Computer and Information Sciences

Learning Goals

Goal 1

To provide a curriculum for students enrolled in computer science courses as a major or a minor course of study. To ensure the development of: basic concepts and principles in this discipline, marketable job skills in the fields of computer science and information systems and an understanding of this technology’s role in organizations and society.

Objectives

1.1 The students will learn computer science and information systems application of critical, innovation and ethical decision making derived from computer science concepts, principles and theory in the resolution of computer information processing needs. Courses that meet this objective are the core course requirements for each of the computer science programs and a complement of selected elective computer science and information science courses as stated in the undergraduate bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Class Participation
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

1.2 The students will identify and demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the application of state of the art computer science tools and techniques to meet personal and organizational needs through individual and cooperative group exploration and investigation. Courses that meet this objective are the core course requirements for information systems/computer science and a complement of selected elective information science and computer science courses as stated in the undergraduate bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Group Projects, Assignments, Class Participation
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

1.3 To teach computer science and information science electives to students not majoring in computer science. Courses that meet this objective are also for computer science and information science minor programs and are noted in the undergraduate bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Class Participation
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

Goal 2

To prepare students for graduate school in computer science, information systems, data science and MBA programs and/or to prepare students for professional computer industry certification programs.

Objectives

2.1 Students will be equipped with general and specialized knowledge of computer science and information systems in preparation for graduate level computer science study. Courses that meet this objective are the core course requirements for each of the three Information and Computer Science Department’s major programs and a complement of selected elective information science and computer science 300 and 400 level courses for majors as stated in the undergraduate bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Class Participation, Number of Students Entering Graduate School
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

2.2 To offer courses for computer science and information systems majors and minors to prepare them for computer industry certification specialization. Courses that meet this objective are stated in the current undergraduate bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Class Participation, Computer Certification Exam Results
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

Goal 3

To provide students that are not majoring in Computer Science with basic computer concepts and a knowledge of hardware, software, networks and security.

Objectives

3.1 To provide non-computer science majors with a selection of computer science and information systems electives to introduce them to the theory, concepts, techniques, and application of computer tools in their majors and future careers. Courses that meet this objective start with CS-150 and HP-140 and in addition to a selection of computer science and information systems electives as noted in the current bulletin.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects Based on Major, Assignments, Class Participation
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

Goal 4

To provide a support structure to the classroom experience in terms of clubs, professional organizations, cooperative programs, independent study, honors research papers, academic exhibits, contests and seminars.

Objectives

4.1 Organize an on-campus computer science club. The club would host visiting corporate and government speakers, visit major organizations using computer systems to support their business, attend computer conferences and trade shows, develop applications on a project basis within the club’s structure, council and advise students seeking to obtain membership to computer professional associations.
Direct Measurement: Total Number of Club Members, Total Computer Shows Attended, Number of Students joining Professional Associations
Indirect Measurement: Club Member Evaluation administered end of Year

4.2 Work in conjunction with the Saint Peter’s Cooperative Education Program to help students obtain jobs in computer science and information systems for academic credit. Courses that directly support this objective are CS-295 and IS-295.
Direct Measurement: Total Number of Students offered and accepting Internships for Academic Credit, Academic Work Performed, Internship Work Performed
Indirect Measurement: Student Evaluation at End of Internship, Employer Evaluation Completed at end of Internship

4.3 Arrange independent study courses to focus on developing students’ computer science/information systems skills on an individual basis. Courses that directly support this objective are CS: 205, 295, 490 and IS: 205, 295, 490.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Quality of Discussion with Professor
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

Goal 5

To mentor and advise students in course selection to meet Computer and Information Sciences Departmental requirements and monitor students’ progress in achieving departmental and individual student goals and objectives.

Objectives

5.1 Assignment of Computer and Information Sciences faculty to students to achieve the most effective course selection.
Direct Measurement: Annual Computer Science Faculty and Course Survey given to all Computer Science Majors
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations

5.2 Students will receive ongoing assessment through observations, review of assignments and examinations.
Direct Measurement: Test Scores, Projects, Assignments, Class Participation
Indirect Measurement: Student Course Evaluations