Program Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are broad statements that describe what students are expected to attain a few years after graduation.

Found here, Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are skills, abilities, and knowledge students should have by the time of graduation.

Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate

Within a few years after graduation, graduates with the AI certificate will:

PEO 1 — Applied AI/ML Competency

Use AI and machine‑learning principles to develop intelligent solutions to real‑world problems.

PEO 2 — Decision‑Making Under Uncertainty

Implement models and algorithms that support decisions when data or environments include uncertainty.

PEO 3 — Understanding of AI Philosophical Foundations

Articulate philosophical, ethical and societal issues, implications, and debates surrounding AI.

PEO 4 — Evaluation of AI Systems

Assess the suitability of AI algorithms and models for various tasks and contexts.

B.S. in Computational Data Science

Within a few years after graduation, graduates of the Computational Data Science program will:

PEO 1 — Data‑Driven Professional Impact

Deliver value through data‑centric problem solving, integrating domain knowledge with the full data‑analysis lifecycle.

PEO 2 — Lifecycle‑Based System Design

Design, deploy, and refine data‑driven systems that span acquisition, preparation, modeling, evaluation, and communication.

PEO 3 — Ethical, Secure, and Responsible Data Practice

Apply ethical principles, governance, privacy, fairness, and security considerations to all data‑intensive activities.

PEO 4 — Communication and Collaboration in Data‑Driven Work

Communicate data insights clearly and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

PEO 5 — Continued Technical Growth

Expand their technical capabilities as the data science field evolves, learning new tools and methodologies.

B.S. in Computer Science

Within a few years after graduation, graduates of the Computer Science program will:

PEO 1 — Professional Impact

Apply strong foundations in software systems, computational theory, and problem‑solving to achieve impact in computing roles across industry, government, or entrepreneurial environments.

PEO 2 — Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

Extend their expertise by adopting new tools, technologies, and methodologies as the computing field evolves, supporting continuous professional growth.

PEO 3 — Responsible Computing Practice

Exercise sound judgment in the design and implementation of computing solutions, acting ethically and professionally in diverse organizational and societal contexts.

PEO 4 — Collaboration and Leadership

Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and assume leadership roles as their careers progress.

B.S. in Computer Science Education

Within a few years after graduation, graduates of the Computer Science Education program will:

PEO 1 — Effective CS Educators

Teach computer science and web programming in secondary education environments using strong computing and pedagogical foundations.

PEO 2 — Designers of Standards‑Aligned Instruction

Design and refine high‑quality instructional materials aligned with CS education standards.

PEO 3 — Competent Assessors of Student Learning

Evaluate student programming performance and use assessment data to guide instruction.

PEO 4 — Ethical and Inclusive Computing Educators

Model ethical computing behavior and foster inclusive learning environments.

PEO 5 — Collaborative Leaders in CS Education

Collaborate with educational stakeholders and lead initiatives that expand and improve CS learning opportunities.

A.S. in Computer Science

Within a few years after graduation, graduates graduates of the Computer Science Associate of Science program will:

PEO 1 — Early Professional Contribution

Use foundational computing knowledge to contribute effectively to technical roles or internships.

PEO 2 — Successful Transfer Preparation

Demonstrate readiness for upper‑division coursework in computer science or related disciplines.

PEO 3 — Ethical Practice

Demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior in computing activities.

PEO 4 — Application of Core CS Principles

Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals in academic, professional, or personal computing projects.

Minor in Computer Science

Within a few years of graduation, graduates with a minor in Computer Science will:

PEO 1 — Application of Computing Foundations in a Primary Discipline

Apply core computing principles—including problem analysis, algorithmic thinking, and foundational data structures—to enhance effectiveness in their primary field of study or profession.

PEO 2 — Development of Practical Computing Solutions in Domain Contexts

Design and implement computing‑based solutions that address simple to moderately complex problems arising in their chosen career field, academic pursuits, or personal technical projects.

PEO 3 — Effective Technical Communication and Collaboration

Communicate technical ideas clearly and collaborate productively with peers, stakeholders, and interdisciplinary teams when applying computing in real‑world contexts.

PEO 4 — Responsible and Ethical Application of Computing Concepts

Recognize and act on professional, ethical, and societal considerations when applying computing knowledge within their primary field or in collaborative environments.

PEO 5 — Continued Engagement with Computing as a Complementary Skillset

Expand or adapt their computing capabilities over time, using the minor’s foundations to learn new tools, languages, or frameworks relevant to their evolving professional or academic goals.

Master of Computer Science

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Master of Computer Science program will:

PEO 1 — Advanced Software Architecture and Design Leadership

Design software systems using architectural styles that balance trade‑offs and address key design and quality concerns.

PEO 2 — Large‑Scale Software Development Expertise

Implement complex software systems by integrating modules, developing robust tests, and ensuring high quality through effective validation.

PEO 3 — Independent End‑to‑End Project Execution

Execute full lifecycle software projects from conception to delivery, communicating effectively and meeting deadlines with autonomy.

PEO 4 — Multidisciplinary Computational Problem Solving

Apply advanced knowledge from multiple CS domains to solve complex problems or integrate domain concepts to tackle multifaceted challenges.

Programmer Certificate of Completion

Within a few years of graduation, graduates with the undergraduate Programmer Certificate will:

PEO 1 — Professional Contribution in Software Development

Apply foundational skills in software architecture, design, implementation and quality assurance to create processes that deliver successful results in software engineering careers.

PEO 2 — Continued Skill Growth and Technical Advancement

Expand their technical capabilities by learning new programming languages, tools, and technologies as required by evolving workplace demands, supporting long‑term employability and upward mobility.

PEO 3 — Responsible and Professional Computing Practice

Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior when writing, debugging, and maintaining software, making informed decisions that consider legal and organizational standards relevant to computing practice.

PEO 4 — Effective Communication and Collaboration

Communicate technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with peers, supervisors, and end users when leading software projects or technical tasks.

PEO 5 — Application of Core CS Principles to Practical Programming Tasks

Use core computer science concepts—such as algorithms, data structures, and basic computational reasoning—to build, modify, and troubleshoot programs that meet stakeholder needs.

B.A.S. in Software Development

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development will:

PEO 1 — Professional Contribution in Applied Software Development

Apply practical software design and development skills to contribute effectively in industry roles such as software developer, application builder, technical integrator, or automation specialist, supporting organizational goals through dependable technical output.

PEO 2 — Growth Through Continuous Technical Advancement

Adapt to new tools, languages, platforms, and development methodologies as technologies evolve, maintaining career relevance and demonstrating a commitment to lifelong professional development.

PEO 3 — Ethical, Responsible, and User‑Centered Computing Practice

Exercise ethical and professional judgment in the design and implementation of software solutions, considering user needs, legal requirements, and the broader societal impacts of their work.

PEO 4 — Communication and Collaboration in Applied Settings

Communicate clearly with diverse audiences and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to project planning, coordination, and delivery in professional software environments.

PEO 5 — Practical Problem‑Solving Using Applied Computing Principles

Use core computing concepts, software development practices, and problem‑solving strategies to build reliable software solutions that address real‑world technical challenges within applied or industry‑specific contexts.

B.S. in Software Engineering

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Software Engineering program will:

PEO 1 — Professional Practice in Software Engineering

Apply strong foundations in software design, architecture, quality assurance, and development processes to succeed in software engineering careers.

PEO 2 — Commitment to Continuous Learning

Enhance their capabilities by adapting to emerging engineering tools, technologies, and practices throughout their careers.

PEO 3 — Ethical and Responsible Engineering Practice

Make informed and ethical decisions in engineering contexts, recognizing broader societal, legal, and global considerations.

PEO 4 — Collaboration and Leadership

Contribute to and lead teams engaged in the engineering, evolution, and delivery of high‑quality software systems.