Mohammad Alshayeb
19 May 2009
Agenda
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Update on Computer Science Program
Assessment/Accreditation Work
Update on Software Engineering Program
Assessment/Accreditation Work
New Initiatives
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MS in Software Engineering
MS in Information Security and Assurance
BS in Information Technology
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Update on CS Program
Assessment Work
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CS & SWE ABET Preparation
 The ABET self-study report for CS & SWE were
prepared and sent to the ABET steering committee
for feedback.
 ABET visit is expected in 091.
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Review Program Educational Objectives
 Old program educational objectives 1-2 below were hard to
assess. The new ones are much easier to assess.
 (New) Prepare graduates, who are entering immediately into
professional practice upon graduation, to be capable of performing
duties on an entry-level computing-related position.

(Old) Critically analyze and apply a range of concepts, principles, and
practices in net-centric computing, information management, or
intelligent systems; showing a range of problem solving skills and
effective judgment in the selection and use of corresponding tools and
techniques.
 (New) Prepare graduates to pursue graduate studies to successfully
complete an advanced degree.

(Old) Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main areas of the body
of knowledge and the theories of computer science, with an ability to
exercise critical judgment across a range of related issues.
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Review Program Educational Objectives (Cont.)
 New program educational objectives 3-5 below are exactly similar
to the old ones, but with rewording so that they are all
consistent.
 (New) Prepare graduates to work as individuals with minimum
guidance and as leaders or members of a team.

(Old) Demonstrate the ability to work as an individual with minimum
guidance and as a leader/member of a team.
 (New) Prepare graduates to follow appropriate practices within a
professional, legal, and ethical framework.

(Old) Follow appropriate practices within a professional, legal, and ethical
framework.
 (New) Prepare graduates to recognize the need for and be capable of
pursuing life-long learning.

(Old) Identify mechanisms for continuing professional development and
life-long learning.
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CS Program Educational Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Prepare graduates, who are entering immediately into
professional practice upon graduation, to be capable of
performing duties on an entry-level computing-related
position.
Prepare graduates to pursue graduate studies to
successfully complete an advanced degree.
Prepare graduates to work as individuals with minimum
guidance and as leaders or members of a team.
Prepare graduates to follow appropriate practices within a
professional, legal, and ethical framework.
Prepare graduates to recognize the need for and be
capable of pursuing life-long learning.
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Program Learning Outcomes (OLD)
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Knowledge in major: Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to computational processes and systems.
Modeling: Graduates will be able to use the acquired knowledge and understanding in the modeling
and design of computational processes and systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the
tradeoff involved in design choices.
Problem solving: Graduates will be able to identify and analyze criteria and specifications
appropriate to specific problems, and plan and design strategies for their solution.
Critical evaluation and testing: Graduates will be able to use quality models in analyzing the extent
to which a computational process or a computational system meets the criteria defined for its current
use and future development
Methods and tools: Graduates will be able to employ appropriate methods and tools for the
specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computational processes and systems.
Professional responsibility: Graduates will be able to recognize and be guided by the social,
professional, legal, and ethical issues involved in the use and development of computer technology.
Risk analysis: Graduates will be able to identify and assess different types of risk related to the
development and management of computational processes and systems.
Communication: Graduates will be able to express ideas persuasively, in written and oral form.
Teamwork: Graduates will be able to work effectively as leader/member of a development team.
Self management: Graduates will be able to manage their own learning and development, including
time management and organizational skills
Professional development: Graduates will be able to keep abreast of current developments in the
discipline to continue their own professional development.
Computing and society: Graduates will be able to understand the impact of computing solutions in
a global and societal context.
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Review Program Learning Outcomes
 Some program outcomes are hard to assess (e.g. Knowledge in
Major)
 Some program outcomes are not really outcomes for the CS
program (e.g. “Risk Analysis” and “Critical Evaluation and
Testing”)
 In late 2007, ABET published it’s a-k program outcomes for Computing
Programs. These outcomes did not include “Risk Analysis” and “Critical
Evaluation and Testing”.
 Both outcomes were identified as weak when we assessed them earlier,
before looking at ABET’s published outcomes.
 Therefore, the low assessment was due to the fact that they are not
expected outcomes of our CS program.
 Hence, the CS Program Curriculum Committee decided to adopt
the published ABET a-k outcomes as is.
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Review Program Learning Outcomes (NEW) (Adopted As
Is from Latest ABET Self Study Guide)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
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.
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CS Program Assessment Cycle
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Program Learning Outcomes Assessment (Course
Learning Outcomes Surveys)
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Update on SWE Program
Assessment Work
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ABET preparation and assessment
 Program objectives and outcomes have not changed
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Indirect measure values for each program
learning outcome based on students survey
Indirect Assessment
061
062
071
072
081
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
PO #1
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PO #2
PO #3
PO #4
PO #5
PO #6
PO #7
PO #8
PO #9
PO #10
PO #11
PO #12
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CS & SWE Programs Assessment Plans
 Program Educational Objectives
Academic
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
Year
Semester
081
Alumni
082
091
092
101
June
2009
Survey
102
111
112
June
2011
Employer
June
2011
Survey
Academic
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
Year
Semester
Alumni
Survey
Employer
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Survey
081
082
June
2013
091
092
101
102
111
112
June
2015
June
2015
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New Initiatives
Graduate Programs
in
Software Engineering
New Graduate Programs in Software
Engineering
 Two new masters in Software Engineering
 Master of Science in Software Engineering (MS. SWE)
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Course work and a thesis (thesis option)
Full and part-time time graduate students.
 Master of Software Engineering (M. SWE)
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Consists of course work only (non-thesis option)
Part-time graduate students only
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The Objectives of the programs
 M.S.SWE
 Prepare graduates with the necessary core skills based on the core
body of knowledge in software engineering so that the individual
can formulate research models and select the best solution to solve
real world problem.
 M.SWE
 Develop future leaders of industrial software engineering practice –
the future chief engineers, head designers, and principal technical
officers of their companies.
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Graduate Programs
in
Information Security and Assurance
Importance of CSIA
 KSA ranked first in the GCC for online attacks,
according to April 2009 report by Symantec
 Attacks are on the increase, and becoming very
sophisticated
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New graduate programs in Information Security
and Assurance (IS&A)
 Two new MS programs in IS&A
 Master of Science in Information Security and
Assurance (MS.IS&A)
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
Course work and a thesis (thesis option)
Full and part-time time graduate students.
 Master of Information Security and Assurance (M.IS&A)


consists of course work only (non-thesis option)
Part-time graduate students only
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The Program Objective
• M.S.IS&A
– Provide the needed leaders and professionals who will
be capable of securing and protecting KSA cyber
network and critical infrastructure from inside and
outside threats and attacks that now face KSA and the
GCC region.
• M.IS&A
– Build the local experts and leaders of information
security and assurance who will be responsible for
building security solutions for the protection of the
Saudi IT infrastructures
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Concentration Areas
 Applied Cryptography
 Network Security
 Computer Security
 Computer Forensics
 Information Security
 Secure Software
 Biometrics
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BS in Information Technology
BS in Information Technology
 Focuses on integrating information technology and
business solutions to meet the needs of corporations
and other institutions and enable them to achieve
their objectives effectively and efficiently
 IT Program Objective
 Prepare graduates with the necessary IT skills based on the
core body of knowledge in information technology
recommended by professional societies so that the individual
can be productive contributor to the local industry
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Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Third IAC Meeting 2009
Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Third IAC Meeting 2009
Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Third IAC Meeting 2009
Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Third IAC Meeting 2009
Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Third IAC Meeting 2009
Source: http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf
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Thank you