Menu

Computer Science

About the Department

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Arkansas. The Department offers degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and to a Master of Science degree in Applied Computing. The primary goal of the department is to provide students an education of the highest quality through its degree programs and activities in research and professional services. The Department Advisory Board ensures our educational objectives and outcomes meet the needs of our constituents.

The Bachelor of Science degree program has been accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission. The purpose of the BS in computer science is twofold: (1) to prepare the student for a position involving the design, development and implementation of computer software and systems, and (2) to prepare the student for entry into a program of graduate study in computer science and related fields.

BS Program Objectives:

  1. Grow as well educated professionals with integrated high-level understanding of computing systems, processes, and the main body of knowledge of computer science as a whole;
  2. Be able to creatively apply essential concepts, principles, and practices to appropriately construct solutions and analyze the processes for applications with professional judgments in the selection and application of theory, tools and techniques
  3. Work productively, as an individual and as a team member, to produce work involving problem identification, analysis, design, and development of a software system within a professional, legal, and ethical framework; and
  4. Maintain their skills as the field evolve and appreciate the needs for continuing professional growth and development to keep current in the profession.”

 

Student Outcomes associated with the Program Objectives:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate 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 practices.

(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 trade-offs involved in design choices;

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

Computer Science enrollment data by semester.

Spring 15 Fall 15 Spring 16 Fall 16
B.S.  CS Majors 227 223 296 307
M.S. Applied Computing 26 23 16 18

 

Computer Science Undergraduate Degree awarded by year.

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
B.S.  graduates 18 24 26

 

5-Year BS/MS program

The department also offers a BS/MS combined option for outstanding undergraduates to complete both degrees in five years.

The Master of Science in Applied Computing is designed to provide intensive preparation in both concepts and techniques related to applications of computing systems. The program requires the student to take a wide range of courses to meet the breadth requirement, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired application areas of specialization.The program objectives for graduates are:

  1. Be able to identify meaningful applied computing problems and to conduct application driven research work independently or within an academic, a business, an industrial, or other environment in a professional, legal, and ethical framework;
  2. Be able to apply theories, principles and concepts with technologies to creatively design, develop, and verify computational solutions that integrate available software and hardware systems to resolve issues in variety application domains for individuals, groups, and organizations;
  3. Grow as mature professional and be able and willing to take leadership roles with advanced knowledge of computer science and applications in inter- and cross- disciplinary areas;
  4. Keep current in the field through continuing professional growth and development to advance self-selected career paths and to contribute to society.

Upon completing this degree program, a student should have the following abilities as the educational outcomes:

a) An ability to apply computer science and related knowledge to develop computational solutions that meet specific requirements appropriately in an application domain;

b) An ability to clearly present computational solutions to a range of audience both orally and in writing;

c) An ability to identify and to specify computing requirements of an application and to design, implement, evaluate, and justify computational solutions;

d) An ability to work effectively on teams with diverse educational, cultural, and technical backgrounds to achieve common objectives;

e) An ability to contribute to society with sound judgment of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;

f) An ability to use current techniques and skills to integrate available theory and tools necessary for applied computing practices;

g) An ability to acquire knowledge properly in an application domain in the modeling and design of computer-based solutions that meet the needs of users; and

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

The very fine faculty of this department continually leads students of both undergraduate and graduate levels to seek deeper understanding and higher levels of scholarship through research and scholarly activities that address fundamental theory and important applications in computer science. This department also provides professional services to the community.

The characteristics of the Department of Computer Science are outstanding students, up-to-date curricula, current computing equipment and facility, and fine faculty with international background. The information service market leader, Acxiom Corporation, is just next to the campus of UCA. Hewlett-Packard Company also has major operation in the same town of UCA. These leading IT companies and others provide outstanding internship/employment opportunities for students of this department.

Graduates of our programs have great career opportunities. We cordially invite you to visit and learn more about Computer Science programs at UCA. Information about the department can be obtained by exploring this web site, visiting our Facebook Page, contacting the Department at 501-450-3401, or contacting the chair by e-mail at bchen@uca.edu.