“UTPB is an institution that wants to teach its students for the sake of them being better prepared for the world and the workforce,” The University of Texas Permian Basin alum Phillip Driscoll said.
Whether you aspire to be a software developer, data scientist, artificial intelligence specialist, or an information security analyst, UTPB offers degree programs designed to help you reach those goals. The Master of Science in Computer Science program is already helping students like Phillip and Halimat Popoola build successful futures.
Phillip Driscoll
Phillip graduated with his Master of Science in Computer Science in May 2025. He chose to be a Falcon because the University offered him the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree in the Permian Basin.
“It’s the only University within a 150-mile radius of Odessa that has a master’s program in computer science,” Phillip said.
He also appreciated the smaller campus environment, giving him more one-on-one interactions with professors and stronger mentorship opportunities.
Now Phillip is putting his education to work at UTPB as an Endpoint Engineer in the University’s IT Department.
“I’m able to do that because of my education,” Phillip said.
Through hands-on opportunities, research experiences, and supportive instructors, Phillip felt prepared to step directly into his career after graduation.
He’s also excited to see the program continue to grow, including the addition of a new specialized artificial intelligence track.
“At UT Permian Basin we are not just observing the AI evolution, we are leading it,” the Graduate Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Dr. Priyanka Kumar, said. “Starting Fall 2026, our new MSCS AI Track is designed to bridge the gap between academic opportunity and the rapidly evolving needs of the AI global workforce.” 
“The current professors that we have are very motivated to move us into a more AI-centric point of view, which is what is necessary right now,” Phillip said.
Halimat Popoola
Halimat’s journey at UTPB shows just how quickly students can earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science.
In just five years, she is on track to complete both degrees through the University’s accelerated master’s program.
“One of the best parts of my journey has been being part of the accelerated master’s program, which allowed me to start taking the graduate-level classes while I was still an undergraduate,” Halimat said.
After completing her bachelor's degree, Halimat will earn her master’s in May 2026, just one year later. The accelerated program helped her save time and money while opening the door to additional professional opportunities.
During her time at UTPB, Halimat secured internships with major companies, including Amazon. She credits the program for helping her feel prepared to take on those roles.
“UTPB has helped me prepare for my future career by offering hands-on learning, research opportunities, and continuous support from the department,” Halimat said.
As an international student from Nigeria, Halimat was also looking for an environment where she felt she belonged.
“I was looking for a university that didn’t just offer a great education, but felt like home,” Halimat said.
Through mentorship, opportunity, and real-world preparation, UTPB’s computer science program continues to help students turn their education into meaningful careers in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.
