Department of Computer Science

Mission, Objectives and Outcomes

The Department of Computer Science takes pride in providing a safe, diverse, and inclusive learning environment that facilitates close interaction with faculty with the goal to ensure the success of every student.

Rubrics for Student Outcome Assessment

---

• Mission Statement

  The Computer Science Department has a three-pronged mission:

  • To pursue and to publicize research projects in computer science in order to extend the present state of knowledge in the computer field.
  • To educate students in all program levels in order to provide them with the knowledge, interest, and ethics to become productive members of the computing profession.
  • To serve as an initial and continuing source of education in the field of computer science.
• Program Educational Objectives

  The graduates of the Bachelor of Science program in Department of Computer Science will:

  • Design and implement computing solutions for practical problems posed by employers in industry, government, and the nonprofit sector.
  • Exhibit effective communication skills and teamwork.
  • Achieve leadership roles and maintain high standards of professional ethics.
  • Pursue graduate studies or employment in industries in computer science and other fields.

  The constituencies (stake holders) of the Department of Computer Science are the Faculty, Employers, and Alumni.

• Periodic Review of Educational Program Objectives
  • The PEOs are reviewed by the department faculty every academic year.
  • IAB members input will be considered every other year.
  • University alumni survey input is considered every other year.
  • The department faculty adopts changes if determined to be needed.
• Student Outcomes
  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant discipline to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
  • Communicate effectively  a variety of professional context.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practices based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

---

Student Outcomes

	Outcomes
1	Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant discipline to identify solutions.
2	Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
3	Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4	Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practices based on legal and ethical principles.
5	Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
6	Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

---

Student Outcome Assessment Process

1. Collect Assessment data:
   1. Indicator rubrics from core courses CS 3353 Data Structures and Algorithms I, CS 4323 Operating Systems I, and CS 4883 Social Issues in Computing.
   2. Exit survey of graduating seniors.
2. Summarize data and present to ABET committee for review.
3. ABET committee makes recommendations to the faculty.
4. The faculty adopts or changes the recommendation.
5. Recommended actions are implemented during that semester.

 

Assessment Cycle

Step	Description
Step 1: Data Collection	Data Collection Rubrics from courses CS 3353, CS 4323, and CS 4883; Exit survey of graduating majors
Step 2: Evaluate	Evaluate outcomes against 70% threshold
Step 3: Recommendations	Finalize Recommendations for Improvement
Step 4: Implement	Implement Recommendations

 

Outcome Indicators

Outcomes	Indicators
1	Abstraction of complex problems into formal models allowing for algorithmic solutions Knowledge of adequate algorithmic strategies for solution development and implementation Mapping formal specifications of problems into algorithmic solutions
2	Designs a programmable solution for a problem Implements an executable solution Validates the implementation relative to requirements
3	Demonstrates effective written communication skills in the context of discussion topics Effectively presents concepts in oral presentation
4	Demonstrates knowledge of ethical, legal and social implications of computing Demonstrates understating of the impact of computing practices in society at large Demonstrates awareness of the significance of privacy and security in data management
5	Attendance and participation in team meetings Contributes to overall group work product Demonstrates leadership and teamwork skills
6	Working knowledge of programming languages and software development fundamentals Knowledge of fundamental data structures and algorithm Knowledge of asymptotic notions and notations, and best-expected and worst-case analysis of algorithms