Curricular choice and technical—non-technical balance in computer science and engineering degree programs

Abstract

Many undergraduate engineering programs offer minimal course choice opportunities and constrain students in their ability to realize a broad and balanced education. This study delineates the course choice opportunities (i.e. free electives, technical electives, etc.) and balance of required technical and non-technical coursework in 62 computer science and computer engineering programs spanning 35 U.S. News & World Report top-ranked engineering colleges. Students in the studied computer science and engineering programs were afforded a median of 3% of their degree program as free electives and choices in 49% of total course selections. Across the same universities, other engineering disciplines provided even less choice (median 1% free electives and 39% total choice); in contrast, chemistry, math, and physics programs allotted a median of 17% free electives and choice in 67% of course selections. The computer science and engineering programs required a median of 74% technical coursework (engineering, math and natural science) and 23% non-technical coursework; students in these programs experience less curricular balance than their natural science and math peers. Flexible and balanced degree programs in computer science and engineering exist and may appeal to a broader sector of students, facilitate in-migration and on-time graduation, and reflect evolving societal needs.