Computer Science

SupAur Presentation_v6

Grant Opportunities

Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant

MSTI - Tasks - Computer Science

Pathway to earn a supplementary authorization (SA) in computer science

-MSTI faculty in the Department of Computer Science will develop a program of coursework including computer programming, data structures, algorithms, digital devices, systems and networks, software design, and impacts of computing to meet the content requirements of the California Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science.

Advisement for supplementary authorization (SA) in computer science program

The new supplementary credential program in computer science will be open to undergraduates, graduate students, and community members who desire to add a supplementary authorization in computer science to their elementary or secondary teaching credential. MSTI personnel will advertise and recruit individuals into this program using targeted emailing, personal counseling, and website advertising.

Preparing prospective math teachers to teach computer science

All teachers who hold California mathematics credentials are authorized to teach mathematics, however few have sufficient content knowledge to teach computer science. The CSUN MSTI Mathematics team will encourage future math educators to complete the new supplementary authorization program so that they will have sufficient knowledge to teach computer science.

CSUN MSTI Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science

A Computer Science Department committee consisting of Ani Nahapetian, Li Liu and Steven Stepanek developed the following curriculum. The curriculum plan was reviewed and approved by the Computer Science Department during their meeting on January 22, 2021.

Goal of this curriculum:

To prepare secondary education instructors to be able to teach courses in: Computing Principles, Introduction to Computer Programming, and possibly a second course in programming. They would need to be familiar with the materials covered by the AP tests in computer science principles and in programming.

The California Department of Education has published a requirements standard for teaching the subject of computer science consisting of four major topic requirements to be covered by a minimum of 20 units and a requirement of “C” or better in each course:

1. Computational thinking (4-11 units)

A (0-5 units)

MATH 103 - (Mathematical Methods for Business)
MATH 105 (Pre-Calculus)
MATH 150A (Calculus) (0-5 units)

[We can assume students are at minimum MATH 103 ready. This requirement is to meet our course prerequisites.]

B (4-6 units)

COMP 110/L Introduction to Algorithms & Programming, OR 111A/L-111B/L ( [COMP 111/L is a two-semester stretch version of COMP 110/L.]

2. Computing practice and programming (8 units)

A. COMP 182/L Data Structures & Program Design (4 units)

B. CIT 270/L Integrative Programming (4 units)

3. Computers and communication devices (8 units)

A. COMP 122/L Computer Architecture & Assembly Language (2 units)

B. CIT 101/L Computers & Information Technology Fundamentals(3 units)

C. CIT 160/L Internet Technologies (3 units)

4. Impacts of computing (e.g. social, ethical, legal) [to be covered either in above courses or as a separate course] – covered by COMP 110/L, 111/L, CIT 101/L

Total units: 20-27

Longer term – the department has started discussions on changes to the computer science minor that would permit an undergraduate student who is working on this supplementary authorization to have these courses count towards the requirements of a minor. About 12 additional units would be required to complete the minor – mostly upper division courses.

Graduate (10-unit) Supplemental Authorization Program

Dr. Brian Foley and Dr. Li Liu are working on a graduate course (10-unit) supplemental authorization program to be offered through the Tseng College beginning in Summer 2023.

Introductory SA

Session 1: SED 671 and COMP 300 (6 units) - summer 2023
Session 2: SED 525CS and EDUC 605 (4 units) - fall 2023

Advanced SA

Session 1: COMP 333/484 and COMP 324 (6 units) - summer 2023
Session 2: SED 525CS and EDUC 605 (4 units) - fall 2023

So the summer classes would be different for the two programs and the fall would be the same (combined classes)

Also there would be an entrance requirement for the advanced SA program (e.g. passing the final for Comp 110). Both groups take the CS methods course.

Spring 2022

Our department is actively advertising the SA. Please see our Announcement on, https://www.csun.edu/engineering-computer-science/computer-science
We have reached out to local high schools including Granada Hills about the SA.
We also passed on the information to our students through student clubs.
Some students showed interest and asked for our advice. We are looking into questions they have including,
1. Can the student take any of the courses as a community college, with which there is an articulation agreement.
2. There was a question regarding math. The math is not part of the required coursework and so if the student can get enrolled in COMP 110/L can he just move forward.

CSUN Computer Science Supplemental Authorization Program/Certificate for In-service Teachers