School of Engineering and Computer Science

https://engineering.pacific.edu/engineering
Phone: (209) 946-2151
Location: John T. Chambers Technology Center

Elizabeth Orwin, Dean

Programs Offered

Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Cybersecurity 
Master of Science in Data Science
​Master of Science in Engineering

MS Engineering Concentrations

Civil Engineering (Environmental, Structural)
Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering
Engineering Management
Mechanical Engineering

Certificates Offered

Certificate in Cybersecurity Management-Cloud, Mobile and Privacy
Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations
Certificate in Securing Enterprise Systems 

Mission

The mission of the School of Engineering and Computer Science is to deliver transformative learning experiences that prepare our graduates to meet society's greatest challenges.

Admission Criteria for Master of Science in Computer Science

The following admissions requirements have been set for entry into the program:

  • Bachelors degree
  • Official university transcript(s) showing a 3.0/4.0 GPA
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal Statement

Academic Policies for Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer Science Prerequisite Requirement

All course prerequisites in the MS in Computer Science program must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Courses Taken Pass/No Credit

All courses that count toward the MS in Computer Science must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of COMP 299, which must be taken on a Pass / No Credit basis.

Graduate Independent Studies

Students who have an interest in a subject not offered as a regular course and who, by their overall performance at Pacific, have proven their ability to do independent work, may consider enrolling in a graduate independent study. The qualified student should initiate discussions with his/her advisor and with a professor who is knowledgeable in the subject. If both parties are in agreement, the student must complete the Individualized Study Form and submit it to the instructor and Office of the Registrar prior to the last day to add (see University Academic Calendar). Students on academic probation are not permitted to enroll in independent study courses in any department of the University. The following School of Engineering and Computer Science policies apply:

  1. The course(s) may not be substituted for a regularly scheduled course unless approved by the department.
  2. If the course is to be used as an elective, approval by the student's advisor and the department chairperson is required.
  3. All courses must be taken for a letter grade; the pass/no credit option is not allowed for independent study courses.
  4. Each course may be taken for one (1), two (2), three (3), or four (4) units. The unit value for the course is established between the student and the professor responsible for the course. The student's advisor should be informed of this decision.

Course Substitutions

A maximum of six units of approved advanced undergraduate courses (100 level) can count toward the MS in Computer Science. 

Admission Criteria for Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The following admissions requirements have been set for entry into the program:

  • Bachelors degree
  • Official university transcript(s) showing a 2.65/4.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate study
  • Educational qualifications and/or work experience in:
    • Data Structures (equivalent to COMP 53)
  • Two letters of recommendation

Academic Policies for Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Prerequisite Requirement

All course prerequisites in the MS in Cybersecurity program must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Courses Taken Pass/No Credit

All courses that count toward the MS in Cybersecurity must be taken for a letter grade.

Admission Criteria for Master of Science in Data Science

All applicants for the Master of Science in Data Science program must submit the following materials via the GradCAS online application system. A completed application includes:

  1. Online application via the GradCAS system (https://gradcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/)
  2. Two letters of recommendation
  3. Official transcripts. An official, course-by-course evaluation of any non-US transcripts with an overall U.S. GPA equivalent from one of the agencies accepted by the Unversity (see full list here)
  4. A 2.65/4.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate study
  5. For students whose first language is not English, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The minimum score for admission is 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) and the minimum score for a teaching assistantship award is 575 (paper) or 231 (computer). Alternatively, we accept IELTS
  6. A personal statement of interest. The statement of interest allows applicants to demonstrate their motivation, skills, and abilities that will contribute to their academic success in our program. While there is no specific format required for this statement, applicants are advised to give particular consideration to:
  7. Academic credentials
  8. Experience in the foundational concepts of:
    • Statistics
    • Linear Algebra
    • Computer programming (any language, but Python and R are preferred)
    • Commitment and personal stamina to undertake fast paced, intensive academic program
    • Enthusiasm for this particular course of study

Academic Policies for Master of Science in Data Science

Data Science Prerequisite Requirement

All course prerequisites in the MS in Data Science program must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Courses Taken Pass/No Credit

All courses that count toward the MS in Data Science must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of ANLT 283, which may be taken on a Pass / No Credit basis.

Admission Criteria for Master of Science in Engineering

All applicants for the Master of Science in Engineering program must submit the following materials to the Research and Graduate Studies Office at the University of the Pacific. A completed application includes:

  1. The Graduate School application form
  2. Letters of recommendation
  3. Transcripts from the institution where the BS in engineering, computer science, or relevant degree was granted
  4. A personal statement on professional goals and objectives
  5. A 3.0/4.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate study
  6. For students whose first language is not English, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The minimum score for admission is 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) and the minimum score for a teaching assistantship award is 575 (paper) or 231 (computer)

Academic Policies for Master of Science in Engineering

Engineering and Computer Science Prerequisite Requirement

All course prerequisites in the MS in Engineering program must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Courses Taken Pass/No Credit

All courses that count toward the MS in Engineering must be taken for a letter grade (except for thesis units).

Graduate Independent Studies

Students who have an interest in a subject not offered as a regular course and who, by their overall performance at Pacific, have proven their ability to do independent work, may consider enrolling in a graduate independent study. The qualified student should initiate discussions with his/her advisor and with a professor who is knowledgeable in the subject. If both parties are in agreement, the student must complete the Individualized Study Form and submit it to the instructor and Office of the Registrar prior to the last day to add (see University Academic Calendar). Students on academic probation are not permitted to enroll in independent study courses in any department of the University. The following School of Engineering and Computer Science policies apply:

  1. The course(s) may not be substituted for a regularly scheduled course unless approved by the department.
  2. If the course is to be used as an elective, approval by the student’s advisor and the department chairperson is required.
  3. All courses must be taken for a letter grade; the pass/no credit option is not allowed for independent study courses.
  4. Each course may be taken for one (1), two (2), three (3), or four (4) units. The unit value for the course is established between the student and the professor responsible for the course. The student’s advisor should be informed of this decision.

Course Substitutions

A maximum of six units of approved advanced undergraduate courses (100 level) can count toward the MS in Engineering . 
 

School of Engineering and Computer Science Faculty

Elizabeth Orwin, Dean, 2022, BS, Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, 1995, MS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1998, PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2000.

Shelly Gulati, Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Programs, Teaching Excellence, & Inclusion and Professor of Bioengineering, 2010, BS, Chemical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2000; PhD, Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley and University of California, San Francisco, 2006. Microfluidics, Biological Transport, Engineering Education.

Mehdi Khazaeli, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Professional Development and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Engineering Management, 2014, BS, Industrial Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, 2005; MS, Product Design and Management, University of Liverpool, 2009; PhD, Engineering Science, Louisiana State University, 2013. Data Analytics, Project Management, New Product Development, Building Information Modeling.

Luke Lee, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Civil Engineering, 2008, BS, University of California, Los Angeles, 1997; MS, University of California, Berkeley, 1998; PhD, University of California, San Diego, 2005; Registered Professional Engineer. Structural engineering and rehabilitation and monitoring of infrastructure systems.

David Mueller, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs and Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2015, BS Electrical Engineering, 2006; BS Computer Engineering, 2006; MS Electrical Engineering, 2008; PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2015, University of Missouri - Columbia. Semiconductor devices, Electronics, Computational intelligence, Device simulation, Photovoltaics, Renewable energy, Device fabrication and characterization.

Jeffrey S. Burmeister, Chair of Bioengineering and Associate Professor of Bioengineering, 2002, BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, 1988; PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 1995. Biomaterials, Cell Adhesion.

Abel A. Fernandez, Chair of Engineering Management and Professor of Civil Engineering, 2000, BS, Electric Power Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1974; ME, Electric Power Engineering, 1976; MBA, 1976; PhD, Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida, 1995. Registered Professional Engineer. Project Management, systems engineering, resource management, risk analysis and management, modeling and simulation, optimization.

Jinzhu Gao, Chair of MS Computer Science and Professor of Computer Science, 2008, BS Computer Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1995; MS Mechanical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1998; PhD Computer and Information Science, Ohio State University, 2004. Scientific visualization, computer graphics, large scale data management, data analysis and visualization, data-intensive computing, remote visualization, web-based applications.

Chadi El Kari, Chair of Computer Science and Associate Professor of Computer Science, 2014, BS Computer Engineering, Université Saint Joseph 2002; MS Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2005; PhD Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2011. Distributed Systems, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Combinatorial Optimization.

Vivek Pallipuram, Chair of MS Engineering and Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2015, BTech National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, India 2008; MS Computer Engineering, Clemson University, 2010; PhD Computer Engineering, Clemson University, 2013. Machine Learning, Generative AI, High-Performance Computing, Computer Architecture, Image Processing and Computer Vision.

Camilla M. Saviz, Chair of Civil Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering, 1999, BSME, Clarkson University, 1987; MSME, 1989; MBA, New York Institute of Technology, 1991; PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2003. Registered Professional Engineer. Water resources, fluid mechanics, sustainability, engineering education.

Jeffrey Shafer, Chair of Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Physics, and Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2010, BS, Computer Engineering, University of Dayton, 2002; MS, Electrical Engineering, University of Dayton, 2004; PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 2010; Cybersecurity, Computer architecture, Network systems architecture, Data-intensive computing, Cloud computing, Virtualization.

Kyle Watson, Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, 2003, BSME, Villanova University, 1995; MS, North Carolina State University, 1997; PhD, 2002. Thermal sciences, fluid mechanics, combustion.

James Hetrick, Director of MS Data Science and Fletcher-Jones Professor in Data Science, 1997, BS, Case Western Reserve University, 1982; PhD, University of Minnesota, 1990.

Sethuraman Kuruvimalai, Cybersecurity - Director and Associate Professor of Practice, 2023, BS, Applied Sciences, Anna University, India 1986; M.S in Computer Applications, Madurai-Kamraj University, India, 1990; Ph.D., Information assurance / security, Capella University, 2018; Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), ISACA, 2022; information security risk management, security information event management (SIEM), security operations, vulnerability management, IoT risks, security analytics.

Sepehr Amir-Mohammadian, Associate Professor of Computer Science, 2017, BE Information Technology, 2009 and ME Information Technology, 2011, Amirkabir University of Technology; PhD Computer Science, University of Vermont, 2017, Cybersecurity, programming languages, software security assurance.

Solomon Berhe, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, 2023, BS (equivalent) Computer Science, University of Stuttgart, 2005; MS Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2007; PhD Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2011. Secure Software Engineering, Software Engineering in Industry 4.0 Ecosystems.

Mary Kay Camarillo, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, 2009, BS, University of Washington, 1996; MS, University of California, Davis, 2004; PhD, 2009; Registered Professional Engineer. Environmental engineering, physical and chemical treatment of water and wastewater.

Cathy Carlson, Lecturer, 2008, BS, University of the Pacific, 2004; MBA, University of the Pacific, 2005. Business application training and implementation; lead tracking, generation and analytic software; website design.

Bala Chandresakaran, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2024, BE in Electronics and Communications Engineering, Visveswaraiah Technological University, India, 2007; MS in Electrical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2010; PhD, Electrical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2017. Robotics and control, Sensor fusion, Human-robot interaction.

Frederick Chung, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, 2024, BS, Purdue University, 2016; MS, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2022; PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024. Construction engineering and management, construction economics, transportation asset management.

Daniel Cliburn, Professor of Computer Science, 2006, BS Computer Science and Mathematics, Illinois College, 1997; MS Computer Science, University of Kansas, 1999; PhD Computer Science, University of Kansas, 2001. Computer graphics, video game design, virtual reality, computer science education.

Tapadhir Das, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, 2023, BS Computer Engineering Technology, Oregon Institute of Technology, 2018; MS Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 2020; PhD Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 2023. Internet of Things Security, Cyber-physical System Security, Security of Machine Learning.

Michael Doherty, Associate Professor of Computer Science, 1998, BS Electrical Engineering, University of Florida, 1983; MS Computer Science, University of Rhode Island, 1992; PhD Computer Science, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1998. Computer animation, simulation, video game technology, database management systems, programming languages, computer science education.

Sebastian Dziallas, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, 2022, BS Engineering with a Concentration in Computing, Olin College of Engineering, 2014; PhD Computer Science, University of Kent, 2019. Computer science education, human-computer interaction.

Hector Estrada, Professor of Civil Engineering, 2006, BS, University of Illinois, 1993; MS, 1994; PhD, 1997. Registered Professional Engineer. Structural engineering and engineering mechanics.

Pramod Gupta, Professor of Practice, 2023, MEng McGill University, PhD, McMaster University. Data Analytics, Python, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence.

Maryam Heidaripour, Assistant Professor Design, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, 2023, BA, Industrial Design, University of Tehran, 2010; MA, Industrial Design, University of Tehran, 2013; MBA, General Management, University of Tehran, 2014; PhD, Design, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2020. Product design & management; New venture development; Strategy & design thinking.

Osvaldo Jimenez, Associate Professor of Computer Science, 2013, BS Computer Science, Stanford University, 2002; MA Learning, Design, & Technology, Stanford University, 2003; PhD Learning Sciences & Technology Design, Stanford University, 2013. Educational games, video game development, software engineering, human-computer interaction, computer science education.

Houman Kamran, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, 2020, BE Computer Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 2006; MS Computer Science, Southern University and A&M College, 2009; PhD Computer Engineering, Louisiana State University, 2017. Image processing, computer vision, machine learning and pattern recognition.

Fatemeh Khatami, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, 2019, BS, Electrical Engineering, Azad University Central Tehran Branch, 2006; MS, Biomedical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, 2011; PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2017. Brain Computer Interface Systems, Biosensors, Bioelectricity, Natural Language processing, Auditory System Modeling, Biological Signal Analysis and Statistics.

Rahim Khoie, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2002, BSEE, 1977, Abadan Institute of Technology, Abadan, Iran; MS, 1980, University of Pittsburgh; PhD, 1986, University of Pittsburgh. High speed electron devices, Quantum effect devices, Solid state physics, Renewable energy, Analog and digital electronics, and Embedded Systems.

Michael Lanners, Lecturer, 2023, BS Computer Science, University of the Pacific, 2022; MS Computer Science, University of the Pacific, 2022. Computer science education.

Chi-Wook Lee, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, 1998, BSME, Hanyang University (Korea), 1981; MSME, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1984; PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 1991. Mechatronics, systems dynamics, and bio-mechanics.

Dongbin Lee, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2022, BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, KwangWoon University, 1992; MS in Robotics, KwangWoon University, 2000; PhD in Robotics & Intelligent Program, Clemson University, 2009; Mobile robotics, industrial robotics, embedded systems, telematics, AI.

Gary M. Litton, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering, 1993, BS, University of California, Irvine, 1980; MS, 1990; PhD, 1993. Registered Professional Engineer. Environmental engineering, water quality, and modeling.

Jiancheng Liu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, 2006, BS, Taiyuan University of Technology (China), 1984; MS, 1987; PhD, Himeji Institute of Technology, now named University of Hyogo (Japan), 1996. Manufacturing, machine design.

Cherian Mathews, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2005, B.E. in Electrical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India, 1987; MS in Electrical Engineering, Purdue University, 1989; PhD in Electrical Engineering, Purdue University, 1993; Registered Professional Engineer. Digital Signal Processing, Power Electronics, Power Systems, Control Systems.

Julia Olivieri, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, 2022, BA Mathematics and Biology, Oberlin College, 2016; MS Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, 2022; PhD Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, 2022. Computational biology, data analytics, algorithms, discrete math.

Gaetano Restivo, Assistant Professor of Practice Mechanical Engineering, 2024, BS/MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy, 2001; MS Structural Engineering, UC San Diego, 2004; PhD, Machine Design, University of Palermo, Italy, 2005; Experimental Stress Analysis, Non-Destructive Evaluation, Speckle Interferometry, Photoelasticity.

Alisha Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, 2024, BS Civil Engineering, University of the Pacific, 2018; MS Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Davis, 2021; PhD Hydrologic Sciences, UC Davis, 2024.

Navdeep Singh, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, BSME, Punjab Technical University (India), 2001; MSME, Thapar University (India), 2003; PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2010. Computational Materials Science and Engineering, DFT, Molecular Dynamics, Engineering Education.

Varadraj Vernekar, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, 2022, BE, Chemical Engineering, University of Pune, 1997; MS, Bioengineering, Clemson University, 2002; PhD, Bioengineering, Georgia Tech, 2010. Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Injury Biomechanics.

Anahita Zarei, Clinical Professor of Data Science, 2015, BS, Electrical Engineering, 2001, University of Washington; MS, Electrical Engineering, 2002, University of Washington; MS Applied Mathematics, 2007, University of Washington; PhD, Electrical Engineering, 2007, University of Washington.

Afsoon Yousefi Zowj, Lecturer, 2018, AS Computer Science, Technical Collage of Shiraz, 2006; BE Computer Engineering, Shariaty Technical University, 2008; MS Computer Networks, Amirkabir University of Technology, 2012; MS Computer Science, University of Vermont, 2016; Data analytics, machine learning, sensor networks, mobile development.