Overview

Founded in 1967, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Houston was among the earliest computer science departments in the nation. What began with 5 tenured faculty members and 3 instructional faculty has grown over 5 decades into a comprehensive academic unit with 29 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 5 instructional faculty, and several adjunct faculty members.

The department is housed within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, enabling distinctive cross-disciplinary collaborations across the sciences and with UH’s health and energy partners. The department is building a strong culture of undergraduate research and plays a central role in university-wide initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation, including new academic programs at UH’s Katy campus and close partnerships with industry.

The department’s academic and research programs emphasize strong theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing graduates to succeed in diverse professional environments and to contribute meaningfully to society.

Additional historical context is available in the CS NOW! 50th Anniversary Special publication.

Academics

Undergraduate students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Minor in Computer Science, or a Minor in Data Science. At the graduate level, the department offers a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science.

Department alumni hold positions across hundreds of organizations in technology, energy, oil and gas, finance, healthcare, higher education, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Research

Faculty and student research spans a broad range of areas, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, computer systems, theory, cybersecurity, and human–computer interaction, with expanding activity in quantum computing and AI-driven applications in health, energy, and aerospace. Research is supported by major funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and Transportation.

U.S. Postal, Physical, and Delivery Address

University of Houston
Department of Computer Science
Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall
3551 Cullen Blvd., Room 501
Houston, TX 77204-3010