Computing Sciences & Engineering – Keys to Your Success in Life John Fernandez, Ph.D. Chair, CSCI Department July 22, 2010

What’s an Engineer? A person who uses principles of logic, science and mathematics to solve real-world problems and create useful products

Computing Sciences Department Engineering Technology –ABET accredited programs in EET and MET Geographic Information Science –ABET accredited program; includes Master’s in Geospatial Surveying Engineering; fully incorporated with the Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI) Computer Science –ABET accreditation program; includes MS Mechanical Engineering –BS program to be ABET accredited

Enrollment Increases By Major Average Majors of Previous 3 Years Majors in Fall 2009 Percent Increase Over Previous 3 Years CSCI % CS % GIS % ENTC % MEEN %

Semester Credit Hours Increase Steadily

Computer Science Bachelor of Science –Systems Programming –Computer Information Systems –Computer Game Programming Master of Science Degree –Various emphases Doctoral Degree (future plans)

GIS/GSEN Geographic Information Science - BS –GIS and Geomatics Geospatial Surveying Engineering - MS –Currently Online Program Doctoral degree (future plans)

Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology - BS –Design, installation, manufacturing, testing, mechanical sales or maintenance of mechanical systems Electrical Engineering Technology - BS –Design & development, operation & maintenance, and technical sales of electrical systems

Mechanical Engineering Program (Started in Fall 09) Builds upon existing ET strengths Distinctive features –Off shore focus –Energy option

Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

Engineers Design the Stuff Technologists Execute the Designs

Port of Corpus Christi 6 th largest port in in the United States

Other Local Employer Information Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Army Depot U.S. Coast Guard Customs and Border Protection Service Corpus Christi Port Industries Kiewitt Offshore Service

CO-OP & Internship Opportunities

WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE WORTH? SOURCE: The 2009 PayScale Report by PayScale, Inc. * 2009 Average Starting Salary Mechanical Engineering - Project Manager $90,200 Computer Science - System Engineer $84,700 Computer Science - Database Administrator $83,500 Computer Science - Software Developer $76,900 Computer Science - Programmer Analyst $75,400 Mechanical Engineering $74,400 Engineering Technology** $69,300 Biology - Biologist $58,800 Business - Financial Analyst $54,300 Economics $52,500 Criminal Justice $51,200 History $45,000 Political Science $41,600 English $41,500 Business - Human Resources $40,900 Psychology $32,600

Source: National Science Board, “Science and Engineering Indicators – 2002”, Table 2-18 # of Engineering Graduates Other Nations are Outpacing the U.S. in Engineering Graduates

Engineering Degrees 25 years ago the U. S., Japan and China graduated a similar number of engineers of about 75,000, while Korean engineering graduates totaled just 28,000. By 2000: Chinese engineering graduates increased 161% to 207,500 Japanese engineering graduates increased 42% to 103,200 Korean engineering graduates increased 140% to 56,500 U. S. engineering graduates declined 20% to 59,500 Source: National Science Foundation, Science and Engineering Indicators, 2004.

Is Becoming an Engineer Difficult? Not if you learn the tricks and And follow the Selim rules

WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT (DoL) Listening and oral communications Competence in reading, writing, and computation Adaptability Creative thinking and problem solving Personal management, goal setting, motivation Group effectiveness - Team work Organization effectiveness and leadership

Recommendations Focus on math and science courses ahead of liberal arts courses Make faculty connections Seek tutoring early if needed Look into internships and other relevant work experience early Ask questions