CAC CRITERIA

Criterion 1. Students: Same as for EAC

Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives: same

Criterion 3. Student Outcomes

The program must have documented student outcomes that prepare graduates to attain the program educational objectives. There must be a documented and effective process for the periodic review and revision of these student outcomes.

The program must enable students to attain, by the time of graduation:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program?s student outcomes and to the discipline

(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal

(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society

(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development

(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.

(j) 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. 

(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity. 

Criterion 4. Continuous Improvement: Same as for EAC

Criterion 5. Curriculum

The program's requirements must be consistent with its program educational objectives and designed in such a way that each of the student outcomes can be attained.  The curriculum must combine technical and professional requirements with general education requirements and electives to prepare students for a professional career and further study in the computing discipline associated with the program, and for functioning in modern society.

The technical and professional requirements must include at least one year of up-to-date coverage of fundamental and advanced topics in the computing discipline associated with the program. In addition, the program must include mathematics appropriate to the discipline beyond the pre-calculus level.  For each course in the major required of all students, its content, expected performance criteria, and place in the overall program of study must be published.

Students must have the following amounts of course work or equivalent educational experience:

a. Computer science: One and one-third years that must include:

1. Coverage of the fundamentals of algorithms, data structures, software design, concepts of programming languages and computer organization and architecture.

2. An exposure to a variety of programming languages and systems. 

3. Proficiency in at least one higher-level language. 

4. Advanced course work that builds on the fundamental course work to provide depth. 

b. One year of science and mathematics:

1. Mathematics: At least one half year that must include discrete mathematics. The additional mathematics might consist of courses in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, probability, statistics, number theory, geometry, or symbolic logic. 

2. Science: A science component that develops an understanding of the scientific method and provides students with an opportunity to experience this mode of inquiry in courses for science or engineering majors that provide some exposure to laboratory work. 

Criterion 6. Faculty

Each faculty member teaching in the program must have expertise and educational background consistent with the contributions to the program expected from the faculty member.  The competence of faculty members must be demonstrated by such factors as education, professional credentials and certifications, professional experience, ongoing professional development, contributions to the discipline, teaching effectiveness, and communication skills. Collectively, the faculty must have the breadth and depth to cover all curricular areas of the program. Some full time faculty members must have a Ph.D. in computer science.

The faculty serving in the program must be of sufficient number to maintain continuity, stability, oversight, student interaction, and advising.  The faculty must have sufficient responsibility and authority to improve the program through definition and revision of program educational objectives and student outcomes as well as through the implementation of a program of study that fosters the attainment of student outcomes.  

Criterion 7. Facilities: Same as EAC

Criterion 8. Institutional Support: Same as EAC