Computer Science

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A Computer Science degree can open doors to countless career opportunities, preparing you for positions in business, industry, and government.

Program Details

Learn more about our Computer Science program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.
As you work toward an Associate of Science degree, you’ll gain an understanding of the basics of computer science, develop proficiency in computing, and prepare for continued professional development. Furthermore, the Computer Science program offers the technical knowledge and critical thinking skills you need to become a problem solver and shape the future of technology. The Computer Science Associate of Science is ideal if you intend to pursue a Bachelor's degree in computer science at a four-year university.

Upon completing the program, you can apply for an A.S. degree at WCJC, which can prepare you for entry-level technology jobs, such as:

  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Web Developer
  • Programmer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Software Engineer
  • Mobile Developer
  • Cloud Computing Specialist
  • Network Systems Technician
  • Security Network Technician
  • Software Developer

Additionally, with an A.S. degree in computer science, you can pursue a Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

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Meet the Faculty

Our faculty strive to foster an educational environment emphasizing technical knowledge and skills as well as critical thinking, verbal and written communication, the value of life-long learning, teamwork, responsibility, and ethical work habits. Have questions about WCJC’s Computer Science program? Reach out to one of our faculty members. 

Dr. Saqer has over eight years of teaching experience and fourteen years of Information Technology industry experience.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Technology and Engineering - Computer Science, NCU, San Diego, CA
  • M.S., Software Engineering, University of Houston\Clear Lake, Houston, TX
  • B.S., Computer Science, University of Houston\Downtown, Houston, TX

Technical:

  • Programming Languages: Assembly, BASIC, COBOL, C, C#, C++, FORTRAN, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Pascal, Python, V.B., .asp, .NET
  • Operating Systems: MS-DOS, Windows, Windows Server, Linux
  • Database Systems: SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle 

Certifications:

  • Python

Office: Richmond Campus, 140L
Phone: 281-239-1567
Email: saqerm@wcjc.edu

Mr. Groves celebrated 50 years in the Information Technology field in 2023. He has been a Computer Science and Electronics instructor for WCJC since 1999. He serves the Electronics Technicians Association in several capacities, guiding his professional life. He has published numerous articles on Fiber Optics, Smart Home Technologies, and STEM education. He has 20 certifications in the areas of Fiber Optics, PC Hardware, Networking, Security, and others. His current research and certification interests are Visible Light Communications (VLC), Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), the National Quantum Computing Initiative, and Cloud-based Quantum Computing as a Service.

Education:

  • M.S., Information Systems Technology, University of Houston
  • B.S., Information Systems Technology, University of Houston
  • ABD: Information Technology in Science, Texas A&M University, College Station
  • A.A., General Studies, Wharton County Junior College

Certifications:

IBM Developer Skills Network:

  • Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • Agile Explorer
  • IPMA Project Management Fundamentals
  • Data Fundamentals
  • Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
  • Emerging Tech
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Project Management Institute:

  • Agile Project Management
  • Waterfall Project Management 

Microsoft Certified Professional:

  • Microsoft Technology Associate - Certified Server Administrator 
  • Microsoft Technology Associate - Certified Security Administrator
  • Microsoft Technology Associate - Certified Operating System Administrator
  • Microsoft Technology Associate - Certified Networking Administrator
  • American Society for Training and Development and International Society: Performance and Instruction
  • Certified Training Professional

Electronics Technicians Association:

  • Certified Smart Technology Systems 
  • Certified Fiber Optic Technician – Outside Plant 
  • Certified Cyber Information Technology Security Specialist 
  • Certified Customer Service Specialist 
  • Certified Fiber Optic Technician 
  • Certified Wireless Network Technician 
  • Certified Network Systems Technician 
  • Certified Electronic Security Network Technician 
  • Certified Fiber Optic Installer – Outside Plant 
  • Certified Network Computer Technician
  • Certified Computer Service Technician 

Fiber Instrument Sales Cheetah Splice on Connector Certification

NCyTE - Cybersecurity and Programming for IoT Technicians

Air Force Association Cyberpatriot Tech Caregiver

LED Passport Certification – Philips Lighting University

Certified Science Education Specialist – Texas A&M University

Technical:

  • Computer and networking hardware, Windows Server network administration,
  • Windows client operating systems, desktop support, fiber optics, robotics, and computer applications.
  • Light Fidelity (LiFi) Communications SME
  • IBM Quantum Information Systems Educator
  • Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy Instructor

Office: Richmond Campus, 240
Phone: 281-239-1554
Email: jbgroves@wcjc.edu

Mr. Woods has over 25 years of professional business experience in manufacturing and supply chain management. He has extensive experience installing and maintaining ERP Systems as ManMan, Baan, MFG-Pro, SAP, and People Soft.In 2021. He received a NISOD Award for Excellence in Education. He is a United States Marine Veteran with combat ribbons.

Education:

  • M.S., Masters in Computer Science, University of Houston Victoria
  • MBA, Masters in Business Administration, University of Houston Victoria
  • B.S., Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, University of Houston

Technical:

  • AZURE Cloud, VMware, vSphere, UNIX/Linux, Java, C++, Android Programming,
  • Artificial Intelligence and Gaming. 
  • ERP Systems. Specifically SAP, BaaN, and MFG-Pro.
  • Texas Teaching Certification with GT (Gifted and Talented).
  • ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements.

Office: Sugar Land Campus, 214B
Phone: 281-243-8507
Email: woodsd@wcjc.edu

Mr. Yang possesses a strong background in programming, databases, web development, logic, and network concepts. With a passion for science, technology, and education, he strives to inspire and equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital world. Through effective teaching methodologies and practical examples, he aims to foster a deep understanding of computer science principles and encourage critical thinking. Committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field, he is dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to excel and pursue their career goals.

Education:

  • M.S., Computer Science, Indiana University
  • B.S., Mathematics, Tianjin University
  • M.A., Mathematics, Indiana University

Certifications:

  • CISCO

Office: Richmond Campus, 140L
Phone: 281-239-1571
Email: yangh@wcjc.edu

Mr. McDaniel has over 18 years of professional experience, including broadband networking, mapping, configuration, testing, installing, and troubleshooting data circuits. He helped design and create large-scale, high-speed data circuits.

Education:

  • B.S., Telecommunications Management, DeVry University

Certifications:

  • Certified to professionally install Dish Network satellite TV systems in private homes and Samsung appliance repair

Technical:

  • Design and creation of large-scale, high-speed data circuits, including DS1, DS3, GigE, IP, Frame Relay, VPN, and L2TPv3 tunneling.

Office: Wharton Campus, Peace 106A
Phone: 979-532-6479
Email: mcdanield@wcjc.edu

Ms. Maretka has over forty years of teaching experience. Her focus areas are

security, Windows server and client operating systems, Linux server and

client operating systems, virtualization, and computer applications.

Education:

  • B.S., Technical Education, University of Houston 
  • M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Houston 
  • ABD, Higher Education Administration, University of Houston

Certifications:

  • ETA Certified Fiber Optic Installer,
  • E.C. Council Certified Ethical Hacker v6, IC3,
  • MOS: Word 2010, MOS: Excel 2010, MOS: PowerPoint 2010,
  • MTA: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals,
  • MTA: Security Fundamentals; MTA: Networking
  • Fundamentals, T.S.: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
  • NISOD recipient 2010

Email: ameliam@wcjc.edu

Ms. McCarthy has over twenty years of teaching experience and ten years of professional experience.

Education:

  • M.S., Accounting, University of Houston – Clear Lake
  • B.S., Accounting, University of Houston – Clear Lake

Technical:

  • Java 
  • P.C. Hardware
  • Windows Client Operating Systems 
  • Help desk
  • Databases
  • Computer Applications

Email: noram@wcjc.edu

Dr. Lyford has over ten years of professional experience and 12 years of teaching experience. He focused on networking, cybersecurity, operating systems, and introductory courses. He teaches full-time at Houston Christian University in the College of Science and Engineering.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Computer and Information System Security, Northcentral University
  • MEd , Secondary Education - Computer Science, Sam Houston State University
  • B.S., Computer Science, Sam Houston State University

Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified Windows 7
  • Microsoft Certified Networking
  • Microsoft Certified Windows Servers
  • Microsoft Certified Windows Active Directory
  • ETA Fiber Optic Installer

Technical:

Industry experience includes:

  • Working as a Network Administrator
  • Senior Telecom/ A/V Analyst
  • IT Supervisor
  • Network Technician. 

Technical Skills:

  • Network Administration
  • Network Management
  • Operating System expertise (Installation, Configuration, and Security)
  • Cybersecurity practices and techniques
  • Network Device configuration and installation
  • Telecom configuration and installation

 Email: lyfords@wcjc.edu

Dr. Granger has over 20 years of professional experience and five years of teaching experience.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
  • MBA, E-Business, University of Phoenix
  • B.S., Accounting, Penn State
  • A.A., Business Administration, Harrisburg Area Community College

Email: grangerk@wcjc.edu

Ms. Gregory spent over 20 years with a major oil company in various Information Technology (IT) roles with her last one leading an IT projects group that provided application development services (programming, design, project management) to the oil company's business units in the Americas.  Currently she is VP of Operations for a start-up that is working to bring a non-invasive glucose meter to market.  She has two grown children both of which graduated from Texas A&M.  She enjoys golfing, running, camping, and hiking.

Education:

  • M.S., Computer Science, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • B.S., Computer Science, Stephen F. Austin State University

Certifications:

  • Project Management Certificate (PMP)

Email: gregorys@wcjc.edu

Ms. Phillip has over 20 years of teaching experience and 10 years of professional work experience. Since Fall of 2018, she has been a part-time faculty member at WCJC, where she has taught Introduction to Computing, Business Computer Applications, Intro to Digital Media, 3D Animation, and 2D Animation both in person and virtually.

Education:

  • M.S., Instructional Design and Technology, Walden University
  • B.A., Computer Information Systems, University of Houston

Certifications:

  • Microsoft Office User Specialist in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop

Email: phillipL@wcjc.edu

Ms. Charlene grew up in south Texas and moved to Baytown, Texas after she married. She taught high school math and computer science there for about 30 years. After she moved to the Sugar Land area, she found that she missed the classroom experience in 2005. She applied to WCJC, where she has taught as a part-time instructor ever since. She has always enjoyed working with students and guiding them to new levels of learning.

Education:

  • M.S., Instructional Technology, University of Houston – Clear Lake
  • B.A., Math, University of Texas 

Email: phillipsC@wcjc.edu

Mr. Raza is a Senior IT Professional and has been in this field for over 20 years. He holds an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. Over the years, Ali has worked for software companies based in Houston, Texas as well as Multinational Corporations in Dubai, UAE. In his free time, Ali enjoys playing golf and working out at the gym.

Education:

  • MBA, Information Technology, University of Phoenix
  • B.S., Information Systems and Technology, University of Phoenix

Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Technical:

  • Routing, Switching, Cloud Services like Azure and AWS, and Cyber Security 
  • Programming languages such as Python and Scripting in PowerShell. 

Email: razam@wcjc.edu

Ms. Robinson has four years of professional experience and 12 years of teaching experience, and she has an elementary education teaching certificate.

Education:

  • M.S., Instructional Technology, University of Houston
  • B.A., Journalism/Advertising, Sam Houston State University

Email: robinsona@wcjc.edu

Mr. Sellountos has been teaching higher education in the United States since 2005. He has served as an instructor in many colleges in Texas, including Wharton College, the University of Houston ( Victoria), Houston Community College, and Lone Star College. His courses include programming subjects in most languages (Java, C++, C#, Python, Swift) and pure computer science topics such as operating systems, software engineering, databases, Cybersecurity, and Networking. His research interests include Computer Organizations and Architectures, Computer Queuing Systems, Computer Modeling and Analysis, and Real-time Systems.

Education:

  • M.S., Computer Science, University of Houston-Victoria
  • B.S., Computer Science, University of Athens

Technical:

  • Computer Organizations
  • Computer Architectures
  • Computer Queuing Systems
  • Computer Modeling and Analysis 
  • Real-time Systems

Email: sellountosd@wcjc.edu

Archived Master Syllabi

The WCJC Computer Science Advisory Board consists of educational experts and representatives from area industries. The core goal of the board is to advance a helpful effort between community, education, and industry. It offers guidance to the curriculum and to adapt it to workforce needs. Members of the Advisory Board are as follows:

  • J.R. Atkins, ConocoPhillips
  • David Bergstrom, YK Communications
  • Eric Brenk, NewFirst National Bank
  • Paul Bullard, Needville ISD
  • Ron Campbell, All-Tex Networking Solutions
  • Jay Clancy, Strategic Ascent
  • Stephanie Dees, Proofpoint
  • Adam Guevara, Wm. Rigg Co.
  • Russell Hill, All-Tex Networking Solutions
  • Marty Ragusky, VLNComm
  • Dennis Rawliongs, STP Nuclear Operation Center
  • Joshua Solis, Bay City ISD
  • Larry Swonke, Microsoft Corporation
  • Jimmy Taylor, Houston Police Department
  • Ashley Thompson, CPAP.com
  • Dr. Akireza Tavakkoli, University of Houston - Victoria