Objectives and Goals

To carry out its mission, the Department of Computer Science has established goals for each of its academic programs. In this section the goals for each of the existing programs are identified, and in subsequent sections, measurable outcomes for graduates are identified and tables used to identify how outcomes support specific goals.

Computer Science - Theory and Analysis Program Objectives

OBJECTIVES	OUTCOMES
To produce graduates with breadth and depth in computer science sufficient for intellectual growth in the computing discipline	Students will be familiar with the basic topics in theory and foundations, programming concepts, data structures, algorithm design and analysis, architecture, and software development techniques. Students will know how to apply mathematics in the study of computer science.
To produce graduates with knowledge and skills sufficient to be employable and successful in a variety of professional computing positions.	Students will know how to design problem solutions. Students will understand modern topics germane to the current developing trends in computer science. Students will know how to use modern software development tools.
To produce graduates who will be able to work collaboratively and in team environments	Students will be able to work in teams to create solutions to problems
To produce graduates with an awareness and understanding of social and ethical issues in the field of computer science	Students will understand major social and ethical issues (national and international) involved with: Internet management; licensing and copyright; privacy; freedom of speech; ISP, employer, and school restrictions on Internet use; security. Students will have an awareness of the national and international impact (Globalization) that computers and the Internet have on professionals and on society.
To produce graduates with competency in oral and written communication skills.	Students will demonstrate the ability for effective oral communication Students will demonstrate the ability for effective written communication Students will have the ability to develop web sites
To produce graduates whose backgrounds in computer science qualify them for entry into a variety of graduate programs	Students will have the prerequisites to enter a graduate computer science program at Western Michigan University and a variety of other universities

Computer Science - General Option Objectives

OBJECTIVES	OUTCOMES
To produce graduates with breadth and depth in computer science sufficient for intellectual growth in the computing discipline.	Students will be familiar with the basic topics in programming concepts, data structures, algorithm design and analysis, architecture, and software development techniques.
To produce graduates with knowledge and skills sufficient to be employable and successful in a variety of professional computing positions	Students will know how to design problem solutions Students will understand modern topics germane to the current and developing trends in computer science Students will know how to use modern software development tools
To produce students with experience in team and collaborative work	Students will be able to work in teams to create solutions to problems
To provide students the opportunity for extended study in an area of specialization	Students in the program will have a two course sequence of specialization in computer science. Students will have advanced work in an area in synergy with their computer science background

Master’s Degree Program Goals

The program will provide core theoretical knowledge of computer science foundations.
The program will foster understanding of computer science core concepts.
The program will integrate concepts across computer science fields.
Graduates will have in-depth knowledge of at least one computer science sub-discipline.
The program will foster problem solving skills.
Students will gain research development ability.
Graduates will be able to apply fundamental computer science tools and techniques

Ph.D. Program Goals

Graduates will have advanced breadth knowledge of computer science.
Graduates will have in-depth knowledge of at least one computer science sub-discipline.
Graduates will have extensive research ability.
Graduates will be able to apply specialized computer science tools and techniques.

TOP