William Paterson University of New Jersey

Department of Computer Science

College of Science and Health

Course Outline

1.        TITLE OF COURSE AND COURSE NUMBER: Internship;   CS495   Credits: 3

2.        DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: This course provides a field experience in the Computer Science profession. An agency provides the environment and general supervision during the experience while a faculty member meets with the student on an ongoing basis to relate the field experience to the Computer Science profession.

3.        COURSE PREREQUISITES: Junior standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better and the approval of the Curriculum and Planning Committee.

4.        COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To provide a mechanism for students to participate in a field experience within the profession.

To apply knowledge to problem solving in a real‑world professional setting.

To develop a sense of responsibility and a professional attitude toward work assignment.

To further develop communication, interpersonal, and team‑working skills.

To learn the importance of prioritizing tasks and time management.

5.        STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

a) Effectively express themselves in written and oral form

b) Demonstrate ability to think critically

c) Locate and use information for problem solving

d) Demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge in a coherent and meaningful manner to solve real‑world problems

e) Work with others on a team

f) Prioritize tasks and efficiently manage the time

           Achievement of these outcomes will be assessed based upon:

· reports from the external field  supervisor and the faculty sponsor,

· the student’s final written report,

· a survey/questionnaire formulated for internship assessment.

6.        TOPICAL OUTLINE OF THE COURSE CONTENT:

Any type of internship work related to the CS major program would be considered. Since this internship program is a 400‑level course, the nature, level, and quality of the internship work must meet a high standard to be approved by the Curriculum Committee of the Department.

7.        GUIDELINES/SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING METHODS AND STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Refer to item #8 below.

8.        GUIDELINES/SUGGESTIONS FOR METHODS OF STUDENT ASSESSMENT (STUDENT LEARING OUTCOMES):

Step 0: Conditions required of all students applying for internship:

• A G.P.A of 3.0 or better

• Junior standing

• Approval of Curriculum Committee (procedure outlined below)

Step 1: Applicant should first find a sponsoring faculty member in the Department of Computer Science who will guide and evaluate the progress of the applicant, including the final grade for the course.

Step 2: Applicant should seek an internship position, which would qualify as a significant contribution to his/her professional growth in Computer Science. The supervisor who evaluates his/her performance on the job would provide the sponsoring faculty with periodic evaluation documentation/reports.

Step 3: Applicant should complete the Internship Application Form, preferably with the guidance of the sponsoring faculty. The objective, methodology, personnel, timetable, and model for evaluation should be carefully formulated and types. The document should describe activities proposed for the next semester.

Step 4: Applicant should then get the signatures/approval of the corporate supervisor and faculty member on the application.

Step 5: Submit the form to the Curriculum Committee for approval at least one week before the start of the semester in which the Internship is desired. The Committee must approve the proposal by a majority vote. All further steps given below are under the condition of this approval exclusively.

Step 6: During the Internship, the sponsoring faculty member and student will meet regularly to review progress and to relate the experience to the larger context of professional development.

Step 7: At the end of the Internship, the student must provide a written report on the experience with copies going to the sponsoring faculty member, the department secretary, and the agency representative.

Step 8: The sponsoring faculty will give the final evaluation/grade for the project.

9.        SUGGESTED READINGS, TEXTS. OBJECTS OF STUDY:

Not applicable.

10.      BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SUPPORTIVE TEXTS AND OTHER MATERIALS:

Not applicable.

11.      PREPARER'S NAME AND DATE: Drs. Erh‑Wen Hu, Gilbert Ndjatou, and John Najarian; Fall 1996

12.      ORIGINAL DEPARTMENTAL APPROVAL DATE: Spring, 1997

13.      REVISORS'S NAME AND DATE: Dr. E. Hu; Spring, 2005 and previously 2000

14.      DEPARTMENTAL REVISION APPROVAL DATE: 2005.