M.S. in Applied Computer Science
Major Field Assessment Plan
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the College of Business and Information System is to
educate and prepare students to be life-long learners and professionals in business, information
systems, computer science, business and computer education, and health information
management. Inherent in the educational process is challenging individuals to develop
information management skills, to think logically, and to make sound decisions. Information
technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.
GOAL STATEMENT: A degree program in applied computer science combines the study of
computer science with an in-depth examination of a field in which computer science plays an
important role. Courses stress a hands-on approach, applying computer science theory to
business and other real-world problems. Applications areas within applied computer science
include fields such as health informatics, computer game design, information assurance and
software engineering. In health informatics, for example, the study of computational issues
central to health care requires knowledge of health information systems and computer science.
Health care systems generate vast files of raw data that can be analyzed for answers to important
health care questions.
STUDENT LEARNNG OUTCOMES:
1. Graduates will articulate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in computer
science, including in the area of specialization and supporting areas.
2. Graduates will apply computer science principles to problems from other domains.
3. Graduates will conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate ability to model,
analyze and design computer science processes and systems.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical
information in an effective manner.
Masters of Applied Computer Science graduates will:
1. Graduates will demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in computer
science, including in the area of specialization and supporting areas.
a. Graduates will be well prepared academically for their position.
1. Comprehensive Exam: 85% will pass the exam on the first attempt.
2. Graduate Survey: Graduates will indicate they are satisfied with their knowledge
of their academic area as it relates to their job.
3. Employer Survey: 85% of employers will indicate that DSU graduates have a
good knowledge of their academic area as it relates to his/her position.
b. Graduates will find ready employment in the field.
1. Placement Results: 85% of the students registered with the DSU Placement
Office will find employment
2. Employer Survey: 85% of employers will indicate that DSU students need less
than the usual additional training.
MS in Applied Computer Science Assessment Plan - 2012
1
3. Employer Survey: 85% of employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to learn on
the job as meeting or exceeding their expectations.
4. Graduate Survey: 85% of graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very
satisfied with their ability to learn on the job.
2. Graduates will apply computer science principles to problems from other domains.
a.
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of computer science principles
1) Employer Survey: 85% of employers will rate DSU graduates’ ability to apply
computer science principles as meeting or exceeding their expectations.
2) Graduate Survey: 85% of graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied
with their ability to apply computer science principles.
3) Comprehensive Exam: 85% will pass the exam on the first attempt. The exam will
contain questions relative to the “outside area” for the student.
3. Graduates will conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate ability to model,
analyze and design computer science processes and systems
a. Graduates will conduct research and/ or design projects
1) Comprehensive Exam: 85% will pass the exam on the first attempt. The exam will
contain questions about design processes and research methods.
2) Graduate Survey: 85% of graduates will indicate they are satisfied with their ability
to conduct research
3) Employer Survey: 85% of employers will indicate that DSU graduates’ ability to
conduct research and design projects met or exceeded their expectations
b. Graduates will design computer science processes and systems
1) Graduate Survey: 85% of graduates will indicate they are satisfied or very satisfied
with their ability to design computer science processes.
2) Graduate Survey: 85% of graduates will indicate that DSU contributed to their ability
to design computer science processes and systems.
3) Employer Survey: 85% of employers will indicate that DSU graduates’ skills in
designing computer science processes and systems met or exceeded their
expectations.
4) Course grades: 85% of the students will receive a B or higher in courses that
emphasize system design and development.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing,
technical information in an effective manner.
a. Graduates will communicate technical information in an effective manner.
1) Graduate Survey: 80% of graduates will indicate that DSU contributed to their
oral communication skills.
2) Employer Survey: 80% of the employers of DSU graduates will indicate that the
graduates’ written communication skills met or exceeded their expectations
MS in Applied Computer Science Assessment Plan - 2012
2
3)
4)
5)
Graduate Survey: 70% of graduates will indicate that DSU contributed to their
oral communication skills.
Comprehensive exam: 85% will pass the exam on the first attempt. The exam
evaluation will include review of writing style and effectiveness.
Course grades: 85% of the students will receive a B or higher in courses that are
writing intensive. (Students will also be asked to present their work)
MS in Applied Computer Science Assessment Plan - 2012
3