Welcome to Computer Science and Electrical Engineering!

About Our Department:

All of our programs engage students in rigorous, hands-on curricula through which they apply engineering, computing and general problem-solving principles to create innovative, real-world solutions. Our students benefit from both faculty and peer mentoring to promote and nurture their success. Even as undergraduates, they have access to facilities and research equipment comparable to those of large research institutions. In today’s world of rapid change, new advancements are needed to make lives safer, more enjoyable, and more productive. Any of our degrees will open the doors to an exciting career in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, cybersecurity and many other related fields, so that you can turn your dreams and ideas into reality.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML – Bachelor of Science) This program was launched at Tarleton in Spring 2025. AI is the discipline that designs and implements computer programs and systems with cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other intelligent biological systems – neural networks, ant colonies, immune systems, evolutionary systems, etc. ML is the subfield of AI dedicated to algorithms that can improve their performance automatically, by extracting information from large data sets, with or without human input. Jobs that heavily involve AI and ML are predicted to reach over $200 billion by 2029. According to Glassdoor.com, the average pay for a ML engineer is $132,688 per year in 2024, with a range between $104,000 and $170,000.
  • Cybersecurity (Bachelor of Science) This program was launched at Tarleton in Fall 2022. It provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to build dependable and secure information systems and networks and to ensure the integrity and quality of information being stored, processed and transmitted. We provide a rigorous curriculum aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and virtually all job market reports are in agreement about cybersecurity jobs having one of the highest growth rates in the next decade. Cybersecurity Program Information
    • By choosing only two of their electives appropriately, majors in this program can at the same time obtain the Cybersecurity Certificate, a certificate offered jointly by the Computer Information Systems and Criminal Justice departments. Learn more about the Certificate in CyberSecurity.
ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission logo.
  • Computer Science (Bachelor of Science) This program was launched at Tarleton in Fall 2001. We prepare students to design, build and operate computer systems, both software and hardware, that provide solutions to real-world problems. Due to the importance of computers in today’s world, CS graduates work in all areas of industry, research, finance, commerce, government, healthcare, and entertainment. CS Program Information

Graduate Program:

  • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) is launched in Spring 2025. The program is offered both completely online and face-to-face (at the Stephenville campus). Either format allows a choice between thesis and non-thesis.
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering This degree is offered in both completely online and face-to-face (at the Stephenville campus) formats, starting in the Fall semester 2020. Either format allows a choice between thesis and non-thesis.

Program Entrance Requirements and Math Placement

The computer science (CS) and electrical engineering (EE) programs do not have separate admission standards from that of the university, however, math preparedness is a critical component to success in either program. Thus it is very important for potential majors to strive to prepare in mathematics prior to entering college.

Students admitted to the Mayfield College of Engineering require a strong foundation in Math due to the prerequisites of the curriculum. Therefore, progress and academic performance are heavily impacted by engineering students’ math preparation and placement.

ALEKS-PPL allows us to place students accurately at the right math level based on students’ math knowledge and skills. However, this is not the main capability this student success tool provides students. The main contribution of ALEKS to students is offering the opportunity to enhance their math proficiency by creating online learning modules customized to each student based on the student’s math proficiency. Therefore, to increase our engineering students’ math preparation and consequently, their chances of academic success (e.g., retention, time to graduation) all Mayfield College of Engineering students who are

(a) “College-ready” based on TSI,

(b) are not transferring math credits from a higher education institution, and

(c) are not transferring AP math credits

will be placed into mathematics according to Placement Path 2 (ALEKS-PPL) of the Tarleton Mathematics Placement Policy.  

If you plan to start at a community college and then transfer to one of our programs:

  • Coursework in engineering and CS degrees is very sequential – each course has one or more prerequisites – so it is important to start taking courses in your major as early as possible if you wish to graduate in a four-year timeframe. 
  • Choosing to take only general education courses before transferring to one of our degrees is not recommended. Please contact the department for guidance on including appropriate math, science, and introductory engineering and CS content – we’ll be happy to help!

Learn more about computer science and electrical engineering careers

Engineering Licensure