Assessing Community in an Undergraduate Computer Science Program Using Social Network Analysis

Abstract

Sense of community and belonging represent key components of students’ success in undergraduate degree programs. As part of a curriculum effort designed to strengthen these components, we conducted a Social Network Analysis of students in an undergraduate computer science program to establish a baseline measurement of students’ connectedness in the program. Analysis of these data showed no significant differences in connectedness between male and female students or white and non-white students. The analysis did identify significant differences based on students’ class year, interest and participation in computer games, and being employed by the computer science department.