SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Computer Science
(CMPBD) Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the Penn State Erie Computer Science Program are to produce graduates:
A. with a computer science education based on a solid core of mathematics, natural science, and computer science and an ability to apply this knowledge to the solution of computer science problems.
B. that are versed in the wide range of topics comprising the computer science discipline, and also have in-depth technical knowledge in selected science areas.
C. that can demonstrate independent thinking, are problem-solvers, and are competent in computer science.
D. that can employ computers with theoretical and practical knowledge to solve problems in multiple disciplines.
E. that are able to contribute to design and development teams and are able to effectively communicate their ideas.
F. that are prepared for a productive career in computer practice or graduate school.
Computer Science
(CMPBD) Educational Outcomes
Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate:
a) an ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and to apply facts from mathematical and natural science domains.
b) an ability to analyze and interpret data.
c) the ability to communicate technical content in written and oral forms to intra and interdisciplinary audiences.
d) the ability to apply logic and language to produce executable code for multiple disciplines and environments.
e) flexibility to respond to new computing domains and technology advances by applying a wide variety of algorithms and data structures to solve net-centric and non-network problems.
f) an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline and also how that theory influences practice.
g) the understanding that the implementation details of the various components compose the structure of computer systems and the processes involved in their construction and analysis.
h) a recognition of the need to engage in life-long learning.
i) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
j) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
According the ACM and IEEE, “Learning objectives are central components of any body of knowledge; basically they capture important elements that are typically absent from a mere list of knowledge topics. They are intended to capture what students are able to do with knowledge.”
The Program Educational Objectives were established through the input from employers of our students, alumni, and faculty. The achievement of Program Educational Objectives is assessed through the use of surveys.
The Program Educational Outcomes are assessed using a combination of:
Direct assessment of Student work. Each year faculty members in the program assess graded examples of student work to determine the level of achievement. The examples of student work are linked directly the Program Educational Outcomes.
Senior Exit Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by all graduating seniors in which they are asked to rate how well the Educational Outcomes were achieved.
Internship Employer Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by supervisors of students who receive internship credit. Employers are asked to rate how well the Educational Objectives were achieved.
Senior Project Evaluations. This assessment tool is completed by faculty judges of senior projects at an annual research conference. The judges, from Behrend and other colleges, measure how well the deliverables of the senior projects perform and how well students present their deliverables, processes, and professional demeanor.
The Program Educational Outcomes are assessed annually and the Computer Science program employs at least three of the listed measurement tools. More detailed information for the program is available upon request.