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Pacific Lutheran University

Computer Science and Computer Engineering

PLU CSCE Program Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University

Goals:

Goal I:
To provide a solid education in computer science in a liberal arts setting that prepares the student for graduate study or entrance into a profession in the computing sciences. (S1-S7)
Goal II:
To foster an aptitude and desire for life-long learning. (S8)
Goal III:
To provide courses and personnel that view computer science as part of the human endeavor, that is, to see computer science in relation to more general intellectual development and to the needs of society. (S4)
Goal IV:
To help students develop the ability and mental precision necessary to analyze, think critically, consider alternatives, and finally to be creative in computer science. (S5, S6, S7)

Note: the parenthetical numbers (S1, S2, etc.) following the goals refer to the objectives (below) that are used to measure the accomplishment of the goal.

Objectives:

Students should demonstrate:

  1. strong interpersonal skills needed for working effectively in small, diverse groups on medium to large scale technical projects.
  2. strong oral communication skills essential for effectively presenting technical material to an audience.
  3. strong written communication skills including writing technical documents that incorporate specification, design, and implementation of a major project.
  4. comprehension of the social and ethical implications of working in the field of computer science and their role as computer professionals in relation to themselves, others and the environment.
  5. competence in fundamental and advanced programming skills.
  6. proficiency in problem solving.
  7. critical thinking in selecting appropriate data structures, algorithms, and design options.
  8. initiative and aptitude for self-directed learning.

Faculty should:

  1. remain abreast of changes in computer science and how these changes affect teaching, curricula and the professional community.
  2. possess the necessary breadth and depth of expertise to support the curriculum.
  3. provide the time and possess the expertise needed to advise students on both academic and professional decisions.
  4. share the results of scholarship with computer science professionals and the community.
  5. engage in service to the profession, the university and the community.
  6. provide an inclusive environment that enables students from diverse backgrounds and/or a variety of learning styles to succeed academically and professionally.

Goals and Objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Pacific Lutheran University

Goals:

Goal I:
To provide a solid education in computer engineering in a liberal arts setting that prepares the student for graduate study or entrance into a profession in the computing technology.
Goal II:
To foster an aptitude and desire for life-long learning.
Goal III:
To provide courses and personnel that view computer engineering as part of the human endeavor, that is, to see computer engineering in relation to more general intellectual development and to the needs of society.
Goal IV:
To help students develop the ability and mental precision necessary to analyze, think critically, consider alternatives, and finally to be creative in computer engineering.

Objectives:

Students should demonstrate:

  1. strong interpersonal skills needed for working effectively in small, diverse groups on medium to large scale technical projects.
  2. strong oral communication skills essential for effectively presenting technical material to an audience.
  3. strong written communication skills and the ability to write technical documents that include specification, design, and implementation of a major project.
  4. comprehension of the social and ethical implications of working in the field of computer engineering and their role as computer professionals in relation to themselves, others and the environment.
  5. competence in fundamental and advanced knowledge of hardware and software.
  6. proficiency in problem solving.
  7. the ability to design and implement systems involving hardware, software, and the interaction between the two through challenging projects.
  8. initiative and aptitude for self-directed learning.