Gannon University

The Software Engineering program is designed to produce graduates who are capable of developing high-quality software systems. This outcome includes developing technical competency as well as leadership and communication skills necessary to analyze, design, verify, validate, implement, and maintain software systems. Gannon software engineers learn how to apply the principles of computer science, engineering, and analysis to the design, creation, testing, and evaluation of software and digital systems. As the societal dependence on software systems grows, the students will have the foundations necessary to face ethical dilemmas and to act responsibly as part of their professional training.

Opportunities:

Software engineers specialize in the specification, design and development of software systems. Software systems now serve in life-critical as well as business-critical domains, and require professionals who are prepared to develop systems in a reliable manner, balancing business needs, technology, and human factors in order to yield a successful product. Software engineering is an emerging profession and is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupation between now and 2010.

Program Outcomes:

This program of study has been specifically developed using the rigorous computing accrediting standards recently issued by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) and the engineering standards issued by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, Inc. Similarly, Gannon's Software Engineering program is built around the successes enjoyed by the successful Computer Science and Engineering programs whose students enjoy a long history of success in solving problems and building systems.

Our program has a strong focus on problem-solving that begins with the very first course in computing (CIS 190 Principles of Computing) and is carried through into the senior design sequence (CIS 457/8 Senior Design). Throughout the learning process, students learn how to effectively define and represent both problems and the solutions needed to solve those problems. Throughout the course of study, students learn to and practice making ethical decisions.

All students learn the art and science of specifying, designing, building and testing software for high-quality systems. In addition, they learn how to utilize information and computer technology, while developing and maintaining a comprehension of the changing technology used in computer-based systems. Through this learning process, we expect students to own a desire for continuous improvement and demonstrate effective verbal, written, and listening communication skills.

Specifically, Software Engineering students completing our program learn to:

• Interface with business and analytical professionals to solve software development problems
• Manage software systems developments
• Implement high quality software systems in one or more application domains
• Maintain high quality software systems in one or more application domains

Course descriptions provided in section: Computer & Information Science.

Domain Concentrations and Science Electives

To complete their degree, students select nine (9) or more credits of coursework in a specific application domain where software engineering is applied. The purpose of the courses is for the student to gain an understanding of the selected application domain, and its use of software to support functions/operations within that domain. Course selection is done with the guidance of the student's academic advisor so that an appropriate and coherent set of courses is taken. The student's science course set should be selected to complement their domain concentration, and must consist of an approved two-course sequence including labs. Domain concentration and science electives must be approved prior to registration.

Suggested Science Course Sets:

Software Engineering Curriculum

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