Computer Science Degree Program Objectives

Notes: These are statments of the program's high-level goals. They must reflect the department's and School's mission statements, and also reflect the ABET a-k general outcomes. These will be widely publicized (e.g. undergrad record, department Web page, etc.). They should be discussed with department stakeholders including faculty, students, industry advisors, etc. A more detailed set of student "outcomes" (these follow) should reflect these Objectives.

The undergraduate degree in Computer Science has the following learning objectives:

  1. To provide graduates with a thorough grounding in the key principles and practices of computer science, and in the basic engineering, mathematical, and scientific principles that underpin them.
  2. To provide graduates with an in-depth mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to effectively solve problems and develop solutions in the areas of computer science, computer system development, and their application.
  3. To provide graduates with an understanding of human, social and ethical issues that will enable them to be informed and involved members of society, and to become responsible computing and engineering professionals.
  4. To prepare graduates for employment as computing professionals and for successful long-term careers in the profession, and to prepare students who seek advanced degrees for success in a quality graduate program in computing.

(This list of objectives was approved by the CS Department faculty in Spring 03.)

Program Outcomes

Each outcome is mapped to one or more of the higher-level objectives given above. Also, each outcome is also mapped to one or more of the ABET/EAC A-K general outcomes. Also, the "assessment" information indicates a possible way in which each outcome could be assessed. This does not indicate we are carrying out such an assessment activity; we only focus our assessment efforts on outcomes where we have reason to expect problems or where we are measuring the effectiveness of an improvement we have introduced.

This list of outcomes was approved by the CS Undergrad Curric. Committee in Spring 03.

A student graduating with a computer science major should:

  1. Have demonstrated comprehension in relevant areas of mathematics (including calculus, discrete math, and probability), and in the area of logic design.
    [Objective A. ABET a]
    [Assessment: however SEAS evaluates math; survey exam results in CS302, CS202, CS230 if necessary]
  2. Have demonstrated comprehension in fundamental topics of computing, including the intellectual core of computing, software design and development, algorithms, computer organization and architecture, and software systems.
    [Objective A. ABET a, k]
    [Assessment: review assignments/exams from CS core courses for areas of concern.]
  3. Have applied knowledge of areas of computing to analyze and evaluate algorithms, designs, implementations, systems, or other computing artifacts or work-products. Application of this knowledge includes the ability to design, conduct and evaluate the results of experiments and testing activity.
    [Objective A. ABET a, b, c, e]
    [Assessment: review evaluation and/or experiment-based assignments/exams in CS432 and other later courses.]
  4. Have applied knowledge of areas of computing to create solutions to challenging problems, including specifying, designing, implementing and validating solutions for new problems.
    [Objective B. ABET a, e, k]
    [Assessment: review assignments/exams after CS201 or CS340, i.e. later in CS core sequence.]
  5. Be aware of current research activity in computing through activities including reading papers, hearing research presentations, and successfully planning and completing an individual research project in computing or its application.
    [Objective B and C. ABET i, j]
    [Assessment: review if this is covered well in CS electives, CS390, and Sr. Thesis.]
  6. Have demonstrated comprehension of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences in order to broaden a student's education beyond engineering and computing.
    [Objective C. ABET h, j]
    [Assessment: rely on SEAS-wide assessment of this.]
  7. Comprehend important social, ethical, and professional considerations related to computing practice and research, and be able to apply this knowledge when analyzing new situations.
    [Objective C. ABET f]
    [Assessment: rely on SEAS-wide assessment of TCC activities in this, but also review student-work from CS390 on this.]
  8. Be prepared to enter graduate programs in computing or related fields, and be prepared to begin a professional career in computing.
    [Objective D. ABET i]
    [Assessment: through 4th year survey, track acceptances of those who apply to grad school and those applying for jobs.]
  9. Have demonstrated a self-directed ability to acquire new knowledge in computing, including the ability to learn about new ideas and advances, techniques, tools, and languages, and to use them effectively; and to be motivated to engage in life-long learning.
    [Objective D. ABET i, j]
    [Assessment: use 4th year and alumni survey to gather students' attitude and frequency of quickly gaining new knowledge.]
  10. Have demonstrated the ability to work effectively in a development team.
    [Objectives B and D. ABET d]
    [Assessment: if needed, measure results of CS340 team experience.]
  11. Have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) about technical issues.
    [Objectives B and D. ABET g]
    [Assessment: rely on TCC evaluations of this.]
  12. Comprehend important issues related to the development of computer-based systems in a professional context using a well-defined process to guide development.
    [Objectives B and D. ABET d, g, k]
    [Assessment: evaluate attitudes towards SW process using the ATSE survey instrument.]