Distinguishing Features of Computer Science Programs at HKUST

Comprehensive Academic Programs

Our degree programs are designed to provide students with the widest selection of computer science courses, including Internet Computing, Networking, Information Security, Information Retrieval, Database Systems and Management, Computer Systems, Multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Music, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Programming Languages, and Theoretical Computer Science.

Broad Spectrum of Minor Programs

To allow computer science students to broaden their interests in other disciplines, students may enroll in a number of different minor programs, including Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Technology Management, China Studies, Humanities, Liberal Studies, and Social Science.

Top-Rated International Faculty

Our faculty obtained their Ph.D. degrees from or held previous academic positions at top universities in the world, especially in North America. They are student-friendly and provide a nurturing environment to help students acquire professional knowledge and a creative mindset. Classes are taught in the American teaching style, with classes conducted in English.

Honors Study Track for Elite Students

This study track offers an exciting and challenging opportunity for elite students. Privileges and benefits include studying alongside a small group of elite students, taking enriched and accelerated courses, closer interaction with professors as a result of small-class teaching, enrolling in postgraduate courses, as well as the opportunity to earn a Bachelor's degree in 2.5 years or to obtain both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in four years.

Outstanding Student Achievements

Our students often say that a big part of their education takes place outside the classroom. They have performed very well in various awards and competitions, like the Golden Penguin Greater China Open Source Software Competition, IBM PhD Fellowship Program, ACM KDD CUP Data Mining Contest, and ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest.

Various Scholarships

The University, as well as the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, offer students a number of scholarships, each typically ranging from HK$10,000 to HK$40,000 per year. Exceptionally outstanding students may receive up to HK$120,000 per year. Each entrant is automatically considered for such scholarships. Most scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic merit and the department's recommendations.

Excellent Prospects

About 15-20% of our graduates pursue postgraduate study immediately upon graduation. While many of them take up research opportunities in Hong Kong, particularly at HKUST, some go abroad to study at top universities, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Yale University, Carnegie-Mellon University, Cornell University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, University of California at Santa Barbara, and University of Toronto.

Our graduates are usually successful in entering the profession of their choice. Some join famous computing-related companies, like IBM, HP, Compaq, Intel, Motorola, Microsoft, and Oracle, while others prefer different fields, particularly the business sector, and launch their careers at companies such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, PricewaterhouseCoopers, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and Bank of China.

Valuable Industrial Exposure

Students have the opportunity to gain industrial exposure and learn the skills necessary to begin successful careers by participating in one-year placements or three-month summer internships. In 2005, we arranged 44 placements and summer internships at Credit Sussie, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd., Hang Fung Gold Technology Group, Hongkong International Terminals, HP Asia Pacific, HSBC, Microsoft HK Ltd., Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Reuters, and Swire Resources.

Overseas/Mainland Exchange Programs

These programs let students study for one year or one semester at an overseas or Mainland top university with no additional tuition fees. Currently the School of Engineering has more than 80 international exchange partners, including University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Washington, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and University of Sydney.

One of the Five High-Impact Areas in HKUST's Strategic Plan 2005-2020

In view of the distinguished achievements of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, information technology in deemed an important and integral part of the HKUST Strategic Plan 2005-2020; it is one of the five high-impact areas where HKUST aspires to lead, rather than follow, scientific and technological trends.

Professional Recognition

Our BEng in Computer Science (COMP), and BEng in Computer Science (Information Engineering) (CSIE), and BEng in Computer Engineering (CPEG), are accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE).