Objectives of the BS Computer Science Program

Objective 1.
To instill in students an appreciation of learning and the need to remain abreast of changing technology throughout their career.

Outcomes:

• Our graduates demonstrate an ability and desire to develop and increase their knowledge and understanding of technology, building on the knowledge base established through the BS program.

Measurement:

• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on further training, career development, professional interests and association with professional organizations.

Objective 2.
To prepare students for graduate school.

Outcomes:

• Our graduates have a high acceptance rate into graduate programs.

Measurement:

• Independent evaluation graduate competency via the Major Field Examination.
• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on graduate training.

Objective 3.
To prepare students for a professional career in computing.

Outcomes:

• Our students demonstrate proficiency in the full range of aspects of Computer Science.
• Our students are able to apply the principles and practices of Computer Science, Mathematics and other Science disciplines to a variety of problems.
• Our graduates have a high acceptance rate into professional employment in the information technology industry.

Measurement:

• Independent evaluation of graduate competency via the Major Field Examination.
• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on employment.
• Survey of employers, with specific questions on preparedness of our graduates for employment in the information technology industry.
• Discussions with the External Advisory Board to gauge the relevance and adequacy of the program in preparing graduates for employment in the information technology industry.

Objective 4.
To help students develop oral and written communication skills.

Outcomes:

• Our students will be able to:
  1. Write well-researched technical articles on topics in Computer Science and related fields.
  2. Provide oral presentations to non-specialist and professional audiences on topics in Computer Science and related fields.

Measurement:

• Evaluation of student oral and written communication skills in CSCI 297 Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Science.
• Evaluation of written reports and oral presentations in CSCI 344 Software Engineering and CSCI 495 Senior Project.
• Evaluation of documentation for software projects in CSCI 351 Win32 Software Development.
• Survey of our alumni’s employers, with specific questions on the alumni’s oral and written communication skills.
• Survey of senior Computer Science students, with specific questions on their perceptions of the level and amount of training in oral and written communication skills.

Objective 5.
To create an awareness of the persistent concepts in computing and their realization in current platforms and tools.

Outcomes:

• Our graduates have a good understanding of computing concepts and the implementation of those concepts in computing platforms and tools.

Measurement:

• Independent evaluation of graduate understanding of computing concepts via the Major Field Examination.
• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on their preparedness for using various computing platforms and tools.
• Survey of employers, with specific questions on preparedness of our graduates for using various computing platforms and tools.
• Discussions with External Advisory Board to gauge the relevance and adequacy of the program in preparing graduates for employment in the information technology industry.

Objective 6.
To teach computer science concepts using contemporary industry computing tools and adhering to industry standards.

Outcomes:

• Our graduates have a good understanding of industry standards and have gained experience in the use of relevant contemporary computing tools.

Measurement:

• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on their preparedness for using various computing tools and their understanding of the purpose and applicability of industry standards.
• Survey of employers, with specific questions on preparedness of our graduates for using various computing tools and their understanding of the purpose and applicability of industry standards.

Objective 7.
To instill in students an appreciation of ethical and professional standards and an understanding of the social impact of computer technology.

Outcomes:

• Our graduates have a good understanding of ethical and professional standards and an understanding of the social impact of computer technology.

Measurement:

• Evaluation of student understanding of social and ethical issues in CSCI 297 Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Science.
• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on their understanding of ethical and social issues of computing.
• Survey of employers, with specific questions on preparedness of our graduates with respect to ethical and social issues of computing.
• Survey of senior Computer Science students, with specific questions on their perceptions of the level and amount of training in social and ethical issues.

Objective 8.
To establish and maintain an atmosphere that supports faculty development and growth, that encourages faculty to embrace constant changes in technology and curriculum, and to be creative in all aspects of their jobs.

Outcomes:

• Our faculty continue to develop their own knowledge in line with technological advances and engage in creative and scholarly activity in Computer Science and related fields.

Measurement:

• Course surveys with specific questions on the instructor’s knowledge of the subject matter.
• Survey of senior Computer Science students, with specific questions on the standard of instruction.
• Survey of alumni, with specific questions on their impressions of faculty knowledge of contemporary issues in Computer Science.
• Evidence of faculty scholarly activity, including publications, consulting activities and software development.