I.Objectives and Assessments

I.Objectives and Assessments

A.Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) and the Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes – SLOs) for the undergraduate program in Computer Science are listed below. These objectives and outcomes are continually reviewed and have undergone many revisions, mostly of a minor nature, over the past several years. The changes have occurred based on feedback from faculty, students, alumni, employers, and the Professional Advisory Board provided on surveys, through discussions, and from the analysis of various learning assessments.

Program Educational Objectives:A few years after graduation, graduates of the computer science program will:

Be able to apply the principles of computer science, mathematics, and scientific investigation to solve real world problems appropriate to the discipline.
Be able to apply current industry accepted computing practices and new and emerging technologies to analyze, design, implement, and verify high quality computer-based solutions to real world problems.
Exhibit teamwork and effective communication skills.
Be able to ethically and appropriately apply knowledge of societal impacts of computing technologies in the course of career related activities.
Be successfully employed or accepted into a graduate program, and demonstrate a pursuit of lifelong learning.

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes): Each of the following Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) is mapped to one of the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) as indicated in parentheses following the outcome. Graduates of the program will:

Demonstrate an understanding of algorithms and data structures. (PEO1)
Demonstrate an understanding of computer organization and architecture. (PEO1)
Demonstrate an understanding of programming language concepts and knowledge of a variety of programming language paradigms. (PEO1)
Demonstrate proficiency in using a high-level computer language. (PEO1)
Demonstrate an ability to apply mathematical skills appropriate to the computer science discipline. (PEO1)
Demonstrate an awareness of the evolution and dynamic nature of the foundational core of computer science. PEO1)
Demonstrate proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. (PEO1)
Demonstrate a problem solving ability. (PEO1)
Demonstrate an understanding of emerging technologies and a working knowledge of currently available software tools. (PEO2)
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices for software design and development. (PEO2)
Be able to apply the principles and practices for software design and development to real world problems. (PEO2)
Be able to effectively communicate orally. (PEO3)
Be able to effectively communicate in written form. (PEO3)
Be able to work effectively on a team. (PEO3)
Demonstrate knowledge of the social impact of computing. (PEO4)
Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical considerations of computing. (PEO4)
Demonstrate the knowledge and capabilities necessary for pursuing a professional career or graduate studies. (PEO5)
Recognize the need for, and show an ability for, continuing professional development. (PEO5)

The mission of the University is as follows:

California State University, Northridge exists to help students realize their educational goals. The University’s first priority is to promote the welfare and intellectual progress of students.

To fulfill this mission, we design programs and activities to help students develop the academic competencies, professional skills, critical creative abilities, and personal values of learned persons who live in a democratic society, an interdependent world, and a technological age; we seek to foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines, and we believe in the following Values.

Values

Commitment to Teaching, Scholarship, and Active Learning. We demonstrate excellence in teaching. We honor and reward high performance in learning, teaching, scholarship, research, service, and creative activity. Because the quality of our academic programs is central to our mission, we encourage intellectual curiosity and protect the multiple expressions of academic freedom.
Commitment to Excellence. We set the highest standards for ourselves in all of our actions and activities and support the professional development of faculty, staff and administrators. We assess our performance so that every area of University life will be continually improved and renewed. We recognize and reward our efforts of greatest distinction and through them provide state and national leadership.
Respect for All People. We aspire to behave as an inclusive, cooperative community. Our behaviors, policies, and programs affirm the worth and personal dignity of every member of the University community and contribute to a campus climate of civility, collegiality, tolerance, and reasoned debate.
Alliances with the Community. We seek partnerships with local schools, community colleges, businesses, government and social agencies to advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural and economic aspirations of our surrounding communities.
Encouragement of Innovation, Experimentation, and Creativity. We seek to provide an environment conducive to innovation, experimentation, and creativity. We encourage all members of our community to take intellectual and creative risks and to embrace changes that will enhance the fulfillment of the University’s mission.

Vision

California State University, Northridge is inspired by the belief that our commitment to educational opportunity, inclusion and excellence will extend the promise of America to succeeding generations. Our graduates will be the vanguard of leaders for the next century—committed to sustaining a democracy in which diverse people share in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, proficient in applying technology to wise purposes, and dedicated to securing a humane world community and sustaining the bounty of the Earth.

As an institution of higher learning:

We will create a community of shared values in which faculty, students, staff, administrators and alumni will experience personal satisfaction and pride in our collective achievements;

We will be the first choice for university applicants who seek a rigorous, collaborative teaching/learning experience in a technologically rich environment;

We will be the leader in enhancing the educational, cultural and economic resources of our region; and

We will receive local and national recognition for our distinctive achievements in teaching, learning, scholarship and service.

The Educational Objectives of the Computer Science Program are designed to help students develop professional skills, to learn problem solving strategies, and to be aware of ethical issues and social concerns. Table I.1 shows the specific alignment of these objectives to the University's mission.

Other Mission Statements, Plans, and Assessment Support

The University’s Master Plan, Envision 2035, addresses the campus of the future. Its goal is “to prepare CalState Northridge to meet the changing and growing higher education needs of this region. That means envisioning a Cal State Northridge campus that can offer the educational programs of the future, serve our students of the future, and meet our community’s needs of the future”. The details of this plan can be found at

The mission statement for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the planning documents for both the college and the department are contained in Appendix VII, sections A, B, and C.

The goals and responsibilities of University’s Office of Assessment are outlined in the University Assessment and Program Review document provided in Appendix VII, section D.

Table I.1 Alignment of Educational Objectives with the Mission of the University

University Mission Statements / Computer Science Program Educational Objectives
Realize educational goals / PEO5: Be successfully employed or accepted into a graduate program, and demonstrate a pursuit of lifelong learning.
Help students develop academic competencies / PEO1: Be able to apply the principles of computer science, mathematics, and scientific investigation to solve real world problems appropriate to the discipline.
Help students develop professional skills / PEO2: Be able to apply current industry accepted computing practices and new and emerging technologies to analyze, design, implement, and verify high quality computer-based solutions to real world problems.
Help students develop critical and creative abilities / PEO2: Be able to apply current industry accepted computing practices and new and emerging technologies to analyze, design, implement, and verify high quality computer-based solutions to real world problems.
Help students develop personal values of learned persons who live in a democratic society, an interdependent world, and a technological age / PEO4: Be able to ethically and appropriately apply knowledge of societal impacts of computing technologies in the course of career related activities.
Foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of the liberal arts / PEO3: Exhibit teamwork and effective communication skills.
PEO4: Be able to ethically and appropriately apply knowledge of societal impacts of computing technologies in the course of career related activities.
Foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of the sciences / PEO1: Be able to apply the principles of computer science, mathematics, and scientific investigation to solve real world problems appropriate to the discipline.
Foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of professional disciplines / PEO2: Be able to apply current industry accepted computing practices and new and emerging technologies to analyze, design, implement, and verify high quality computer-based solutions to real world problems.

Implementation of Objectives

Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO1
Demonstrate an understanding of algorithms and data structures. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is a need to provide a learning environment to account for a wide range of background knowledge and experience in computing in the introductory courses in the major. See Appendix VII.E / A policy has been established to urge students without previous background in computing to enroll in the non required Comp 108 course prior to taking required courses in the program.
SLO2
Demonstrate an understanding of computer organization and architecture. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is an indication that it might be necessary to improve the retention of computer organization and architecture concepts as students progress through the program. See Appendix VII.F / A plan is under development to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of this outcome before any program changes are made.
SLO3
Demonstrate an understanding of programming language concepts and knowledge of a variety of programming language paradigms. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / A preliminary assessment has shown that many students nearing graduation are unable to demonstrate a knowledge of a variety of programming languages. See Appendix VII.G / A decision to revise the assessment instrument and reassess this outcome was made.
SLO4
Demonstrate proficiency in using a high-level computer language / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Assessment results are currently being analyzed.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO5
Demonstrate an ability to apply mathematical skills appropriate to the computer science discipline. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / The results from this assessment are currently being analyzed.
SLO6
Demonstrate an awareness of the evolution and dynamic nature of the foundational core of computer science. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
SLO7
Demonstrate proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / The results from this assessment are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII.H
SLO8
Demonstrate a problem solving ability. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO9
Demonstrate an understanding of emerging technologies and a working knowledge of currently available software tools. / Informal assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is a need to identify which emerging technologies and software tools students are expected to understand and know how to use before meaningful assessment can be done. See Appendix VII.I
SLO10
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices for software design and development. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each semester / The retention and ability to apply concepts and principles of software engineering among majors needs to be improved. See Appendix VII.J / Course objectives for beginning computer science course were revised to include introduction of software engineering concepts, and the objectives of elective courses with software engineering projects were revised to include the reinforcement of software engineering concepts.
A proposal to add a senior software engineering design project as a program requirement is under development.
SLO11
Be able to apply the principles and practices for software design and development to real problems. . / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Although students seems to do well in applying the principles and practices for software design and development, it appears that there skills in software design could be strengthened. See Appendix VII.K / Further assessment is needed before program changes are recommended or implemented.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO12
Be able to effectively communicate orally. / Direct Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Although most students seem to communicate orally well, some have difficulty. There may be a need to improve learning in this area. See Appendix VII.L / Further assessment is needed before program changes are recommended or implemented.
SLO13
Be able to effectively communicate in written form. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / A need to better detect and prevent plagiarism was identified. See Appendix VII.M / A departmental policy was developed to clarify issues for both students and faculty with respect to plagiarism.
SLO14
Be able to work effectively on a team. / Student teamwork surveys
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / Each semester
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each semester / A preliminary evaluation of the latest student teamwork surveys has been completed and further analysis is currently underway. See Appendix VII. N
SLO15
Demonstrate knowledge of the social impact of computing. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO16
Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical considerations of computing. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
SLO17
Demonstrate the knowledge and capabilities necessary for pursuing a professional career or graduate studies. / Alumni surveys
Employer surveys
Professional Advisory Board Feedback
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys / Every 3-5 years
Every 3-5 years
Each year
Each semester in selected courses / The results of the latest Alumni surveys are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII, sections Q and R for preliminary results.
SLO18
Recognize the need for, and show an ability for, continuing professional development. / Alumni surveys
Employer surveys
Professional Advisory Board Feedback
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys / Every 3-5 years
Every 3-5 years
Each year
Each semester in selected courses / The results of the latest Alumni surveys are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII, sections Q and R for preliminary results.

C. Assessments

The Computer Science Department uses a variety of strategies to achieve its educational objectives and program outcomes (student learning outcomes). One strategy is to ensure that the coursework required for the degree covers the material addressed by the objectives and outcomes. A set of course objectives has been established for each course in the program. This set of objectives for a course specifies the student outcomes expected of each student successfully completing that course. Each of these course objectives is associated with one or more of the computer science program outcomes, and with that information each course is then associated with one or more of the program outcomes. The relationship between individual courses and the outcomes of the program are summarized in Tables I.2 and I.3. All members of the computer science faculty contributed to the information in these tables with the most recent information being gathered during the Spring 2007 semester.

Table I.2: Program Outcomes Addressed by Required Courses

Computer Science Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)