NEW DEGREE, MAJOR, OR SUBMAJOR
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Degree/Program Title:
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Minor in Web Site Programming and Administration |
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Sponsor(s):
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Bennette Harris |
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Department(s):
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Mathematical and Computer Sciences |
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College(s):
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Letters and Sciences |
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Effective Term:
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Fall, 2001 |
| New Degree: Intent to Plan | ||
| New Degree: Final Proposal | ||
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| New Major: Final Proposal | ||
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X
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New Submajor: (check one of the following) | |
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X
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Minor | |
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| Certificate Program | ||
| Module: Intent to Plan | ||
| Module: Final Proposal | ||
| Other | ||
I. Exact description of request
The request is to create a new minor within the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in Web Site Programming and Administration. This request is accompanied by a companion request to create a Certificate in Web Site Programming and Administration.
A. Bulletin Description of Program
(Placed following the descriptions of the Computer Science minors)
Web site design and administration is perhaps one of the fastest growing
areas in the modern information and technology-driven world. Typical programs
of study tend to focus on either document design or web server technologies
and systems. The minor and certificate programs offered by the Department
of Mathematical and Computer Sciences is designed to bridge the gap smoothly
between these two extremes. By combining skills in the latest document
design systems and paradigms with a deep understanding of the background
technologies that drive document delivery and processing, students of these
programs will be well equipped to enter into this exciting field.
The minor consists of the following courses:765-171 Introduction to Programming (as revised)
765-172 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Java.Revised to use the Visual Basic programming language. Provides fundamental background to programming in general, and is an essential beginning to the study of programming for the web.765-307 Microcomputer ApplicationsCovers the essentials of object-oriented programming in Java, including programming applets suitable for incorporation in web sitesThis course treats a variety of applications of microcomputers, as well as their architecture, design and social impact.
The courses will be offered initially on the one-year schedule listed below. This schedule allows for the completion of the minor within two years by taking two courses per term, while at the same time allowing students enrolled in the companion certificate program to complete their studies within a shorter time frame.
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A typical minor plan might be as follows: semester 1 (spring) -
171; semester 2 - 172; semester 3 - 307, 372; semester 4 - 381, 382; semester
5 - 481.482.
There is virtually no job that remains untouched by the Internet. While modern web page development tools such as FrontPage and Dreamweaver make web page creation easier, web site development is a much more complex and technically challenging matter, one for which few businesses are prepared. Modern students of computer science are expected to be able to address these technical challenges. This new minor will offer a path for achieving the critical skills required in a rapid fashion. Because of its broad impact, the availability of this new minor will strengthen virtually every program at the university. This support role is a vital function of the Mathematical and Computer Sciences Department and the College of Letters and Sciences.
As part of the UW-Whitewater Strategic Plan, Priority 2 calls for the University to "deliver state of the art programs and services"; Goal 2.1 calls for "academic programs that are intellectually challenging, current, and dynamic." The minor supports this priority and goal by offering in-depth study in a technology that is changing the nature of information delivery systems the world over. It also provides a framework within which future technology changes can be addressed as this field continues to evolve.
UW-Whitewater Strategic Plan, Priority 5 calls for the University to "serve as a vital resource, particularly to the region"; Goal 5.2 calls for "a substantive contribution to the economic development of the region and the quality of life of its citizens." The minor supports this priority and goal by providing graduates with the skills to allow their employers to compete in the modern marketplace. The Internet and web are driving a new global perspective to business strategies of all kinds, and the rapid flow of information over the Internet changes the very nature of the way in which business is conducted. Graduates with this minor will provide vital skills in allowing Wisconsin and area businesses and industry to lead in these changes.
Some overlap exists between this program and the existing MCS program. MCS graduates are trained in the areas of programming, systems analysis/design and network management/administration with a strong background in business. Typical entry level positions include programmer, programmer/analyst, network engineer, network management/administration and PC support specialist. While the minor does include computer programming (and utilizes courses which are also required of MCS majors), the focus is on the delivery, processing, and administration of web content, not on business systems.
A business with a need for a significant Internet presence might require graduates from both of these areas in order to meet their needs: MCS graduates to develop and maintain their internal data systems, and graduates with a minor in Web Site Design and Administration to create, maintain, and administer all the aspects of the company’s web site and its connections to the company’s other existing systems.
III. Need/Demand for the Program
There is a growing trend among institutions worldwide to offer course work and certification programs in web site design. Because of a lack of standards in this area, the program offerings are quite diverse. Virtually all, however, focus on document Programming issues such as page layout and graphical content. Missing from such programs is the technical expertise to address issues of site administration, database connectivity, e-commerce, and server and site security. With many sites now being hosted on virtual servers, issues of server organization also need to be addressed. Many of these issues are tied to skills in computer programming and operating systems that fit naturally within the framework of a computer science minor.
Southeast Wisconsin is experiencing a dramatic increase in Internet use among businesses; this has created an increase in demand for employees knowledgeable about web site Programming and skilled in managing web projects from both the client and server perspectives. The Department has received over 100 inquiries in the last few months about the availability of a degree program or certificate in this area of study.
Learning Objectives
After completing this program, students will be able to: