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Mission Statement

The Department of Computer Science is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service to the profession and the community. Our main focus is to provide high quality baccalaureate and graduate education emphasizing established fundamentals in the ever-changing field of computer science. We are dedicated to educate our students to be come thoughtful, productive members of the computer science profession. We strive to provide our students with practical knowledge in computer science by emphasizing the laboratory experience as a major component of our courses. Pursuant to the department's educational mission, we as faculty members engage in research and professional development to remain current in our field.

 

Department Goals

1. Our graduates will demonstrate a strong theoretical and practical understanding of the computing field and will successfully apply their knowledge to the solution of a variety of computing problems.

2. Our graduate will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and play proficient roles in team-work environments.

3. Our graduates will develop the habit of life-long learning for personal and professional practices.

4. Our graduates will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the human and social context in which they will function as computer science professionals.

5. We will serve the University, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation through the practice of professional activities and service in the computing field.

6. Our faculty will remain current in the discipline through professional development and scholarly activity.

 

History

The Department of Computer Science at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) started its operation on July 3, 2000. However, the Computer Science (CS) program is a mature and well-established program at EKU, it was created in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in 1975. By 1999 it was obvious that the program had out grown its setting and it was time for its independence. The new department consists of seven tenured faculty (including the chair), two visiting faculty, one laboratory manager, and one secretary.

The Computer Science program at Eastern Kentucky University prepares the students for their future as Computer Professionals. It was the first Computer Science program in Kentucky to be accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB) (1990.) The students in this program are above average students at EKU. The average ACT composite for students majoring in Computer Science over the last five years is 22.73 compared to a university average of 19.28.

In addition to the regular baccalaureate degree in Computer Science the department offers a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science with option in Technology The majority of the supporting courses for the Computer Science Technology option are Electricity and Electronics Technology (EET) courses offered by the Department of Technology. The department also offers two minors, one in Computer Science and another in Computer Science Teaching.

Another exciting event in the department is the approval of our new Master of Science degree in Applied Computing. This program is an interdisciplinary graduate program with options in Software Engineering, Business Computing, and Industrial Computing, designed for the people in the Eastern Kentucky University's (EKU) service area. The proposed program is tailored to serve both computing professionals working in business/industry sites who seek an advanced degree to improve their job skill, and the computer teachers/lab managers in the secondary schools, community colleges and technical schools within the EKU's service area. Courses in the proposed program will be offered during evenings and on weekends. This provides an educational opportunity for students who are unable to attend daytime classes. Currently, there is no evening program in applied computing in this region.

By far the greatest strength of the department is its faculty. All of the permanent faculty in the department have earned doctorate degrees. Classes are taught by talented, experienced, and caring faculty who believe in individualized attention for their students.