Accreditation: Computer Science

Educational Mission Statement

Our undergraduate educational mission is to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art education that prepares our students to be successful in engineering practice, advanced studies and research.

Program Educational Objectives

Bachelor of Science (BS) and Honors Bachelor of Science (HBS) degrees in Computer Science (Computer Systems Option only)  are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

In accordance with accreditation criteria, we have defined a set of Program Educational Objectives, which are “broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation.” These are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies. They were developed and approved by the EECS faculty and our Industry Advisory Committee (includes employers and alumni).

The Computer Science undergraduate program has the following Program Educational Objectives:

  1. Graduates of the program will have successful careers.
  2. Graduates of the program will continue to learn and adapt to a changing world.
  3. Graduates of the program will practice ethical and inclusive principles that foster collaborative environments.

CS Student Outcomes

The CSO of the CS program has the following Student Outcomes that correspond to the five recommended EAC-wide Student Outcomes and one program specific Student Outcome. These Student Outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities expected of each graduate. Each Student Outcome addresses one or more of the Program Educational Objectives described above.

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines 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 practice 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. [CS]

The Mapping Between Old Student Outcomes a-k and New Student Outcomes 1-6

Prior to AY2019-2020, ABET Student Outcomes were defined as a-k, thus the CSO of the CS program relied on these Student Outcomes. However, starting AY2019-2020, the old Student Outcomes a-k have been remapped to the new Student Outcomes 1-6. The following table shows the mapping between the old and the new Student Outcomes.

Student Outcomes a-k Student Outcomes 1-6
(Applicable beginning of the 2019-2020 cycle)
(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. 1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.  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.
(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
(j) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.  6. [CS] Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. 
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program’s student outcomes and to the discipline.   
(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.   
(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.  
(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.   
(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.