Program Purpose

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Program Purpose

Graduates in Computer Science are prepared to be competent software developers and technical problem solvers. Students are also prepared for research into new avenues where computers will have a significant impact, and a large number of our graduates pursue graduate degrees in Computer Science or other disciplines. Graduates are prepared for the lifelong learning necessary in this fast-moving field, including a solid background in both rigorous theoretical foundations and practical training.

 

Curricular Structure

The Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science (CS).  

Curricular Requirements

Computer Science Department Catalog

Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science program in the Computer Science Department at Brigham Young University are, that within three to five years of graduation, our alumini are expected to have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Contribute as computing professionals - Be recognized contributors on software-intensive teams and projects across diverse application areas, creating value for individuals, organizations, and society.
2. Advance professionally or academically - Demonstrate career growth through increased responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, professional certification, and/or successful completion of graduate study.
3. Pursue lifelong learning and adaptability - Stay current with evolving technologies, methods, and the societal impacts of computing through self-directed learning, formal education, and engagement with the professional community.
4. Lead with character and serve - Act with integrity and charity, make principled decisions about the ethical, legal, security, and social dimensions of computing, and render meaningful service in their professions, communitieis, and Church.

The number of Computer Science majors has been growing steadily for the last few years and has dipped slightly recently due to market changes.

 

 

Learning Outcomes

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The Computer Science program outcomes reflect both the practical and theoretical nature of the discipline.

Analysis

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

Design

Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.

Communication

Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 

Ethics

Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. 

Teamwork

Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.

Implementation

Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

 

Evidence of Learning

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The Computer Science Department has developed several metrics to measure the competency of graduating students.

Direct Measures

The primary direct measure is competency assessments associated with courses in the program. In chosen courses, assessment data for these competencies are gathered and collected for analysis. Assessment instruments include homework assignments, projects, exam questions, and laboratory exercises.

Indirect Measures

In addition to directly measuring student achievement on specific competencies related to each outcome, achievement of the outcomes is also assessed indirectly through the following mechanisms:

1. End-of-semester student evaluations of each course.
2. Senior exit surveys for every graduating student ask the student to evaluate their own perceived capabilities for each of the program outcomes as well as answer general questions about the curriculum, placement, etc.
3. Periodic discussions with past, current, and potential employers of CS graduates.  We also consult with our advisory board.
4. The National Survey of Student Engagement surveys seniors on a wide variety of topics related to their undergraduate education.
5. The university conducts a survey every year of alumni who graduated 3 years before that years survey. This BYU Alumni Questionaire includes questions regarding the Department Objectives and provides a way of assessing the degree to which the objectives are attained a few years after graduation.

 

 

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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Student ratings, failure rates in courses and the assessment measures are examined along with enrollments, completion rates and demographics for students.

Department Assessment Committee

The Computer Science Acreditation/Metrics Committee consists of:

Tom Stephens (Acreditation/Metrics Committee Chair)

Gordon Bean (Acreditation/Metrics Committee)

Chris Archibald (Acreditation/Metrics Committee)

Amanda Hughs (Acreditation/Metrics Committee)

Mark Clement (Associate Chair)

Lynnette Nelson (Undergraduate Advisor)