Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

A. Mission Statement

The Mission of the University of North Alabama is to be innovative, inclusive, engaged, evolving, and global.

B. Program Educational Objectives

Computer Information Systems: Within five years after completion of the program, students should be able to:

  • Contribute to economic development and society through the application and management of computer information systems for business, government, service, and research.
  • Advance in their careers in organizations by using computer information systems skills and by understanding evolving business and technological issues.
  • Continue their professional development through advanced study and research.
  • Hold a leadership position in their chosen career path.
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

Computer Science: Within five years after completion of the program, students should be able to:

  • Contribute to technological innovation and society through the application of computer science to research, industry, or government.
  • Advance in their careers in organizations by using computer science theory and skills and by understanding evolving technological issues.
  • Continue their professional development through advanced study or research.
  • Hold a leadership position in their chosen career path.
  • Effectively communicate technical concepts to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

Information Technology: Within five years after completion of the program, students should be able to:

  • Contribute to technological innovation and society through the application of information technology to research, industry, and government.
  • Advance in their careers in organizations by using information technology theory and skills and by understanding evolving technological issues.
  • Continue their professional development through advanced study or research.
  • Hold a leadership position in their chosen career path.
  • Effectively communicate technical concepts to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

C. Consistency of the Program Educational Objectives with the Mission of the Institution

The educational objectives of the Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, and Information Technology programs support the philosophy of the University's mission by recognizing that our graduates will have taken advantage of the educational opportunities and will be making contributions valued by the University, as expressed in its mission. These include elements of discovery and innovative accomplishment as well as participation in professional, civic, social, cultural, and economic development needs of our region in the context of an evolving, diverse, and global community.

D. Program Consistencies

The University of North Alabama is situated in northwest Alabama in the Shoals Metropolitan Area. UNA is within a triangle formed by the cities of Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama and is about 130 miles from each. About 70 miles away is Huntsville, Alabama. Our student population is largely drawn from a 12 county service area within about 50 miles of campus and it is these students who are the core of our targeted student services objectives. Our student population consists of a large number of first generation college students, many who are employed either full-time or part-time. The programs in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems are designed to meet the needs of regional, national, and global employers. Regional employers are our key stakeholders. Employer categories include defense and aerospace contractors, military and civilian government agencies, hospitals, manufacturing, professional and financial, and technology companies. Other key stakeholders include the students in our programs and our graduates. CSIS faculty and College administration also have a stake in our programs, in the success of each program, and in the success of our students.

E. Process for Review of the Program Educational Objectives

The process for program educational objectives review is described below:

  1. Prior to the Spring Industrial Board Meeting in odd-numbered years, faculty will be sent a copy of the current program educational objectives and the current University Mission Statement. Faculty will report feedback to accreditation coordinators and/or the department chair. Comments will be summarized and reviewed to inform questions to be asked of the Industrial Board.
  2. During the Industrial Board Meeting, students, faculty, and Industrial board members will be asked to review the program educational objectives and give input through a panel discussion. Minutes of the panel discussion are recorded by the departmental administrative assistant.
  3. Following the Industrial Board meeting, the department chair will take the proposed program educational objectives, along with comments from faculty, students, and Industrial Board members to the Sanders College of Business and Technology Administrative and Curriculum Committee to evaluate. The department chair will record any changes suggested by administrators.
  4. The accreditation coordinators and department chair will convene to analyze suggestions from all constituents. Should program educational objectives require revision, the new objectives will be revised and sent via email for review and approval of the constituents. If there are no objections, the new program educational objectives will go into effect.
  5. The resulting program educational objective statements are posted to the Departmental website for public inspection along with contact information for making inquiries and suggestions. All suggestions and inquiries are assembled for the next review cycle and incorporated at that time. These items are archived by the departmental administrative assistant and accreditation coordinators.

This process was adapted for Spring 2021 review to accommodate Covid-19 restrictions and constraints.