Computer Science Curriculum Redesign at Fort Valley State University

The computer science program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) , a unit of University System of Georgia, is presently undergoing a major revision to reflect the most current trends in the job market and the ABET computer science curriculum requirements. Additionally, the curriculum redesign is needed to increase the program's appeal to students and employers. The underlying principle for this redesign is to provide more flexibility for students to take major and free elective courses and lessen the emphasis on traditional mathematics requirements (such as Calculus II). Currently, the major area in curriculum of computer science at FVSU includes 60 credit hours of which 9 hours are major electives and 6 hours free electives. The revised program will include 33 credit hours in core curriculum of computer science, 12 credit hours in major electives, and 15 credit hours in free electives. The mathematics requirements will include 17 credit hours with Calculus II placed under restricted electives. The increased number of credit hours in both restricted and free electives will allow students to obtain academic concentrations or minors in fields of interest. It should be noted that most minor and concentration programs at FVSU require 15-18 credit hours. It is anticipated that this program revision along with other academic success measures such as building a meaningful student support system would help increase the retention, recruitment, and graduation of students while maintaining a quality undergraduate computer science program aligned with both the University System of Georgia and the ABET requirements. This paper presents curriculum revision and enhancement to the computer science program at FVSU. The details regarding the student support system will be presented in a future article.