Objectives & Outcomes

ECST graduates at commencement in cap and gown

COMPUTER SCIENCE

On this page, you will find Cal State LA, Department of Computer Science's mission and vision statements, the educational program objectives and student learning outcomes, and access to the student enrollment and graduation demographics data provided by The Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Educational Objectives

Educational objectives are broad statements describing the career and professional accomplishments the program is preparing graduates to achieve. Examine what Cal State LA Computer Science program graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation by utilizing the knowledge gained from their academic program.

Students who enter the workforce

Students who enter the workforce will have established themselves as effective professionals by having solved real problems through the use of their computer science knowledge, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Students who continue in academia

Students who continue in academia will have been successful in pursuing advanced degrees and in demonstrating their ability to master advanced areas of computer science

Students will have demonstrated

Students will have demonstrated their ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment by having learned and applied new skills and new technologies.

Student Outcomes 

Student learning outcomes describe the specific, measurable knowledge, values, or skills that students will be able to demonstrate upon completing the academic program. Examine what our graduates acquire upon completing the Cal State LA Computer Science Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Programs.

Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science

Student Learning Outcomes for BSCS

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to 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. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Graduate Degree in Computer Science

Student Learning Outcomes for MSCS

  1. Students will have the ability to write and analyze sophisticated algorithms.
  2. Students will have the ability to design, develop, and analyze complex software systems.
  3. Students will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in one or more areas of computer science. 
  4. Students will be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
students holding certificates smile

Our Mission & Vision

The vision and mission statements are two important steps toward creating clarity and direction for a successful program. We invite you to read the Department of Computer Science's statements and discover how the success of our students reflects the success of our program.

Department Vision Statement

To be a pre-eminent computer science program that prepares students from diverse backgrounds for productive careers by providing them with a student-centered, practically-focused quality learning experience.

Department Mission Statement

To graduate well-educated computer scientists who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing, increasingly complex world. This will be accomplished through the following:

  • A well-qualified faculty who care about students and their success.
  • A dynamic, up-to-date curriculum that has an optimal balance between theory and practice.
  • Laboratories, computer facilities, and instructional classrooms are on par with any computer science program in the nation.
  • Unique co-curricular opportunities for students, such as participation in student design competitions, professional student organizations, and pre-professional employment.
  • Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research and industry-funded design clinic projects.
  • Mutually beneficial partnerships with area industry that take advantage of our location in one of the most concentrated high-tech centers in the nation.
  • Strong cooperative relationships with local high schools, community colleges, and with other four-year institutions.

Enrollment & Graduation Data

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) provides high-quality data, analytical tools, strategic analysis, and partnership-based education and collaboration to foster a University culture of data-informed decision-making. Student enrollment and graduation demographics data are available on the Cal State LA Institutional Effectiveness website. To view the information, please select Engr, CS, & Technology under "College" and Computer Science under "Department."