The Computer Science Program is accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). As part of this accreditation, a set of objectives and outcomes are specified for the program, and a variety of measures are used to ensure that these objectives and outcomes are being met, and that the program continuously improves. The objectives describe the broader goals of our program, in terms of what we want our graduates to be and achieve within a few years of graduation. The outcomes are more specific goals that describe what we want students to know at the time of graduation.

The objectives and outcomes have been determined with input from faculty, students, and employers. The objectives and outcomes are reviewed on a regular basis by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UGCC). The UGCC is a committee formed from several faculty (and one student representative) and is charged with reviewing, coordinating, assessing, and modifying the undergraduate courses and curriculum, including ABET-related items. Through this process, the UGCC seeks to ensure that the Computer Science program remains a current, relevant program, that provides our students a strong and valuable education.

Computer Science Program Objectives and Outcomes

Objectives

The Computer Science Program has adopted the following set of educational objectives. These objectives describe the general professional accomplishments that we aim for our graduates to achieve within a few years of graduation.

1. Graduates who choose to enter the workforce will become productive and valuable professionals in their fields.
2. Graduates who choose to pursue advanced degrees will be able to gain admission to graduate programs and will become successful graduate students.
3. Graduates will understand the importance of life-long learning to adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies with the ability to respond to a changing world.

Outcomes

The Computer Science Program has adopted the following set of program outcomes. These outcomes describe specific abilities and characteristics that we want our graduates to have at the time of graduation.

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and computing
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and interpret data
3. An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs
4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
5. An ability to identify, formulate and solve computer-related problems
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
7. An ability to communicate effectively - both orally and in writing
8. An understanding of the field of computing in a global and societal context
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern computing tools necessary for computer science practice.