Student Engagement and Success Pathways in Computer Science Programs

Dahana Moz Ruiz

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: MS.COMPUTER/SCIENCE

Faculty Research Mentor: Daehan Kwak  Patricia Morreale

Abstract:

Many Computer Science and IT students struggle in their early programming courses and may leave the major before graduating. The Pathways / Cougar Pathway to Success project at Kean University was created to better support students at these critical transition points and help them stay engaged from freshman year through graduation and into careers or graduate school. This study analyzes longitudinal data from students who entered Kean University between the 2015 and 2026 academic years, including a focused subgroup of students who successfully graduated.Student participation was grouped into engagement levels based on involvement in academic support and research-related activities, including major-specific freshman orientation, peer-led supplemental instruction, workshops, student organizations, undergraduate research groups, career preparation events, and faculty mentoring focused on growth mindset teaching. Student engagement and outcomes were tracked using attendance records collected by the CAHSI Department, faculty, computer science club leadership, and publicly available career updates.Results show a clear and consistent pattern: higher engagement is associated with stronger academic performance and more career and research outcomes. Students in the highest engagement group (seven or more activities) earned an average GPA of approximately 3.66, compared to 2.72 for students with no recorded engagement. Highly engaged students also averaged more than seven outcomes, such as internships, conference presentations, publications, or job offers, while students in lower engagement groups averaged fewer than one outcome.The data also shows broader impacts on participation and inclusion. The percentage of Hispanic/Latino students increases from about 36% in the non-engaged group to over 52% in the highly engaged group, and female representation also rises at higher engagement levels. These findings suggest that structured pathway programs, early research exposure, and consistent academic support play a major role in improving student engagement, retention, and long-term success in computing fields, offering a practical model that can be adopted by other universities.Keywords: student pathways, computer science education, student support, student success, retention, undergraduate research