Computer Science
Missions and Outcomes
Our Mission
The Computer Science Department’s mission is to prepare students for living in and helping build a society increasingly affected by information technology. From basic technological literacy to the development of problem-solving skills, the General Education program will prepare students to understand the ethical and social impact of computing on society and the use of computing technology as they contribute to the modern world.
Through experience, knowledge, and skills ranging from basic theory through experimental techniques to engineering methodology, the Computer Science degree programs will prepare students to be productive citizens who contribute in many ways to the information society that forms the backbone of much of the industry and business in the state of Washington.
Computer Science faculty and students working in partnership with each other and with interdisciplinary colleagues will help address significant local, regional, and national problems through the use of this flexible, robust discipline.
Program Outcomes
In order to expose computer science majors to a broad theoretical base while emphasizing the laboratory experience, students will complete the CS core courses. To add depth and flexibility to their academic programs, with a faculty major advisor, students will work out a focus area and choose the elective courses approved by the department. A specific focus may be developed in many areas of computer science; examples include: software engineering, intelligent systems, computational science, computer graphics, visualization and computer vision, human-computer interaction, big data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of each of the subject areas that define the discipline as well as the interrelationships that exist among them.
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize appropriate theoretical constructs for problem solving: definitions, and axioms, theorems, proofs, and interpretation of results.
- Have the ability to apply basic research methods in computer science.
- Have the ability to apply appropriate design constructs: requirements analysis and specification, design, implementation, and testing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical codes and societal issues associated with the computing field.
- Demonstrate knowledge of recent technological and theoretical developments, general professional standards, and have an awareness of their own strengths and limitations as well as those of the discipline itself.
- Be aware of the history of computing, including those major developments and trends - economic, scientific, legal, political, and cultural - that have combined to shape the discipline.
- Have the necessary background for entry into graduate study.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively.
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Computer Science
Samuelson Hall Rm. 207