Re-Envisioning a Computer Science Curriculum

Kees Leune, Salvatore Petrilli, Jr.

We have engaged in a significant restructuring of our computer science curriculum. This paper describes the process that we followed and illustrates the generalizable approach through a case study. We also demonstrate that the revision had several positive outcomes that went beyond our expectations. The case study describes a computer science computer program revision that sets goals to ensure the program's long-term viability, content alignment with labor market expectations, reasonable alignment with accreditation standards, and student success, diversity, and retention. The study demonstrated an increased ability for students to personalize their educational experience, leading to a clearly identifiable program and an improved value proposition. It also documents how the process resulted in creating a one-credit orientation seminar that contributes to increased student retention and enhances diversity in the major.

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