Strategic plan for enhancing higher education computing degree programs in Iraq

Computing has dramatically influenced progress in science, engineering, business, and many other areas of human endeavor. Computing is globally pervasive and necessary for the future growth of established and developing countries. Iraq is a part of this competitive world where such changes lead to serious consequences for those who do not quickly and properly adapt themselves to new situations. The main aim of this paper is to propose a strategic plan for the enhancement of computing degree programs in Iraqi universities and higher institutions. The paper begins by providing an overview of computing curriculum development. Then, computing education programs in Iraq are presented from a historic standpoint. The current situation in Iraq for computing education programs is also described in the paper. This current status provides the basis for the description of the proposed strategic plan.