Mission Statement

Goals

The mission of the Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science at Kent State University is to instill the student with a system-level perspective that transcends the implementation details of individual software components, to appreciate the structure of such software systems, and understand the processes involved in their construction. Graduates of the program understand not only the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline but also how that theory influences and is applied in practice. The program emphasizes the key themes of abstraction, complexity, and evolutionary change as applied to development and analysis of software. The program provides a solid foundation that allows the student to maintain their skills in the rapidly evolving field.

Learning Objectives

Students of the Computer Science program must develop a wide range of capabilities and skills. Below are a list of cognitive capacities and skills relating to Computer Science that represent the learning objectives of the program.

• Knowledge and understanding. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to Computer Science and software applications.
• Modeling. Use such knowledge and understanding in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
• Requirements. Identify and analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution.
• Critical evaluation and testing. Analyze the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
• Methods and tools. Deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer-based systems.
• Professional responsibility. Recognize and be guided by the social, professional, and ethical issues involved in the use of computer technology.
• Communication. Make succinct presentations about technical problems and their solutions.
• Teamwork. Be able to work effectively as a member of a software development team.