BS Degree Program Mission, Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes

The primary mission of the undergraduate program in Computer Science is to provide a competitive undergraduate educational program. To this end, the department seeks continually to strengthen the faculty and the curriculum to assure that students are well prepared for careers in the field of Computer Science.

The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET has accredited the Computer Science department's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program. ABET is the recognized accrediting body of college and university programs in engineering, computing, technology and applied science.

Our BS CS program is characterized by Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes. The program educational objectives describe expected accomplishments of our graduates of the BS program and is consistent with the mission of the department. The student outcomes define the criteria that prepare students to attain the program objectives.

The department periodically assesses and evaluates the BS curriculum for consistency with each student outcome and educational objective with the goal to ensure that each student outcome can be attained. This regular evaluation is used to identify program weaknesses, put improvements in place and re-evaluate the effectiveness of those improvements; resulting in continuous improvement of the program. This assures that our students receive a high-quality education.

The program educational objectives for the Bachelors of Science degree program in Computer Science is to produce graduates who will:

Goal 1: Problem solving, documentation, presentation

Engage in the productive practice of computer science to identify and solve significant problems across a broad range of application areas, and be able to document and communicate these solutions (SACS outcomes A-D, I-K, ABET a-d, f, i);

Goal 2: Theoretical foundations

Have a sound foundation in the theoretical and mathematical bases of computer science (SACS outcomes E-G, ABET a, i, j);

Goal 3: Impact

Be capable to gauge the impact of computing on society, and have the knowledge to determine ethical, social and professional implications and responsibilities of their work (SACS outcomes L,M, ABET e, g);

Goal 4: Professional career preparation and graduate education

Have a broad computer science background to engage in successful careers in industry, in public service, and in entrance to an academic graduate program (SACS outcomes A-N, ABET a-j);

Goal 5: Life-long learning

Be able to adapt to new technologies, tools and methodologies to remain at the leading edge of computer science practice in the profession and in academia (SACS outcomes A-N, ABET a-j).

BS Degree Program Outcomes

ABET/CAC Outcomes

1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
7. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
8. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
10. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
11. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Departmental Mission Statement

• To strive for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in computer science through comprehensive educational programs, research in collaboration with industry and government, and dissemination through scholarly publications;
• To produce outstanding computer science professionals who have the fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills to advance their careers;
• To disseminate computer science knowledge to students and professionals in other disciplines, and
• To provide service to the university community, professional societies, local communities, the state, and the nation.