Success in Computer Science Major: Importance of Early Courses
Understanding the correlation between success in introductory Computer Science and Mathematics courses and success in the Computer Science major is crucial. Data analysis reveals the impact of grades in key courses like Comp 110 and Comp 182 on graduation rates for Computer Science students. Special attention is needed for students requiring remedial Math courses to improve graduation rates in Computer Science. Emphasizing student success in these essential courses is essential for achieving high graduation numbers in Computer Science.
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Success in Early Courses vs. Success in the Major Richard Lorentz, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Does success in introductory Computer Science and/or Mathematics classes correlate with success in the Computer Science major? Guiding Questions Is doing well in these classes verses just passing them significant?
For students declared as Computer Science majors we looked at those that required remedial Math courses Math 092 or Math 093 to see if they graduated and, if so, in what major. Overview of Data Almost all Computer Science students take freshman level courses Comp 110 and Comp 182. We collected data on how many graduated and in what major based on their grades in these two classes.
Students requiring Math 092 or Math 093 have difficulty getting a degree in Computer Science. 71 students took 1 or both of these classes, only 5 graduated in Computer Science and 13 graduated in other majors. 53 did not get a degree. Doing well in Comp 110 is important for earning a Computer Science degree. In Comp 110, among those students with an A in the class, 67% graduated in Computer Science. With a B, 18%. With a C, 15%, With DFU, 0%. Findings Results were similar for Comp 182. Those with an A in the class, 76% got Computer Science degrees. With a B, 54%. With a C, 17%. With a DFU, 14%
Students entering the University requiring Math 092 or Math 093 are going to need special attention if we hope to get high numbers of them to graduate in Computer Science. Concluding thoughts The Department should emphasize student success in Comp 110 and Comp 182, not just at the level of passing these classes, but actually doing well in them.
