TAMIU Adds New Minor in Computer Science

Texas A&M International University has recently added one more way to help area residents achieve their dreams through the creation of a minor in computer science.

The new minor, approved in Fall 2003, will help students secure jobs in the ever growing computer science industry, said Dr. En-Bing Lin, chair of the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Dr. Lin also said the minor was the first step towards offering a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.

"A recent survey among local high school students indicated a substantial interest in pursuing a degree program in computer science. In fact, a random poll of 280 area high school students indicated 35 (12.5%) of those polled would like to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program at Texas A&M International University," explained Lin.

He said three students have already declared computer science as their minor/supporting field and he expects to have three more each semester. To cater to the needs of the minor and to establish a computer science degree program, he said it is necessary to hire new faculty.

"Currently, Dr. Firooz Khosraviyani has a joint appointment in Computer Science and Mathematics. We are now interviewing computer science faculty candidates and hopefully we will hire new faculty in this area soon," said Lin.

For more information about the TAMIU minor in computer science, please contact Lin at 326.2567, visit offices in the Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 303 or e-mail elin@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.