The curricula in School of Computing degree programs are centered on the following guiding principles:

• provide the mathematical underpinning necessary for the study of computing disciplines.
• provide the foundation necessary for problem analysis, algorithm development, and the application of computer programming.
• provide appropriate laboratory experiences throughout the program's hardware and software-oriented courses.
• provide a curriculum having both breadth and depth which emphasizes concepts, meeting the guidelines of ABET or other appropriate accrediting agency.
• provide an introduction to the professional, ethical and societal issues associated with the practice of computing.
• provide a general background in liberal education, including a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of written and oral communication skills.
• provide opportunities to combine written, oral, and technical skills in computing coursework.
• provide a balanced mix of theory and practice in coursework, preparing students for a lifetime as practitioners in a rapidly changing field.
• provide opportunities for students to develop and apply collaborative skills in computing coursework.
• provide a science requirement supportive of the discipline, for those students pursuing the computer science program.
• provide an introduction to accounting, economic and management principles, for those students pursuing the information systems program.

Students completing the Computer Science program will be able to:

1. Develop algorithms and applications using modern programming languages in multiple environments, demonstrating disciplinary content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete system requirements analysis documents (CIS4251).
   • Complete system design documents (CIS4251).
   • Complete a functioning assembler (COP3601).
   • Complete a functioning language translator (COP4620).
2. Communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical settings, demonstrating communication skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete a public speaking course with at least a grade of "C" (SPC4064 or another comparable course).
   • Complete three general education Gordon Rule courses (6,000 words of writing each) with at least a grade of "C" (ENC1101G(6), LIT2110G(6), LIT2932G(6)).
   • Request the evaluation of up to two spoken presentations (COP4710 and CIS4251). (click for Communications Skills Assessment Form)
   • Complete lab reports, technical reports, and or system documentation (COP4710 and CIS4251).
3. Understand the ethical and social responsibilities of computing practitioners. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete CIS4253 Legal & Ethical Issues in Computing with a grade of 'C' or higher.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Participate in a software development team project and receive a satisfactory evaluation of participation from team members and instructor (CIS4251).

Students completing the Information Systems program will be able to:

1. Develop algorithms and business applications using modern programming languages in multiple environments, demonstrating disciplinary content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete business system requirements analysis documents (CIS4327).
   • Complete business system design documents (CIS4327).
   • Complete a functioning business system application (CIS4328).
2. Communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical settings, demonstrating communication skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete a public speaking course with at least a grade of "C" (SPC4064 or another comparable course).
   • Complete three general education Gordon Rule courses (6,000 words of writing each) with at least a grade of "C" (ENC1101G(6), LIT2110G(6), LIT2932G(6)).
   • Request the evaluation of up to two spoken presentations (CIS4327 and CIS4328). (click for Communications Skills Assessment Form)
   • Complete lab reports, technical reports, and or system documentation (CIS4327 and CIS4328).
3. Understand the ethical and social responsibilities of computing practitioners. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete CIS4253 Legal & Ethical Issues in Computing with a grade of 'C' or higher.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Participate in a business software development team project and receive a satisfactory evaluation of participation from team members and instructor (CIS4327 and CIS4328).

Students completing the Information Science program will be able to:

1. Develop algorithms and applications using modern programming languages in multiple environments, demonstrating disciplinary content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete system requirements analysis documents (CIS4327).
   • Complete system design documents (CIS4327).
   • Complete a functioning system application (CIS4328).
2. Communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical settings, demonstrating communication skills. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete a public speaking course with at least a grade of "C" (SPC4064 or another comparable course).
   • Complete three general education Gordon Rule courses (6,000 words of writing each) with at least a grade of "C" (ENC1101G(6), LIT2110G(6), LIT2932G(6)).
   • Request the evaluation of up to two spoken presentations (CIS4327 and CIS4328). (click for Communications Skills Assessment Form)
   • Complete lab reports, technical reports, and or system documentation (CIS4327 and CIS4328).
3. Understand the ethical and social responsibilities of computing practitioners. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Complete CIS4253 Legal & Ethical Issues in Computing with a grade of 'C' or higher.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting. Assessment of student learning outcomes will require that students:
   • Participate in a software development team project and receive a satisfactory evaluation of participation from team members and instructor (CIS4327 and CIS4328).

Program Educational Objectives

1.    Secure a professional position in the information technology field and/or pursue a graduate degree.

2.    Evolve in the information technology field as it transitions through technological advances.

Program Outcomes

Content/Discipline Knowledge & Skills

OUTCOME: Apply best practices and standards in advanced technical coursework/concentration. (3.i, 3.j, 3.m)

OUTCOME: Analyze legal, social and ethical issues that arise in the technology discipline both locally and globally. (3.e, 3.g)

Critical Thinking Skills

OUTCOME: Identify, analyze, and evaluate user needs. (3.a, 3.b, 3.k)

OUTCOME: Address user needs through the selection, creation, implementation, integration, and administration of computer-based systems. (3.a, 3.c, 3.k, 3.l, 3.n)

Communication Skills

OUTCOME: Communicate technical and non-technical information professionally to various audiences, verbally and in writing. (3.f)

OUTCOME: Collaborate effectively in teams. (3.d)