Academic Catalog

Computing Sciences

Department website: https://www.atu.edu/cis

ATU offers four-year computing degrees in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology. All bachelor’s degrees have at least one certificate and an associate’s degree built in to provide students with stackable degrees. The program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

The computing programs offered are designed to provide the fundamental and advanced knowledge required to initiate and maintain a successful career in various computing fields. Students gain not only technical skills as they progress through their coursework, but also soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and working on a team. Real-world projects and hands-on experiences are integrated into each program, with every student completing either an internship or the design and implementation of a large-scale project.

Mission

The mission of the Division of Computing Sciences is to produce men and women who can assess, develop, and maintain business and scientific computing systems, and who are capable of continued learning and ethical practice in computing.

To achieve this mission the department provides a professional environment that introduces students to relevant computing concepts, systems, and methodologies through a curriculum that effectively blends theory with practice.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the Computing Sciences programs will be problem-solving, responsible professionals ready for work in industry or further studies in graduate programs. Specifically, based on the needs of the program’s regional industry partners, within a few years of graduation, Computing Sciences alumni will have:

  • Obtained professional employment or entered a graduate program in a computing (or closely related) field
  • Demonstrated good work ethic, communication skills, and the ability to be a productive member of a team
  • Continued to learn new trends/technology and willingly adapted to new systems and software environments

Student Outcomes

Graduates of all programs within Computing Sciences will be expected to meet the outcomes outlined by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Each program has a unique Outcome 6:
    • Computer Science program: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
    • Cybersecurity program: Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
    • Information Technology programs: Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals.