Undergraduate Student Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my major?
To change your major, you will need to file a general petition (http://www.uh.edu/academics/forms/petition.pdf ). On the general petition, you will need to complete all of Section A. In Section B, you will mark box #8 and fill in your current major and the major you would like to change to. Be sure to sign on the signature line.
I completed a course at another institution that is similar to a course required at the University of Houston. How can I receive credit for the course?
- If you completed a computer science course that is similar to a course we currently offer and would like to receive credit for, you will need to submit a general petition requesting course equivalency evaluation of transfer credit (box #10 on the general petition). In the explanation of request, you will need to write what class you would like an equivalency for. Submitting your petition with a syllabus from the course and/or course description will help determine if the completed course satisfies the computer science course listed on the petition. Please submit the completed general petition with any additional documentation to the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center.
- If you completed a course that is similar to other UH courses, you will need to submit a completed general petition of your request to the department offering the course you are requesting course equivalency from.
- You may also use the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) list as a reference to identify freshman- and sophomore-level general academic courses that will transfer to UH, if completed at other institutions/universities in Texas. (http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/general/tccns_cat.html)
What steps are needed to graduate?
Successfully complete all required courses maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulatively and in your major and minor. Make sure your degree plan is on file. Apply for graduation in your myUH before the graduation application deadline.
What are the requirements to file for an official degree plan?
- To file for a degree plan with the Department of Computer Science, students should have declared computer science as a major, have junior standing and have completed 60-72 credit hours.
- Schedule an appointment with the undergraduate advisor for computer science in the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center.
Can I minor in COSC? What are the requirements?
Yes, you must file an application with the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center for a minor degree plan. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall, on all computer science courses attempted and on all math courses attempted. There are 19 hours needed to complete a computer science minor.
What are the differences between the Software Design Option, the Science Option and the Business Option?
- All options require 43 hours of computer science courses, 14 hours of natural sciences approved for science majors to include two labs of the same discipline, 20 hours of mathematics, and completion of the University Core.
- The Software Design Option requires two additional COSC courses in software design and software development practices. An additional minor is not needed.
- The Science Option requires two additional math courses - Calculus III and a 43XX level. As part of the natural science requirement, the student must take PHYS 1321 and 1322. A student who completes this option successfully will graduate with a B.S. in COSC and a minor in math.
- The Business Option requires ACCT 2331 and 2332. Students must also complete six hours of approved MIS courses. A student who completes this option with graduate with a B.S. in COSC. An additional minor is not needed.
I like computers, what other computer majors are there?
There are several majors involving computers offered at the University of Houston, Main Campus:
- Computer Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
- Management Information Systems, College of Business
- Information System Technology, College of Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology, College of Technology
- Graphic Communications, Art Department, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS)
