Program Objectives and Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs will achieve the following objectives:

• They will be technically qualified for practice in the profession. They will demonstrate the ability to specify, design, and implement software and/or hardware-software systems to meet customer requirements or to advance the state of the art; the ability to employ modern computer languages, environments, and platforms in such tasks; and the ability to apply knowledge of science and mathematics to such tasks.
• They will be effective technical communicators, orally and in writing, and effective team members capable of working effectively in groups on computing problems.
• They will be ethical professionals, capable of evaluating personal and professional choices in terms of codes of ethics and ethical theories and understanding the impact of their decisions on themselves, their professions, and on society.
• They will be successful as graduates, either through professional employment in the private or public sector, or as students in graduate study. They will also be able to employ life-long learning tools and techniques to maintain their currency in the field.

Computer Science

At the time of graduation, students from the Computer Science program will possess:

• an ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
• an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
• an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
• an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
• an understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities
• an ability to communicate effectively
• an ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues
• recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
• an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
• 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
• an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Computer Engineering

At the time of graduation, students from the Computer Engineering program will possess:

• an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
• an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• an ability to communicate effectively
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
• a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
• a knowledge of contemporary issues
• an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice