The following table lists the ABET/EAC-required outcomes for degree programs in Software Engineering, and compares them with ABET/CAC-required outcomes for programs in CS.
One intent is to provide a basis for estimating what would be required to achieve dual accreditation in Computer Science and Software Engineering. In the left column, the outcomes labeled "E-n" are required of all engineering programs and the outcomes labels "SE-n" are specific to software engineering programs. In the right column are outcomes from the new ABET/CAC criteria for accreditation of programs in CS, so that an assessment for the CS outcome might be sufficient to address both outcomes, or where there does not appear to be any similar CS outcome, a place where the E/SE outcome might be assessed.
Another intent is to predict the direction in which the target for CS accreditation criteria is likely to move in coming years. That is, the new CS criteria apparently represent one step in a program whose goal is to eventually merge the CS and engineering criteria. That is, the current criteria for engineering programs may be indicative of future criteria for CS.
| Engineering/Software Engineering Outcome | Where to teach and assess? |
|---|---|
| E-a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering | CS-a. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline |
| CS-j. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices | |
| E-b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data | General Physics sequence |
| E-c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability | Software Engineering sequence |
| E-d. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams | Software Engineering sequence |
| E-e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems | Software Engineering sequence |
| E-f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility | CS-e. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities |
| E-g. An ability to communicate effectively | CS-f. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences |
| E-h. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context | CS-e. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities |
| CS-g. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society | |
| E-i. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning | Similar to CS-h |
| E-j. a knowledge of contemporary issues | CS-e. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities |
| CS-g. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society | |
| E-k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice | CS-a. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline |
| SE-l. An ability to analyze, design, verify, validate, implement, apply, and maintain software systems | Multiple courses? |
| SE-m. An ability to appropriately apply discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, and relevant topics in computer science and supporting disciplines to complex software systems | CS-j. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices |
| SE-n. An ability to work in one or more significant application domains | Software Engineering sequence |