Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the importance of ABET accreditation for Computer Science (CS) programs, particularly in the context of choosing between Oregon State University (OSU) and Western Oregon University (WOU). Participants also touch upon the relevance of mathematics courses for programming.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the significance of ABET accreditation for CS, noting that OSU's program is accredited while WOU's is not.
- Another participant shares their experience, suggesting that ABET certification is crucial for Electrical Engineering (EE) and Computer Engineering (CE) graduates, citing difficulties faced by non-ABET graduates in securing federal jobs.
- A participant expresses concern that CS should already be an established major with ABET accreditation, implying that the lack of accreditation at WOU could be a red flag.
- Some participants advocate for choosing an ABET-accredited program, arguing that it is beneficial for future employment opportunities.
- Discussion includes the importance of specific math courses, such as Discrete Structures and Linear Algebra, for CS majors, with one participant highlighting their relevance to computing.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that ABET accreditation is important, particularly for engineering disciplines, but there is some uncertainty regarding its necessity for CS specifically. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the implications of attending a non-ABET accredited program.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the significance of ABET accreditation may depend on specific career paths or employer preferences, which are not fully explored in the discussion. The relevance of math courses for programming is also mentioned but not deeply analyzed.