2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Computer Science, B.S.
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Program Educational Objectives
Computer Science Program of Study
“Program Educational Objectives” are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. These Program Educational Objectives were developed, refined, and finalized with input and feedback from various constituencies involved in and concerned with the Computer Science program of study, including the DCIS faculty, the DCIS Advisory Board, representatives of local employers, computer science faculty from schools with graduate programs, and both graduates and current students of the Westfield State University computer science program.
- Our graduates will be gainfully employed in a computer-related field, engaged in graduate study, or successfully involved in activities or careers that make use of the knowledge and abilities acquired in their computer science program of study.
- Our graduates will contribute to their workplaces and society in a manner that is meaningful, professional, and ethically responsible.
- Our graduates will have the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace by acquiring, whether via graduate work, professional improvement opportunities, professional societies, or self-study, the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be successful.
- Our graduates will communicate effectively, so as to enable them to perform both collaborative work within teams and effective interaction with a broad range of audiences.
The members of the DCIS Advisory Board (i.e., the constituents of the Westfield State University Computer Science program) are local business leaders, industry employers, computer science faculty from schools with graduate programs, and both graduates and current students of the Westfield State University computer science program - all of whom have a direct stake in the quality of the educational program that we provide.
Computer Science Student Outcomes
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
- An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
- Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
- An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
- An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
The CS program student outcomes are the student outcomes proposed by the ABET Computing Accreditation Board.
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Requirements for the Computer Science Major
The COMS program of study requires 79 credits in the major, to include 54 credits of direct CAIS study, and 25 credits in the supporting areas of mathematics, science, and technical writing (of which, 16 credits simultaneously fulfill four core course requirements). The requirements are as follow:
Direct CAIS Study - 54 Credits
CAIS Electives - 6 Credits:
CAIS Electives may be satisfied by any TWO of the following:
Non-CAIS Background and/or Core Courses - 25 credits
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