Program Objectives
This curriculum is jointly administered by the Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department and the Computer Science Department at Iowa State University
and it provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to learn software
engineering fundamentals, to study applications of the state-of-the art
software technologies, and to prepare for the practice of software engineering.
The student-faculty interaction necessary to realize this opportunity occurs
within an environment that is motivated by the principle that excellence
in undergraduate education is enhanced by an integrated commitment to successful,
long-term research and outreach programs.
The software engineering curriculum offers emphasis areas in software engineering
principles, process, and practice. Students may also take elective courses
in computer engineering and computer science.
The objective of the Software Engineering program at Iowa State University
is that its graduates should demonstrate expertise, engagement, learning,
leadership, and teamwork within five years after graduation.
- Expertise: Graduates should establish peer-recognized expertise together
with the ability to articulate that expertise and use it for problem solving
in the planning, design, development, validation, and evolution of software
using contemporary practices.
- Engagement: Graduates should be engaged in the professional practice,
locally and globally, contributing through the ethical, competent, and
creative practice of Software engineering in industry, academia, or the
public sector, or graduates may use the program as a foundation for interdisciplinary
careers in business, law, medicine, or public service
- Learning: Graduates should demonstrate sustained learning through graduate
work or professional improvement opportunities and through self study,
and they should demonstrate the ability to adapt to rapid technological
changes.
- Leadership: Graduates should exhibit leadership and initiative to advance
professional and organizational goals, facilitate the achievements of
others, and obtain results.
- Teamwork: Graduates should demonstrate effective teaming and commitment
to working with others of diverse cultural and interdisciplinary background
by applying software engineering abilities, communication skills, and
knowledge of contemporary and global issues.
As a complement to the instructional activity, the Electrical and Computer
Engineering and Computer Science Departments provide opportunities for each
student to have experience with broadening activities. Through the Cooperative
Education and Internship Program, students have the opportunity to gain
practical industry experience. See College of Engineering, Cooperative Programs.
Students have the opportunity to participate in advanced research activities;
and through international exchange programs, students learn about engineering
practices in other parts of the world.