WR 327, Section 022, Winter 2016

Oregon State University, 310 Moreland Hall, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

almanjia@oregonstate.edu, lewisjos@oregonstate.edu, yooso@oregonstate.edu, rappr@oregonstate.edu

Memorandum
To:
Chris Nelson, Instructor
From:
Ahmed Al-Manji, Soo-MinYoo, Ryan Flint Rapp and Joseph Lewis
Date:
01/13/2016
Subject: Unit 3a: Problem Analysis of Computer Science Programs at Oregon State University

Introductory Summary
Computer science has been one of the most demanded degrees for the past several
years (careerinfonet.org 2016). A degree in computer science could land you a job in
many different fields depending on your focus and interest. Computer science is the
highest paying degree and the jobs opportunities for computer programming is
increasing at two times the national average, according to Taylor Sober (2014). Oregon
State University (OSU) offers the computer science program for both undergraduate
and graduate students and has achieved great things including 31 national and
international faculty recognition awards (EECS, n.d.)
However, there are some problems that must be discussed to move OSUs curriculum
to recognize the importance of computer science for every student, not just computer
science majors, in the upcoming academic year. This report will highlight the key issues
in Oregon States handling of the computer science program and its importance. Some
of the primary issues include a lack of integration with other departments and
disciplines, a low funding percentage and a lack of promotion of the science.
Missing Mandatory Computer Science Course:
There is a wide variety of mandatory and non-mandatory baccalaureate core classes
(bacc core) that students have to take to enrich their knowledge in several different
fields ranging from arts and humanities to math and physical science. However, OSU
doesnt have specific criteria for computer science (General Catalog, n.d.). There are
also no overlapping options for computer science classes under the sections of the
current bacc core model, such as a computer science class filling the requirement of a
mathematics or science course (Bacc Core Catalog, n.d.).
Proper Promotion of Student Clubs:
The students noticed that students clubs are not getting the proper attention they
deserve. There are different student clubs at OSU such as robotics club, game

WR 327 Project 1b

08 Feb 2016

development and solar car. One of the main problems is that students dont target a
specific engineering major. Ahmed, who was a member of the Solar Car Club says that
many students think that the club doesnt have projects related to computer science,
while in reality computer science plays an important role in many of the projects.
However, students promote it mainly as a mechanical engineering project and because
of this, computer science majors overlook the club and dont get the experience of
working with a team on various types of projects. Furthermore, the solar car club has
lost their sponsorship from the university due to a lack of participation, which forced the
team to put their promising plans to participate in the national and international
competitions on hold (Rimel 2015).
Funding and Sponsorship:
In 2015 OSU published that the research funding reached 308.9 millions and only 37
millions were assigned for engineering programs (Oregon State research..., 2015).
According EECS homepage, the funding received is 11 millions (2015). This means
Electrical Engineering and computer science receives only 3.57% of total funding. It is
important to note that 20% of the OSU Ph.D enrollment is EECS Ph.D (EECS 2015).
Moreover, according to Office of Institutional Research computer science enrollment for
undergraduate program is the highest at 2092 students and if all the computer related
majors (i.e. computer science and Electrical and Computer Engineering) the total will
add up to 10.7% of all undergraduate students (Enrollment and Demographic Reports,
2015). The lack of OSU recognition of computer science importance is reflected by the
percentage of funding the EECS receives.

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08 Feb 2016

References:
1. General Catalog & Schedule of Classes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 08, 2016,
from http://catalog.oregonstate.edu/bcc.aspx
2. EECS. (n.d.). Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Retrieved February
05, 2016, from http://eecs.oregonstate.edu/about-eecs
3. Oregon State research reaches record, exceeds $308 million. (n.d.). Retrieved
February 06, 2016, from
http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2015/sep/oregon-state-research-reachesrecord-exceeds-300-million
4. Enrollment and Demographic Reports. (2015, November 27). Retrieved February
07, 2016, from http://oregonstate.edu/admin/aa/ir/enrollmentdemographic-reports
5. Rimel, A. (2015, May 26). OSU Solar Vehicle Team faces uncertain future.
Corvallis-Gazette Times. Retrieved February 06, 2016, from
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/osu-solar-vehicle-team-faces-uncertainfuture/article_5f2a9feb-4425-52f6-9319-4cb4fb93c422.html
6. Fastest Growing Occupations [Internet]. Jan 2012. Career One Stop; [Cited Feb
2, 2016] . Available from: http://www.careerinfonet.org/oview1.asp?
printer=&next=oview1&level=overall&optstatus=&id=1&nodeid=3&soccode=&stfi
ps=00&jobfam=&group=1&showall=yes
7. Sober, T. (2014). Analysis: The exploding demand for computer science
education, and why America needs to keep up - GeekWire. Retrieved February
07, 2016, from http://www.geekwire.com/2014/analysis-examining-computerscience-education-explosion/