Saudi Undergraduate Computing Programs in Light of the 2020 Curricula Report

Abstract

University undergraduate pro- grams in computing disciplines are updated regularly to adapt to advancements in the field and emerging, fast-growing industry demand. This paper reports the current status of a selected set of undergraduate programs in com- puting fields in Saudi Arabia and compares them to other programs from international universi- ties in light of the 2020 Computing Curricula Report (CCR). This comparative study aims to enlighten future efforts for designing cur- ricula and updating undergraduate computing programs in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 26 Saudi universities (15 public and 11 private) and 15 international universities offering 161 programs is selected. The comparison criteria include program discipline, duration, number of units, accreditation, required training, and others. We find significant differences between programs offered by Saudi public and private universities compared to international university programs. For example, programs offered by Saudi universities, especially the public, require more units compared to international programs (median of 143 units vs. 120 units). Our findings would guide future undergraduate computing program developments in Saudi Arabia.