One Page Thesis Proposal

THE PROCESS OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AT TWO-YEAR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN MINNESOTA

Tina Meyers

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research is to identify and describe the process by which two-year higher education institutions in Minnesota develop and offer Computer Science Associate in Science curriculum. In the past many students have found that the process of transfer from a technical or community college has been difficult. The recent merger into MNSCU (Minnesota State and Community Colleges) was intended to eliminate that specific problem. The data supplied by this research will enable program developers to not only examine campus courses in Computer Science, but also aid in the development of curriculum in Computer Science, the transfer of the student to a four-year institution of higher education offering a bachelor degree in Computer Science, and the articulation of the Associate in Science in Computer Science degree. It is assumed that the information obtained by the research will be used by Rainy River Community College in the development of a new Associate in Science Computer Science degree.

DEFINITIONS

Two-year higher education institutions: Community Colleges in Minnesota that offer an Associate in Science in Computer Science. MNSCU: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is the current governing body for higher education in Minnesota. Through legislation 7 state universities, 34 technical colleges, and 21 community colleges were merged. The purpose of the merger of these institutions was to increase institutional accountability, improve student transfer, coordinate program delivery and improve facility planning. Associate in Science in Computer Science: A degree which must contain a total of 68 semester credits in general education and core courses in the field of computer science combined. Articulation: Articulation is a signed agreement by cooperating schools that clearly states courses from the transfer institution and their equivalency to the institution the student wishes to transfer to. Each course and degree is evaluated and upon acceptance by both institutions the articulation agreement is signed and articulated for easier transfer for the student.

PRIOR RESEARCH

I am currently reviewing four-year college catalogs from Mankato State University, Bemidji State University, St. Cloud State University, University of Minnesota  Duluth campus, Winona State University and Moorhead State University. I am also reviewing two-year college catalogs from Itasca Community College, Inver Hills Community College, North Hennepin Community College, Vermilion Community College, Lake Superior Community College, Hibbing Community College, and Rainy River Community College. These catalogs will give me data on what courses are being offered at each campus as well as Associate in Science degrees in Computer Science presently being offered. I have searched the web and ERIC for information on program development in computer science and have not obtained data that will be useful at this time.

SAMPLING The sample will be done in six state universities and 6 community colleges across Minnesota. By sampling community colleges and state universities in both the Metropolitan and Outstate area, the sampling will identify if there are differences in computer science curriculum in these two demographic areas. Trends for ease of articulation will also be realized.

INSTRUMENTATION Instrumentation will include interviews with program developers at the previously named universities and community colleges. A student questionnaire will be sent to community college graduates of the institutions named to communicate curriculum effectiveness and student opinion.

-- Anonymous, March 17, 1999

Answers

Hi Tina, The format of your one page research project is very good and it sounds like you have some excellent collaboration in place to accomplish your goal. Just a question I have on the purpose of your project - you talk about identifying and describing the process two-year colleges offer the degree in computer science. Could you perhaps also research the effectiveness of the processes,so some valuable information could be learned and shared with other institutions? If you would rework the purpose by this addition, then I would say go forth. Thanks, Mary Ann

-- Anonymous, March 21, 1999