Department of Computer Science - Bachelor of Science in Applied Software Engineering

z-2020-2021 Program-NEW - Full Proposal (Major or Certificate)

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General Catalog Information
Next

  • Select Program below.

    Shared Cores are available in Acalog for shared information in program curriculum.

  • Type of Program *

  • **Read before you begin**

    1. Please turn on the help text before starting this proposal by clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the heading. Items with help text indicating format should be typed in the exact format as the help text (excluding the quote marks).
    2. Once all required fields have been filled in, click in the upper left corner, to launch proposal.
    3. Once you have launched the proposal form you can then begin editing imported fields, adding justifications, etc. All changes from that point will be tracked. Optionally, you may also attach syllabi or any additional supporting documents by clicking on the Proposal Toolbox icon.  . Please be aware that forms submitted without appropriate justifications will be returned to the proposer without consideration.
  • Status*
  • Identify Purpose of Proposal*
  • BASIC INFORMATION
  • College*
  • Department*
    (e.g. Department, Division, School)
  • Program Level*
  • Title of Proposed Degree Program*
    Bachelor of Science in Applied Software Engineering
    Bachelor of Science in Applied Software Engineering
  • Provide Catalog Program Description:*

    The BS in Applied Software Engineering (ASE) provides students with a solid foundation in programming, user experience, software design, software development, and software security.  Students are required to have an experiential learning experience.  The ASE degree educates and trains the student for highly demanding software development jobs, including full-stack development, mobile app development, and web application development.  Graduates will be qualified for a majority of development positions as required by the software industry.

    The ASE degree differs from a degree in Computer Science in its focus on software engineering and the theory and skills needed to be successful in this field.  While the CS degree is the study of computation, the ASE degree focuses on applying theory and practice for Software Engineering. 

  • Does this proposal require TEC approval?*

  • Substantive Change:  Please use the following link to determine if this will constitute a SACCOC substantive change to NKU's current curriculum.   Substantive Change Form
    This form must be filled out, signed by the submitter and appropriate Dean (or Designee), and uploaded to this curriculog proposal.  If you have question about this form please contact the SACSCOC Liaison, Abdou Ndoye at ndoyea2@nku.edu or 859-572-5379

  • Will this constitute a SACSCOC Substantive Change?*
  • What previously approved NKU programs are closely related to this new program and how are they related?

    Computer Science (CSC):  both programs provide a similar foundation in programming with courses like INF 120, CSC 260/360 (Elementary Programming, Object-Oriented Programming I and II).  Whereas CSC also covers foundational courses in computation like CSC 362, CSC 460 and CSC 485 (computer systems, operating systems, theory of computation), a foundation in mathematics, and a two-semester sequence in software engineering, the Applied Software Engineering (ASE) program instead emphasizes software development in a number of ways that are either not covered in CSC or covered in less detail and through elective courses in CSC.  These areas include coverage of programming tools, programming in a variety of platforms, and full-stack development (front-end and back-end development). 

  • Degree Level*
  • If Certificate, select appropriate option
  • Program Type*
  • Degree Type*
  • Name of Program Director*
    Maureen Doyle
    Maureen Doyle
  • Intended Date of Implementation*
    Fall 2020
    Fall 2020
  • Anticipated Date for Granting First Degrees*
    Spring 2023
    Spring 2023
  • Evaluation Criteria

  • All actions in the approval of new programs for public institutions are subject to a stipulation regarding the program’s ability to attain specified goals that have been established by the institution and approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education (the Council). At the conclusion of an appropriate period of time, the program’s performance shall be reviewed by Council staff following criteria established in the Council’s Academic Programs Policy.

  • MISSION

  • Centrality to the Institution’s Mission and Consistency with State’s Goals

    A program will adhere to the role and scope of the institution as set forth in its mission statement and as complemented by the institution’s strategic plan.

    Follow this link to view the state's postsecondary education strategic agenda.

  • 1. List the objectives of the proposed program. These objectives should deal with the specific institutional and societal needs that this program will address.*

    Local and nationwide demand for software developers continues to increase.  Most companies are interested in hiring developers who come from a program that provides a firm foundation in software development, but this is not the same foundation as covered in computer science programs.  The main distinction is that computer science includes formal coursework in computational theory (including courses that cover proofs, non-computability, software verification, and computational complexity) in addition to a foundation in software development.  On the other hand, because of the need to cover more conceptual topics, computer science programs often omit some of the more applied topics, including full-stack development, software design, human-computer interaction, and user experience. 

    At NKU, students interested in a computing field have several choices.  Computer science (as explained above) is the primary program to produce software developers.  Its more mathematical nature is often a complicating factor toward a student's graduation.  Often, students switch majors to one of the other computing fields:  computer information technology (which covers IT administration in a variety of settings), media informatics (digital storytelling), and business information systems (IT applied to business).  All three programs cover some aspects of programming but not sufficient to produce skilled software developers effectively. 

    This proposal is to create a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Software Engineering (ASE).  The rationale for this new program is threefold.  First, it will help NKU produce more graduates who can work in software development, particularly those who will work on the server-side, mobile, and web applications, and so do not need the full computer science curriculum. Second, although it overlaps the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, it is distinctly different in that it emphasizes more applied and practical settings for software development and less theoretical content.  Third, it emphasizes NKU's agility in creating novel and timely programs.  Nationwide, there are several degree programs in software development, but those do not cover as much either foundational material nor technical material that will ensure the student is ready for the workforce. 

    These objectives should deal with the specific institutional and societal needs that this program will address.
  • 2. Explain how the proposed program relates to the institutional mission and academic strategic plan. *

    This program supports both the institutional mission and strategic priorities by providing students with a degree path into a high-demand career: software development through an alternative course of study than computer science.  The ASE program emphasizes software development through experiential learning, technologies, software development tools, and user interfaces/experiences while the computer science program includes foundational and theoretical courses in computer science not included in this degree.  This program meets area, region, and national workforce shortages for software developers.

  • 3. Explain how the proposed program addresses the state’s postsecondary education strategic agenda.*

    The BS in Applied Software Engineering addresses the following priorities in Kentucky’s 2016-2021 postsecondary strategic agenda:

    1. Increase degree and certificate completion, fill workforce shortages, and guide more graduates to a career path.
      1. Objective 6, Strategy 6.3:  The ASE program will have two experiential learning courses and require experiential learning of all graduates, which is a high-impact practice that improves persistence.  The curriculum has been developed to prepare students for co-ops after their sophomore year.
      2. Objective 7, Strategy 7.2:  The ASE degree was developed to support and simplify 2-year to 4-year transfer by requiring more technical courses in the freshmen and sophomore year than typically exist in a CS program.
    2. Create economic growth and development and make our state more prosperous
      1. Objective 9, Strategy 9.2:  NKU alumni, NKY employers and greater Cincinnati employers were served to identify needed skills and competencies for software developers.  This information was used in developing the ASE degree.
      2. Objective 9, Strategy 9.3:  The ASE degree will require us to work with the community, through our outreach arm Informatics+, for collaborators for two project-based courses, and internships/co-ops for ASE students.
      3. Objective 9, Strategy 9.4:  The CS department at NKU uses an advisory council, and regularly surveys, to involve employers in curriculum review. In addition, curriculum is often presented to the College of Informatics advisory board and the IT Leadership Forum.
      4. Objective 9, Strategy 9.5:  The creation of the BS in ASE is in response to current and future workforce demands for application and full-stack developers.
      5. Objective 9, Strategy 9.6: The ASE degree advances Kentucky’s STEM agenda by providing another avenue for students to earn degrees for careers in STEM.
  • 4. Explain how the proposed program furthers the statewide implementation plan.

    The Applied Software Engineering (ASE) degree addresses all three CPE priorities.   The ASE degree is designed to be accessible to more students by preparing them for co-ops and internships early;  the program prepares students for careers in full-stack software development filling local, state and federal workforce shortages and will provide the graduate with career opportunities that are economically rewarding.

  • Program Quality and Student Success

  • The curriculum should be structured to meet the stated objectives and student learning outcomes of the program.

  • 1. List all student learning outcomes of the program.
    <p>Students will produce reliable, usable, and secure software applications that support the latest ideas in user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design.</p>
    <p>Students will select appropriate software design and development tools and demonstrate the ability to learn new tools as they become available.</p>
    <p>Students will apply appropriate computer ethics and demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills required to succeed as a developer on a team through in-class assignments and experiential learning.</p>
    List all student learning outcomes for the program.
  • 2. Explain how the curriculum achieves the program-level student learning outcomes by describing the relationship between the overall curriculum or the major curricular components and the program objectives. *
    • Students will produce usable, reliable, and secure software applications that support the latest ideas in user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design: Our existing programming courses provide the foundation to create reliable and secure software applications; a course in computer security will cover computer security issues and how to ensure secure software and a new course on software design will teach students how to plan, design, and develop usable software systems effectively. Also, a course from media informatics coupled with new courses in computer science will cover the latest ideas in UX/UI design.
    • Students will select appropriate software design and development tools and learn to use
      new tools that become available:  Courses in software development will emphasize tool usage; the usage of software development tools will be introduced through introductory software engineering courses, and through hands-on experience, students will learn how to use the tools learned and other tools not specifically covered in class.
    • Students will apply appropriate computer ethics and demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills required to succeed as a developer on a team through in-class assignments and experiential learning.:  The courses on information ethics and advanced speaking will provide students with these outcomes. Students will develop software systems in a team as part of coursework; students will design, develop, and debug the system with other students as a team. Students will have the opportunity to present their outcomes in class.
    Describe the relationship between the overall curriculum or the major curricular components and the program objectives.
  • 3. Highlight any distinctive qualities of this proposed program*

    Computer Science is the study of the foundations of computers, computation, and software. Software Engineering is a branch of Computer Science, focused on developing software effectively by managing complexities. Computer Science and Software Engineering programs are common throughout the nation in that theories are more stressed than practicalities. Therefore, most of these programs do not contain the foundational and application material/experiences found in the Applied Software Engineering program.

    The Applied Software Engineering program focuses on content that one might find in some programs but not in its entirety. For instance, a course on interface design might be offered as an elective in one program, a course in secure programming might be offered in another, and a course on software design and development might be offered in a different program. Applied Software Engineering program will provide students with various technologies, tools, skills, and methodologies for developing usable, reliable, and secure software in one program.

    Within the Cincinnati-metropolitan region, the closest program to the BA in ASE is at the University of Cincinnati as a track within their Computer Information Technology program. As such, it emphasizes IT more than software development and contains only a fraction of the content that the BA in ASE will offer.

    The program requires some form of experiential learning such as an internship, co-op, research or study abroad. 

  • 4. Will this program replace any existing program(s) or concentrations within an existing program?*
  • If yes, please specify.
  • 5. Include the projected faculty/ student in major ratio

    4 faculty / 80 students (approx)

  • 6. Is there a specialized accrediting agency related to this program?*
  • If yes, identify the agency

  • 7. Upload the SACS Faculty Roster Form in the Proposal Toolbox . Faculty resources shall be demonstrated to be adequate and appropriate for the proposed program. The number of faculty should meet external standards where appropriate. The qualifications of faculty will support the objectives and curriculum of the proposed program.

  • Attached
    Pull From Digital Measures

  • Access to the qualitative and quantitative library resources must be appropriate for the proposed program and should meet recognized standards for study at a particular level or in a particular field where such standards are available. Adequacy of electronic access, library facilities, and human resources to service the proposed program in terms of students and faculty will be considered.

  • 8.a. Describe the library resources available to support this program. You may attach any documentation provided to SACS*

    The NKU Steely Library provides adequate resources in the form of online journals, reference texts, and textbooks to support this program. In addition, NKU has interlibrary loan service for students to get additional study resources.

  • Describe the physical facilities and instructional equipment available to support this program. Physical facilities and instructional equipment must be adequate to support a high quality program. The proposal must address the availability of classroom, laboratory, and office space as well as any equipment needs.

  • 8.b. Describe the physical facilities and instructional equipment available to support this program*

    All classes will be taught in the state-of-the-art facilities in Griffin Hall of College of Informatics which include smart classrooms, virtual labs and high-speed Wi-Fi access.

  • 9. Clearly state the admission, retention, and completion standards designed to encourage high quality*

    Admission: The program follows NKU’s admission standard, i.e., successful completion of Kentucky's pre-college curriculum and standard test score meeting CPE college readiness standards. If a prospective student standardized test score falls below the CPE college readiness standards, the student will be required to take a College Placement Test to determine proper placement in English, math, and/or reading prior to course registration.

    CPE Placement Standards

    ACT:  English 18, Math 19, Reading 20

    SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 480, Math 500

    Retention: College centralized student academic advising & student course success markers.

    Completion: Students need to have at least 2.0 GPA on all work attempted at NKU. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in each course that counts as part of this program. Students also need to fulfill NKU’s Bachelor’s degree requirements in order to complete this program.

  • 10. Clearly state the degree completion requirements for the program*

    The BS ASE consists of 63 credit hours, 6 hours of which are general education coursework and 27 of which are advanced coursework hours.  Students will need to finish their general education coursework (31 additional hours) and complete 18 additional credit hours of advanced coursework, leaving 8 hours for a minor and free electives.  As most minors include some general education coursework and/or advanced coursework, students will be able to graduate within 120 hours by selecting one of the many minors that permits this. 

  • 11. Provide the following information for the program and for each concentration (some categories may not apply to all programs):

  • Total number of hours required for degree (incuding General Education credits)*
    63
    63
  • Number of hours in degree program core*
    60
    60
  • Number of hours in concentration*
    n/a
    n/a
  • Number of hours in guided electives*
    3
    3
  • Number of hours in free electives*
    8
    8

  • 12. Describe how the proposed program will articulate with related programs in the state. It should describe the extent to which student transfer has been explored and coordinated with other institutions.

    Attach all draft articulation agreements related to this proposed program in the Proposal Toolbox .

  • Describe how the proposed program will articulate with related programs in the state*

    We have no articulation agreements in place for the ASE program but have articulation agreements in place for both the computer science and computer information technology programs with KCTCS and Cincinnati-area community colleges.  We will begin to develop articulation agreements with these colleges if the degree program is approved. 

    It should describe the extent to which student transfer has been explored and coordinated with other institutions.

  • 13. List courses under the appropriate curricular headings, Then follow the directions below to create proposed curriculum in Proposal.  Click here to download the course template.

    Prospective Curriculum Field

    Step 1

    There are two options to add courses for proposed changes: "Add Course" and "Import Course." For courses that already are in the catalog, click on "Import Course" and find the courses needed. For new classes that are in the Curriculog Approval Process click on "Add Course"-- a box will open asking you for the Prefix, Course Number and Course Title.

    Step 2

    Click on  "View Curriculum Schema." Click on "Add Core" which will be the header for your course groups of the program. After creating the different sections you can proceed to assign courses in each header by clicking on "Add Courses" this will bring up the list of courses available from Step 1. Select the courses you wish to add and reorder as needed by dragging courses. For removing courses click on the .

    Commonly used headers: Degree Requirements, Core Courses, Electives.

  • Prospective Curriculum*
  • Attached*
  • Delivery Method*
  • 14. Will this program utilize alternative learning formats (e.g. distance learning, technology-enhanced instruction, evening/weekend classes, accelerated courses)? *
  • 14.a. Describe planned alternative methods of program delivery you checked, involving greater use of technology, distance education, and/or accelerated degree designs, to increase efficiency, better address student educational and workforce needs, and maximize student success, for both traditional and non-traditional students.

    All of our courses use various forms of technology including content delivery systems (e.g., Canvas), our own personal websites, electronic presentations, a variety of software including programming language developer environments.

    We regularly offer courses in the evening to accommodate those students who are full-time employees.  This is true of both our computer science (CSC) and computer information technology (CIT) programs.  We will similarly make ASE courses available in the evening. 

    We offer some courses online in CSC and CIT and will do the same with select ASE courses.

Demand
Next

  • Program Demand/Unnecessary Duplication

    Proposed programs must respond to the needs of the academy and to larger economic and social environments. Thus, the institution must demonstrate demand for the proposed program. All proposed programs must address student demand. Programs must also address either employer demand or academic disciplinary needs.

  • 1. Student Demand

  • a. Provide evidence of student demand. Evidence of student demand is typically in the form of surveys of potential students or enrollments in related programs at the institution, but other methods of gauging student demand are acceptable. *

    The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is among the highest enrolled programs at NKU.  The demand for software engineers/developers, coupled with an interest in computation, has helped grow this program.  Yet, retention issues see many of these students change majors.  Some of the identified issues are because of foundational courses like CSC 362 and Calculus.  The BA in the ASE program will provide an educational path for students who wish to pursue a career in software development rather than computer science. 

    There is a high and unmet demand for software developers regionally and nationally.  Software development is the 9th fastest growing occupation for 2016-2026 as predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky 2020 Jobs Outlook report lists Math and CS positions growing at a rate of 26.5%.  NKU has helped fill these positions with a Computer Science degree, but the Computer Science degree is not a precise fit.  Computer Science is the study of computation of which software development is taught as part.  We propose a degree focused on Software Development, which will have different requirements that will equally prepare our students for jobs of today and tomorrow.

    A recent survey of area employees and employers showed unanimous agreement that the BA in the ASE program can serve the NKY region well and that they would be interested in hiring graduates from this program.  The survey was sent out to members of the College of Informatics Advisory Board, Computer Science Advisory Council, and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.  98% of the 34 respondents agreed that the ASE degree would fill a critical need for software developers in the region and support the creation for this degree.

    A recent survey of students studying CS, Information Technology and Data Science at NKU found that 94% support NKU implementing this degree and 48% would consider switching to this degree.  The survey respondents stated that 16% will definitely switch to this degree.

    Typically in the form of surveys of potential students and/or enrollments in related programs at the institution.
  • b. Identify the applicant pool and how students will be reached. *

    The applicant pool consists of traditional high school students and US veterans who are seeking to advance their career in software development as well as adults who wish to change careers. We plan to have high school visits, college fairs, and advertising events to help reach prospective students of this program.

  • c. Describe the student recruitment and selection process. *

    Recruiting events like Norse Days, Welcome Wednesdays, College of Informatics Showcase, high school activities camps at NKU, high school visits, and collaboration with the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati for student recruitment. The student selection process follows NKU admission standards.

  • d. Identify the primary feeders for the program.*

    Local high school, community colleges with articulation agreements, and other community colleges.

  • e. Provide any evidence of a projected net increase in total student enrollments to the campus as a result of the proposed program*

    Software engineering demands continue to rise locally and nationally.  We believe that this will result in an increased demand among students in the region to study a software development degree.  We also expect students who would normally enter existing programs (computer science, computer information technology, media informatics, business information systems) to select the BS in ASE instead because it fits their interests better.

  • f. Project extimated demand for the first five years of the program.
  • Degrees Conferred
  • Degr Conferred Year 1
    0
    0
  • Degr Conferred Year 2
    0
    0
  • Degr Conferred Year 3
    10
    10
  • Degr Conferred Year 4
    25
    25
  • Degr Conferred Year 5
    50
    50
  • Majors (Headcount - Fall Semester
  • Major Headcount Fall Semester Year 1
    30
    30
  • Major Headcount Fall Semester Year 2
    70
    70
  • Major Headcount Fall Semester Year 3
    75
    75
  • Major Headcount Fall Semester Year 4
    80
    80
  • Major Headcount Fall Semester Year 5
    80
    80

  • 2. Employer Demand:

    Clearly describe evidence of employer demand. Such evidence may include employer surveys, current labor market analyses, and future human resources projections. Where appropriate, evidence should demonstrate employers’ preferences for graduates of the proposed program over persons having alternative existing credentials and employers’ willingness to pay higher salaries to graduates of the proposed program.

    Attach additional documentation in Proposal Toolbox.

    Data provided in tables should be uploaded in the proposal toolbox.

  • a. Describe the types of jobs available for graduates, average wages for these jobs, and the number of anticipated openings for each type of jobs. *

    The main type of job will be in software development in the area of application development.  Software developers is the 9th fastest growing occupation nationally for 2016-2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.   The Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2026 list Software Developers, Applications as the top fast-growing occupation requiring a Bachelor’s degree with a 3% growth rate and more than 5,000 total openings.   The Greater Cincinnati Region Jobs Outlook 2028 just released last month lists Software Developers, Applications as the 7th highest in net new jobs.  By 2028 it is estimated that there will be an additional 1,285 jobs and an approximate growth rate of 11%.  

  • 3.  Academic Disciplinary Needs:

    If the program proposal is in response to changes in academic disciplinary need, as opposed to employer demand, please outline those changes. Explain why these changes to the disciple necessitate development of a new program.

  • Clearly describe all evidence justifying a new program based on changes in the academic discipline or other academic reasons*

    N/A

  • 4. Similar Programs:

    A new program may serve the same potential student population. The proposed program must be sufficiently different from existing programs in the state or access to existing programs must be sufficiently limited to warrant initiation of a new program.

    Identify similar programs in other Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states and in the nation.

    If similar programs exist in Kentucky,

  • a. Are there similar programs in other Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states and in the nation? *
  • Please identify similar programs in other SREB states and in the nation.

    Most universities offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, which is similar to this degree.  The ASE degree differs because it has a focus on Software Development with experiential learning embedded into the curriculum.  The additional courses in Philosophy, Leadership, Professionalization and Technical Writing replace the theoretical courses in a Computer Science degree.  Students graduating with an ASE degree will be prepared to be application developers, but unlike CS degrees, not prepared to pursue a graduate degree in computer science since the degree does not include theoritical foundations of computer science.

  • b. Please identify any similar programs exist at public institutions in Kentucky.

    All of the public KY universities have a computer science program.  None have an applied software engineering program.

  • c. Does the proposed program differ from existing programs? *
    (i.e., students in a different geographic area)
  • If yes, please explain

    ASE provides a different foundation and different specializations that the traditional computer science program.  Rather than foundation in computation the foundation is on different platforms, tools and approaches to software development.  In CSC, the depth is in operating systems, software engineering and advanced topics in areas like artificial intelligence, computer architecture and database design.  For ASE, specialization will be in full stack development, cross-platform development, user interfaces/user experience.  Additionally, the ASE program has coursework not found in CSC such as a course on ethics, a course on organizational leadership, and an experiential learning requirement.

  • d. Does the proposed program serve a different student population (i.e., students in a different geographic area) from existing programs?
  • If yes, please explain.

    Although related and overlapping, the ASE will serve those students who want to become a software developer without the underlying computational foundation which includes courses in mathematics, computer systems and computational theory.  These students will be more prepared for full stack, mobile, and web development while computer science students will be more prepared for other software engineering positions and graduate school.

  • e. Is access to existing programs limited?*
  • If yes, please explain
  • f. Is there excess demand for existing similar programs?*
  • If yes, please explain
  • g. Will there be collaboration between the proposed program and existing programs?*
  • If yes, please explain the collaborative arrangements with existing programs

    We plan on having the computer science and ASE programs share courses.  There is no plans to collaborate with programs outside of NKU.

  • If no, please explain why there is no proposed collaboration with existing programs
  • Advanced Practice Doctorates

  • If the proposed program is an advanced practice doctorate, please address the following 5 questions.  If not, skip to the COST/FUNDING section.

    For submission to CPE you will need to attach the following, additional documentation, in the Proposal Toolbox. 

    1. Letter of commitment from each clinical site that specifies the number of students to be accommodated and identifies other academic programs that also use the facilities.

    2. Letter from each institution with a similar program stating that the proposed program will not negatively impact the existing program.

  • 1. Does the curriculum include a clinical or experiential component?
  • If yes, list and discuss the natureand appropriateness of available clinical sites.
  • 2. Describe how the doctorate builds upon the reputation and resources of the existing master’s degree program in the field.
  • 3. Explain the new practice or licensure requirements in the profession and/or requirements by specialized accrediting agencies that necessitate a new doctoral program.
  • 4. Explain the impact of the proposed program on undergraduate education at the institution. Within the explanation, note specifically if new undergraduate courses in the field will be needed.
  • 5. Provide assurance that funding for the program will not impair funding of any existing program at any other public university.
COST/FUNDING
Next

  • The resource requirements and planned sources of funding of the proposed program must be detailed in order to assess the adequacy of the resources to support a quality program. This assessment is to ensure that the program will be efficient in its resource utilization and to assess the impact of this proposed program on the institution’s overall need for funds.

  • 1. Will this program require additional resources?*
  • If yes, provide a brief summary of additional resources that will be needed to implement this program over the next five years

    1 NTTR position will be requested to assist with a professionalization course and to directly support the experiential learning requirement of the program.  This is equivalent to 1 FTE starting in year 2.  The request for this position will be contingent on revenue generated by the COI because of increased enrollment.  We also request an increase of $6000 per year to support cloud services (we currently spend $3000 per year).  We will also ask for a small amount of funds to support faculty development for our ASE faculty.

  • 2. Will this program impact existing programs and/or organizational units within your institution?*
  • If yes, please describe the impact
  • 3. Provide adequate documentation to demonstrate sufficient return on investment to the state to offset new costs and justify approval for the proposed program.

    Please see the attached cost/funding explanation for details. The program will generate positive return on investment after the first year due to expected increased enrollment. 

  • Complete the Funding Sources, by year of program template and Breakdown of Budget Expenses/Requirements template tables for the first five years of the proposed program and provide an explanation of how the institution will sustain funding needs, attach document in Proposal Toolbox. *The total funding and expenses in the table should be the same, or explain sources(s) of additional funding for the proposed program.

    Links to the Funding Source and Budget Expenses/Requirement Templates are:

    A.  Funding Source Template

    B.  Budget Expenses/Requiement Breakdown Template

  • Attached
  • Attached
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Next

  • Describe program evaluation procedures for the proposed program. These procedures may include evaluation of courses and faculty by students, administrators, and departmental personnel as appropriate. Program review procedures shall include standards and guidelines for the assessment of student outcomes implied by the program objectives and consistent with the institutional mission.

    For each assessment method, please provide direct indicators of achievement of program-level student learning outcomes and frequency of data collection:

  • 1.a. Which components will be evaluated?*

    We plan to evaluate three program-level student learning outcomes at introductory, enhanced, and mastery levels. 

    The artifacts made from students at each level will be evaluated by instructors to assess the progress of students learning effectiveness.

  • 1.b. When will the components be evaluated?*

    The student learning outcomes will be evaluated in a 1 ½-year cycle. We will evaluate each SLO every third semester.   

  • 1.c. When will the data be collected?*

    Every spring and fall semester for the courses to be assessed with an annual review of collected data each fall.

  • 1.d. How will the data be collected?*

    The assessment data will be entered by the instructors teaching the courses that are due for assessment for each semester.

  • 1.e. What will be the benchmarks and/or targets to be achieved?*

    Course learning outcomes set by the faculty (and confirmed by the BS ASE program committee)

  • 1.f. What individuals or groups will be responsible for data collection?

    Program assessment coordinator at the computer science department will be responsible for scheduling the assessment agenda and will notify instructors who need to collect assessment data for a specific academic semester.

  • 1.g. How will the data and findings be shared with faculty?

    The assessment data and findings will be shared with faculty member in terms of annual program assessment report which details the result of assessment and suggested curriculum improvements. The data and findings will also be discussed at the department meeting to gather feedback for assessment.

  • 1.h. How will the data be used for making programmatic improvements?*

    For student learning outcomes, the assessment results show the number of students meeting learning outcomes.  The departmental faculty will review these results and suggest course-level changes such as new assignments, changes to curricula and improved course delivery mechanisms. 

  • 2. What are the measures of teaching effectiveness?*

    This is achieved through the combinations of (1) course evaluation, (2) feedback from students, and (3) student learning outcome assessment.

  • 3. What efforts to improve teaching effectiveness will be pursued based on these measures?*

    Program assessment results will be shared with faculty teaching in the program.  Students’ feedback from course evaluation will be used together with program assessment results for generating approaches for course improvements.  Given the assessment results and student feedback, best practices will be applied to determine strategies for improving teaching effectiveness.  Further, peer coaching will be used when available and applicable.

  • 4. What are the plans to evaluate students’ post-graduate success?*

    Program alumni survey and employer survey will be employed for evaluating students’ post-graduate success.

VPUAA Processes
Next
  • CIP Code
    11.0899
    11.0899
  • BOR Approval Date
    05/13/2020
    05/13/2020
  • CPE Final Approval Date
    09/05/2020
    09/05/2020
  • CPE ID

  • User Tracking

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