Forensics Web site at http://www.df.shsu.edu/ or contact Cooper at cooper@shsu.edu.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Aug. 29, 2007
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