Vision, Mission, and Objectives

The Department of Computer Science operates using the following definitions:

• Vision statement identifies where we want to be or how we want to be viewed.
• Mission statement is a description of what we do.
• Objectives are broad goals/statements of what the department would like to achieve. These include student educational objectives, faculty objectives and other department objectives.

Vision Statement:

To be a pre-eminent computer science program that prepares students from diverse backgrounds for productive careers by providing them with a student-centered, practically-focused quality learning experience.

Mission Statement:

          To graduate well educated computer scientists who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing, increasingly complex world. This will be accomplished through:

• A well-qualified faculty who care about students and their success.
• A dynamic, up-to-date curriculum that has an optimal balance between theory and practice.
• Laboratories, computer facilities, and instructional classrooms on par with any computer science program in the nation.
• Unique co-curricular opportunities for students such as participation in student design competitions, professional student organizations, and pre-professional employment.
• Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research and industry-funded design clinic projects.
• Mutually beneficial partnerships with area industry that take advantage of our location in one of the most concentrated high-tech centers in the nation.
• Strong cooperative relationships with local high schools, community colleges, and with other four-year institutions.

Objectives:

1. Graduating students have the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in industry and/or continue their education in MS/PhD programs.
2. Graduates have the knowledge and skills that enable them to participate in life-long learning and to adapt to an ever-changing technological environment.
3. Faculty have enough time in their work schedule to pursue their research interests.
4. Faculty remain current in their fields.
5. The curriculum is up-to-date and reflects the best current thinking about computer science.
6. Enrolled students have opportunities to participate in professional student organizations and pre-professional employment.
7. Our teaching and research facilities consist of state of the art classrooms and equipment.
8. We are well known and respected in the regional community.
9. Our programs are considered attractive and desirable options by all qualified students in our service community.
10. We retain contact, offer support, and establish a networking community for our alumni.