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CSAB/ABET Computing Accreditation Criteria Survey

This survey was developed by a joint committee from CSAB and the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission, and is designed to obtain feedback on potential changes on the ABET Computing Accreditation Criteria. We are looking for opinions about some of the existing ideas under discussion for change, as well as other input regarding opportunities to improve the existing criteria. Respondents to the survey may be computing education stakeholders in any computing subdiscipline, including computer science, information systems, information technology, and many others. Stakeholders may include professionals in the discipline, educators, and/or employers of graduates from computing degree programs. Please send inquiries to csab@csab.org. Thank you for your participation.
1.Relevancy of Student Attributes: "The program must enable students to attain certain attributes by the time of graduation." Rate the continued relevancy of these attributes, on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is not relevant and 5 is extremely relevant.
1
2
3
4
5
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the (proposed change for 2014-15: program’s student outcomes and 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 practice
[CS] (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 tradeoffs involved in design choices
[CS] (k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity
[IS] (j) An understanding of processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within a specific application environment
[IT] (j) An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
[IT] (k) An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems
[IT] (l) An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment
[IT] (m) An understanding of best practices and standards and their application
[IT] (n) An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan
2.Student Attribute (e) requires that students be enabled to attain "an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities." If you would support creating a new attribute stressing the “technical aspects of security” rather than just “security issues and responsibilities,” check those areas of the Criteria where you believe this new attribute should reside.
3.Appropriate Mathematics: Throughout the Criteria, there are references to the need for mathematics "appropriate to the (proposed change for 2014-15: program’s student outcomes and to the) discipline." General Criterion 5 specifies that the mathematics "must be beyond the pre-calculus level." Check all of the following you would like to see specifically identified in the Criteria as examples of topics beyond pre-calculus and appropriate to the various disciplines.
CS
IS
IT
Applied Math and Statistics
Basic Counting
Basic Logic
Discrete Mathematics
Discrete Probability
Functions, Relations, and Sets
Graphs and Trees
Hypothesis Testing
Probability
Proof Techniques
Sampling and Descriptive Statistics
Statistics
4.Rate the importance of these topics, on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is not important (little coverage needed) and 5 is extremely important (should get a lot of coverage).
CS
IS
IT
Applied Math and Statistics
Basic Counting
Basic Logic
Discrete Mathematics
Discrete Probability
Functions, Relations, and Sets
Graphs and Trees
Hypothesis Testing
Probability
Proof Techniques
Sampling and Descriptive Statistics
Statistics
5.Mathematics Beyond the Pre-Calculus Level: What would be an alternative way of expressing the concept of "beyond the pre-calculus level"?
6.Programming Languages: All three of the program specific criteria (CS, IS, and IT) currently require course work covering programming and exposure to programming languages. Would you support changing the language of the criteria to place an emphasis on programming paradigms rather than on languages?
CS
IS
IT
Yes
No
7.Quantification of Coverage: CS and IS program-specific criteria refer to a specific amount of time that must be dedicated to a topic - [CS] Computer Science: One and one-third year, [CS] One year of science and mathematics, [CS] Mathematics at least one-half year; [IS] Information Systems: One year, and [IS] IS Environment: One-half year. Would you support eliminating all references to quantity in favor of focusing the criteria on the achievement of outcomes?
8.Systems: The CS2013 Model Curriculum for Computer Science identifies operating systems as a knowledge area that should be a required part of every computer science curriculum. The ABET program-specific criteria for CS require course work that provides an exposure to systems, leaving the word “systems” open to interpretation. Would you support changing the language of the criteria to require an exposure specifically to operating systems?
9.Other Comments Regarding the Criteria:
10.Please indicate your organizational and program area affiliation:
CS
IS
IT
Other
Associate’s College
Doctorate-granting University
Master’s College or University
Baccalaureate College
Special Focus Academic Institution
Tribal College
Secondary Institution
Industry
Government
Professional or Technical Society Staff
Other
11.Your role, if affiliated with an academic institution:
CS
IS
IT
Other
Academic administrator
Faculty member
12.Current CAC/ABET-accredited program(s), if affiliated with an academic institution:
13.Are you a CSAB/ABET volunteer? (Check all that apply.)
14.Where do you currently reside?
Thank you for completing our survey!