It is time for a computer application degree

ABSTRACT

Contemporary computer technology has spread computing activity to almost every field. The computing industry's need for application software developers who have not only proficient programming skills but also a good understanding of subjects in a specific application field has grown rapidly. Continuing to use existing degree programs in computer science to train expected application software developers would not only be a disservice to students but also hamper the further development of computer science programs themselves. Thus, a new degree program is called for in the sub-discipline of computer applications.

REFERENCES

• 1: ACM/AIS/IEEE. Computing Curricula 2005 (Draft). http://www.acm.org/education/Draft_5-23-051.pdf. April, 2005.
• 2: Theresa Beaubouef , John Mason, Why the high attrition rate for computer science students: some thoughts and observations, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.37 n.2, June 2005 [doi>10.1145/1083431.1083474]
• 3: Kim B. Bruce, Controversy on how to teach CS 1: a discussion on the SIGCSE-members mailing list, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.36 n.4, December 2004
• 4: Maria Klawe, Increasing the number of women majoring in computer science: what works?, Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, p.562-562, February 23-27, 2005, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
• 5: Anthony Ralston, Do we need ANY mathematics in computer science curricula?, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.37 n.2, June 2005 [doi>10.1145/1083431.1083433]
• 6: Ela Zur , Lilly Irani , Lecia Barker , Mark Guzdial, Contrasting women's experiences in computer science at different institutions, Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, February 23-27, 2005, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.0 GENERAL

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

General Terms:
Design, Management

Keywords:
computer applications, computer science, curriculum, degree programs