Computer Science

Program Objectives

Students in the Computer Science program prepare for a future in software development and the use of computer technology to solve complex problems. An initial core of classes introduces students to general principles of programming and software development. Students pursuing the computer science degree will learn to design and develop software systems for industrial, scientific, and commercial applications. They will acquire an understanding of computer operating systems, programming, data structures and algorithms, and systems analysis. Graduates will be prepared to work in the private or public sectors as programmers, analysts, or software engineers, or to proceed to advanced study.

The Cyber Security program at EOU is a practical, skill-focused, technical degree with a strong foundation in computer science. Students will be taught from multiple domains of information security, with alignment to industry certifications and standards. Courses emphasize labs and hands-on assignments with classroom time focused on the operational aspects. This provides students an applied vs theoretical understanding of the field. Likewise, managerial or business elements will be spoken to, but not the priority. The goal is students will graduate with the technical background of a cyber security generalist who can later specialize in their areas of interest while in the workforce.

The Information Technology program allows students to continue the professional development started at a community college, and obtain a bachelor’s degree in data and network facility administration and management. The program sufficiently adds computer science/networking skills that are required for this role, and provides business management courses. The BA/BS degree is for students working towards an Associate of Science degree, and the BAS allows a student to continue with the technical courses of an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Learning Outcomes

Content Knowledge: demonstrate factual and conceptual grasp of the field of computing. Broad-based knowledge in operation and management (fiscal and people) of information technology systems and facilities such as data centers, etc.
Integrated Learning and Communication: demonstrate the ability to incorporate learned skills to design, develop, and evaluate software systems of varying complexity to meet desired user requirements.
Problem Solving: demonstrate proficiency in using one or more industry-standard programming languages and scripting languages to solve problems. Graduates will demonstrate problem-solving skills with regard to the technical aspects of information technology facilities, but also with regard to management issues (fiscal and people).
Inquiry, Critical Thinking, and Analysis: demonstrate ability to apply conceptual knowledge for analysis and problem solving. Graduates will be able to employ the skills of independent, careful analysis of all operational aspects of information technology facilities.
Teamwork and Civic Engagement: demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with end users and other developers.
Communication: Graduates will be able to use written and oral communication skills both in the information technology and the fiscal/people management arena.

Cyber Security:

An understanding of the different areas of specialization in information security such as forensics, incident response, application security, etc.
An ability to explain the foundational concepts of information security such as authorization, accessibility, privacy, data security, least privilege, etc.
An ability to demonstrate the core technical skills used across the field such as a proficiency in scripting, system administration, vulnerability analysis, networking, etc.
An ability to explain and demonstrate entry-level proficiency in defensive areas such as secure architecture, incident response, and forensics.
An ability to explain and demonstrate entry-level proficiency in offensive areas such as application and network security assessments, attacker tactics and techniques, and the mitigating actions to take.
A demonstrated ability to organize and communicate deliverables from information security projects and activities to both technical and non-technical audience

Means of Assessment

The outcomes for each class will be clearly stated on the syllabus. Assessments for courses will address both the conceptual and applied aspects of the class. Means of assessment include projects, quizzes and exams. The objectives for projects and other assigned work tie directly into course outcomes.

In addition to course-level assessment, the program provides for assessment of the students’ abilities to integrate concepts from the entire spectrum of coursework. Each student is required to develop a capstone project prior to graduation. The precise nature of the capstones varies according to specific student interests, but generally include the complete design documents for a software product and the finished product itself.

Programs

Major(s)

Minor(s)

Computer Science Minor

Undergraduate Certificate(s)

Four Year Plan(s)