TTAC approves Computer Science field of study after debate over math prerequisites
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Summary
TTAC approved a Computer Science field of study using the alternative framework; members debated whether Calculus 1 should be 3 or 4 credits, the role of prerequisites (precalculus/college algebra), and how to preserve articulation while protecting student pathways.
The Texas Transfer Advisory Committee voted to adopt a recommended Computer Science field of study and will forward the package to the commissioner for approval after staff post it for public comment.
Nina Jaboher, computer science professor and department chair at Lone Star College, presented the recommended curriculum and explained the committee's compromise to allow either 3- or 4-credit calculus options in order to accommodate varying institutional articulation agreements. "Our recommendation is to vote on adopting the designated curriculum and the discipline foundation courses," Jaboher said.
Members from community colleges and universities pressed the committee on prerequisites and credit-hour consequences for transfer students. Gary Evans (Collin College) asked whether Calculus 1 should be listed as 3 or 4 credits; Jaboher and other presenters said the committee agreed on allowing 3 or 4 credits to accommodate institutions with existing articulation agreements but emphasized that students and advisors must be informed when a 4-credit option is likely the default at the receiving university.
Speakers also debated whether linear algebra and higher-level math should be required by universities rather than included in the field. The committee kept physics and other sciences in nonbinding directed electives to preserve flexibility for colleges that have specific articulation agreements with nearby universities.
A motion to accept the Computer Science field of study was made and seconded by four-year and two-year representatives; the roll-call vote was held and the co-chair declared the motion passed. Staff noted a postvote correction to the label for Calculus credit hours to ensure the final materials show the intended 3-or-4-credit flexibility.
TTAC staff will post the draft field of study for public comment and collect directed-elective lists from four-year partners before sending the complete package to the commissioner.