This is Leading by Example. This is Auburn Engineering.
Soon the day will come when students who want to earn an Auburn Engineering degree in computer science can do so from the comfort of their couch.
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering plans to offer an online undergraduate computer science degree, which will be the first online undergraduate degree offered within the college.
“This idea began after we conducted a survey to determine if there was a need to offer more online undergraduate degrees, and we found out that a million people in Alabama alone had earned some college credit, but not graduated,” said Richard Chapman, computer science and software engineering online program director and associate professor.
After the university took its research further, it was determined that of all online undergraduate degrees surveyed, computer science was one of the most in demand. From there, Chapman and a committee from across the university developed an online degree program that will allow students to complete all degree requirements in computer science coursework and graduate within two years.
Before enrolling in the curriculum, students will be required to have successfully completed Auburn University’s prerequisite courses.
The degree will be structured to offer students courses in software development and several areas of applications development, including personal computer, web and mobile devices, and will be taught by faculty members within the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
` “This program targets those who have wanted to go back to school and complete their degree, but because of work and family obligations, did not have the opportunity to do so on campus,” Chapman said. “We are confident our online program will provide the same experience as those students sitting in the classroom.”
To graduate within two years, students who have finished the prerequisite classes will be required to complete two courses per term over ten seven-and-a-half week terms, which differs from the traditional semester schedule on-campus students follow. But, Chapman emphasizes, the schedule is much better suited for those pursuing the online option.
“Students can take more courses, but can move on to their next set of classes sooner given the seven-and-a-half week terms, and graduate within a shorter time period,” Chapman said.
“We are filling a need for those who can’t be served through a traditional program,” Chapman said. “The biggest advantage is the flexibility the program offers those who have busy schedules, and can complete the courses at their convenience.”
The online degree will be offered beginning in spring 2018, pending approval from the Alabama Commission for Higher Education.
