Student Learning Outcomes

All courses incorporate the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) learning outcomes and the Hood College computer science program goals.

Student Outcomes
By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate ability to:

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 computer science.
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 computer science.
6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

1. Biological Interpretation of Data

• 1.1: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology and Genetics
• 1.2: Advanced Molecular Biology, Genetics and Epigenetics
• 1.3: Genomics and Metagenomics – Methods of Inquiry
• 1.4: Proteomics
• 1.5: Analysis of Biological Sequences and Comparative Genomics
• 1.6: Molecular Structure Analysis and Modeling
• 1.7: Biological Pathway Enrichment Analysis
• 1.8: Gene Expression Analysis (Microarray and RNAseq)
• 1.9: Scientific Method and Experimental Design
• 1.10: Scientific Integrity/Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship
• 1.11: Oral Communication of Experimental Procedures, Results, Discussion
• 1.12: Written Communication of Experimental Procedures, Results, Discussion
• 1.13: Leadership and Project Management Skills
• 1.14: Interpret and Critique Published Scientific Literature

2. Data Analysis Methods

• 2.1: Basic Biostatistics in R
• 2.2: Applied Statistical Modeling (Advanced Biostatistics in R)
• 2.3: Machine Learning
• 2.4: Data Visualization
• 2.5: Work remotely on a computational server – navigate and run jobs
• 2.6: Use of publicly available databases and analysis tools
• 2.7: Ability to plan and execute a project in a matrix environment
• 2.8: Best practices for robust and reproducible research (FAIR principles)

3. Software Development Skills

• 3.1: Programming in R
• 3.2: Programming in Python
• 3.3: Scripting in Unix/Linux
• 3.4: Collaborative Software Development
• 3.5: Algorithm Development and Testing
• 3.6: Program installation/version control

4. Data Management

• 4.1: Unix/Linux
• 4.2: Data Management for Robust and Reproducible Research (FAIR principles)
• 4.3: Ability to obtain and store data to/from data repositories

Graduates earning a master's degree in computer science from Hood College:

Select and apply appropriate programming and knowledge paradigms through:

• Applying algorithmic design paradigms and methods of analysis to solve computational problems; and
• Differentiating between programming language paradigms and selecting a specific programming language to implement a solution.

Possess in-depth knowledge of hardware/software/networks and systems integration through:

• Analyzing the trends and impact of modern computer architectures; and
• Integrating concepts and techniques involving hardware, software and networking.

Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental nature of data through:

• Constructing and validating artificial intelligence systems.

Practice modular software design through:

• Applying design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Demonstrate effective professional skills including teamwork, utilization of information resources, and communication with technical and nontechnical audiences through:

• Working effectively as part of a team;
• Classifying and solving generally stated problems;
• Identifying and using professional information resources;
• Monitoring current trends and directions in the field; and
• Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program designed for both technical and non-technical students with a bachelor’s degree. Prior background in computing is desirable, but not required to enter this program. Individuals without such background can enter the degree program by enrolling in two prerequisite foundation courses. The structure of the program allows students to enter from different disciplines, provides a common foundation and robust subject matter training necessary in today’s cybersecurity job market.

The Master’s in Cybersecurity is designed to allow partnerships with local technology companies and government organizations. Students will be required and supported to pursue experiential learning and research opportunities during their studies. The program culminates with a team-based capstone project, linked to local industry and government partners. Students will work with faculty and partners to develop suitable research and project questions; collect data, design systems, develop software, protocols, methods, and techniques; synthesize their findings or work artifacts into a final product; and present their findings to the partners and scholarly venues.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to meet the following Program Learning Objectives:

1. Apply sound theoretical and applied cybersecurity skills, methods, and techniques for cyber defense.
2. Evaluate, develop, deploy and configure appropriate controls, countermeasures, tools, and techniques to address threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, and protect organizational assets and resources.
3. Identify, evaluate, and address ethical, legal, and social implications in cybersecurity while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and following best practices.
4. Communicate effectively technical, legal, and theoretical cybersecurity topics to technical and non-technical audiences.

Graduates earning a master's degree in information technology from Hood College:

1. Demonstrate general knowledge of software/ networking/ information systems security through:

• Applying fundamental concepts and principles of networking; and
• Appraising network architecture and technology.

2. Apply software design and data management techniques through:

• Comparing and contrasting software and information systems;
• Breaking down a system’s development, engineering methodology, design process, evaluation and operation feasibility; and
• Distinguish general information among databases.

3. Apply basic analytic tools and database for decision-making through:

• Applying select database tools for implementing database design; and
• Converting data into information for managerial decision-making.

4. Demonstrate effective professional skills including teamwork, utilization of information resources and communication with technical and nontechnical audience through:

• Working effectively as part of a team;
• Identifying and using professional information resources;
• Monitoring current trends and directions in data; and
• Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Graduates earning a master's degree in management of information systems from Hood College:

1. Effectively apply technical skills in information systems to facilitate organizational decision making and general operations.

• Convert data into information for managerial decision-making using data mining software
• Apply select database tools for implementing database design

2. Possess in-depth knowledge of the processes of organizations and management functions and the key role that information systems play.

• Apply leadership and organizational theory to design and solve practical level problems in modern organizations
• Illustrate knowledge of operations management
• Assess the impact of emerging technologies on business

3. Demonstrate proficiency in managing projects, technical teams, and information systems.

• Apply project management techniques to initiate, plan, execute, and monitor projects

4. Demonstrate effective professional skills including teamwork, utilization of information resources, and communication with technical and nontechnical audiences.

• Work effectively as part of a team
• Identify and use professional information resources
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences