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:

  • Cybersecurity 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 resized
  • Electrical Engineering This program was launched at Tarleton in Fall 2014. Electrical engineers design, develop and test a breadth of systems from navigation systems to communications systems to robotics and automation. Electrical engineers develop devices from tiny microchips to huge power stations. EE Program ABET Status and Information
  • Computer 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 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.

CS and EE degrees both start at Calculus 1, and the Math department requires math placement for incoming freshmen to register for Calculus 1. The math placement can be satisfied in any of the following ways:

  • Prior college credit (dual credit) for either Plane Trigonometry (MATH 1316) or Precalculus (MATH 2412), since either is a prerequisite for Calculus 1
  • Passing the NextGen Advanced Academic Functions (AAF) Accupplacer test with a score of 276 or higher
    • This placement test can be taken at any time at a variety of testing centers, e.g. most community colleges offer it. You can also take it at our testing center when you visit our Tarleton or Ft. Worth campuses; more info is available on the Stephenville Testing Center webpage, where you can also sign up online for testing prior to your visit. You can also contact the testing center at 254-968-9423 or [email protected] to sign up for testing or with any questions.
  • If your score on the NextGenAAF Accupplacer test is 263 or higher, you are eligible to register for Plane Trigonometry (MATH 1316), and, upon passing it, you will be able to take Calculus 1 in your second semester.

If you have neither dual credit nor the Accuplacer test (but you have the TSI math requirement satisfied), you can enroll in Precalculus (MATH 2412), and, upon passing it, you will be able to take Calculus 1 in your second semester.

It is possible to get credit directly for Calculus 1 without taking the class, in the following ways:

  • Advanced Placement (AP) scores of
    • 4 or 5 in the Calculus AB exam, or
    • at least score of 3 in the Calculus BC exam – with an AB sub-score of at least 4
  • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) score of at least 50 in the CLP Calculus exam.

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