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Frequently Asked Questions

students in the atriumYou have questions? We have answers! If you can’t find the answers to your questions in the list below, contact us.

1. Advising

2. Registration

3. Applying to the Professional Program

4. How To

Answers


1. ADVISING

What do I need to fill out and bring to my computer science advising session?

  • A copy of your academic plan (if current) or an updated academic plan.
  • If you don't have an updated academic plan completely fill out the academic plan corresponding to your major-option found on the Frequently Used Forms page.
  • The following are sample four year plans for each option:
    • Computer Systems Option sample plan
    • Information Systems Option sample plan
    • Applied Option sample plan

What do I need to fill out and bring to my ECE/EE/CpE advising session?

  • A copy of your academic plan (if current) or an updated academic plan.
  • If you don't have an updated academic plan completely fill out the academic plan corresponding to your major found on the Used Forms page.
  • The following are sample four year plans for each ECE track:
    • ECE Track Specific Plans [pdf]
      • Computer and Network
      • Energy Systems
      • Generalist/FE Exam Prep
      • High Frequency Systems and Applied Electromagnetics
      • Integrated Circuits
      • Materials and Devices
      • Optoelectronics
      • RF Communications
      • Robotics and Controls
      • Systems, Signals, and Communications
      • Sustainability and Renewable Energy (coming soon)

What is Fall Term Advising and how is it different from the other terms?
All EECS students are required to submit an updated academic plan to the EECS Student Services Office (KEC 1148) during fall term. Information sessions on the ECE tracks and CS options are offered during this term. Students will pick up their academic plan after attending one of the session.

If the academic plan is good or has a few minor problems the plan will be returned along with the students registration PIN for winter term registration. If the academic plan has some major problems the plan will be returned to the student with a note informing the student that they must meet with an advisor for their winter term registration PIN.

Do I need a registration PIN?
Yes. The College of Engineering requires that all engineering students be issued a new registration PIN for fall, winter, and spring term registration. A registration PIN is not required for summer term registration.

What is considered a passing grade for required courses in the CS and ECE programs?
Effective Fall 2008, a grade of C or better is considered a passing grade for required courses in the CS and ECE programs. The passing grade for required courses taken prior to Fall 2008 is a C-.

What do I do if I don’t pass a required course in the CS or ECE program?
If you do not pass a required course in the CS or ECE program you must retake it. This course must be repeated until it is successfully passed. You should not take any course that lists the non-passed course as a prerequisite.

When do I have to decide which computer science program option I will take (computer systems, information systems, or applied computer science)?
The first four terms of pre-computer science coursework are usually the same for all three options. Students should complete CS 160, CS 161,CS 162, CS 261, MTH 231, MTH 232, MTH251, and MTH 252 during these terms. Students must select an option when they apply to the professional program.

Why do I have to take so many non-CS courses?
Computer scientists play a key role in providing services for various user communities. They need to be aware of the effects on society of the technical decisions they make. Employers regularly tell us that students graduating from our school are technically prepared. What they are looking for in addition are oral and written communication skills. For the Computer Systems Option many of these courses are also required for accreditation.

When do I have to decide on an ECE track?
Students should have a good idea which track they want to pursue when they apply to the professional program. At the very least, students should decide if they are going to pursue the Computer and Network track due to course planning constraints. It is possible for students to work on some tracks prior to being admitted into the professional program. Students are encouraged to meet with an undergraduate advisor to help explore their options.

2. REGISTRATION

How do I enroll in a blanket course (CS/ECE 401, 405, 406)?
Complete the Blanket Course Request form. Instructions are included in the form.

APPLYING TO THE PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
When and how do I apply to the CS or ECE Professional Program?
Most students apply at the beginning of spring term of their sophomore year. The applications are submitted online. Applications for entry into the professional program are due on July 1st for Fall Term admission. The online application becomes available about one month before the due date. The link to the application is found on the College of Engineering home page when it becomes available.

What if I can't finish the required pre-engineering courses by the end of my second year?
First, you may choose to take one or more pre-engineering courses during summer term. The school usually offers all freshman-, sophomore-, and junior-level computer science courses each summer. You may also take the mathematics, writing, and speech courses you need during summer term.

Your application will be considered if you will be no more than one course short by the beginning of the term you will enter the professional program. If you are accepted, it will be on a conditional basis. Part of your Conditional Admission requirements will be complete the missing course a grade of C or better the next term the course is offered at OSU.

If you are more than two courses short, you should plan to apply to the professional program during the fall term of your junior year. Take technical courses, restricted electives, etc., so that you do not lose ground. (Some courses open to 3rd year, non-CS program students are synthesis and perspective courses.)

More professional program admission details are found in the College of Engineering Advising Guide.

When I submit my application to the professional program, how will it be evaluated?
The school uses pre-engineering course grades to calculate your core GPA from your transcript. The method for computing the GPA is detailed in the College Advising Guide. The school then compares all applicants' GPAs and selects the top applicants. You can figure out your pre-core GPA by using the College of Engineering Pre-Core GPA Tracking Tool.

Can I apply to more than one department or program when I apply to the professional engineering program?
You may apply to more than one department or program. However, you must satisfy all requirements for each department or program to which you apply. You will only be admitted to one program. To add an additional major or to change to a different major in the College of Engineering you must submit a College of Engineering Petition and a Change of Undergraduate Program form.

I applied but was not accepted to the professional program. What do I do now?
One option is to wait and apply to the program next year. More realistically, you should consider another major or, if that is not acceptable, consider another university. In a case like this, it is always a good idea to talk to your advisor or a counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services (Snell 500). It is also possible to switch to another major and apply the pre-engineering course work that you have completed toward that degree.


3. GENERAL INFORMATION

Can I take a course S/U?
You may take any course S/U except those which appear on the list of required pre-engineering and professional courses for your major. Non-engineering courses that are required for your major, such as WR 121, COMM 111 or 114, and WR 327, cannot be taken S/U. See also Academic Regulation 18 for additional details.

If I get a grade of C in a required course, may I repeat it?
Effective Fall 2008, the College of Engineering will follow the university Academic Regulation 20. A course taken at OSU can be repeated once to attempt to improve your OSU GPA. See the College of Engineering Advising Guide for more information.

I have completed the pre-engineering course work but I have not yet been accepted into the professional program. Can I take any upper division courses while I’m waiting?
Yes, but you must submit a College of Engineering petition for courses you wish to take. The petition is submitted to the EECS Student Services office in KEC 1148. Petitions will be generally approved for classes for which you have completed all of the prerequisites if it also appears that you have a chance of being accepted into the program based on your current GPA.

The petition must be approved by the school and by the college if your pre- GPA is below 2.75. Submitted petitions will be reviewed on or before the first day of classes. In any case you should attend the first day of classes for each course you petitioned. Pre-engineering students can petition to take up to two pro-courses per term up to a maximum of four courses.

I am enrolled in the professional program. Does that mean that I can take any upper division engineering course?
Yes, as long as you have completed any prerequisite courses for that course.

How long will it take me to complete my CS or ECE degree?
The normal completion time is four years. Students participating in MECOP will require at least two additional terms.

Can I substitute courses from other institutions or departments for required courses?
In many cases students wish to complete degree requirements with courses from other institutions or with similar courses at Oregon State. Substitute courses must be approved by the school. Students submit a EECS Program Petition for such approvals. These requests are generally approved when the substitute course can be shown to be equivalent. Course equivalencies already accepted by the university are listed in these articulation tables.

When and how do I apply for graduation?
Applying for graduation is done online through Student Records in Student Online Services. Applications can be submitted as early as three terms in advance and no later then the second week of the term in which you wish to graduate. Students should schedule a preliminary graduation audit with Shauna Riedel once they have submitted their application.

4. HOW TO

Add a course in the 2nd week of the term?

  • Use the College of Engineering Restriction Override form.
  • This form requires the signature of the student and course instructor.
  • Once the proper signatures are acquired, the form is returned to the department offering the course for departmental approval. That department will complete the override if approved.

Apply for graduation?
Applying for graduation is done online through Student Records in Student Online Services. Applications can be submitted as early as three terms in advance and no later then the second week of the term in which you wish to graduate. It is advised that students apply as soon as possible. Students should schedule a preliminary graduation audit with Shauna Riedel once they have submitted their application.

Change my CS option?
PRE-Students

  • Use the Undergraduate Academic Program form.
  • Return the form to the EECS (KEC 1148) for approval.
  • Take form to the College of Engineering Undergraduate Office (BAT 151) for approval.
  • Submit form to the Registrar’s Office in Kerr for processing.

PRO-Students

Change my major or add a minor?
Pre-students and those adding a minor:

  • Use the Undergraduate Academic Program form.
  • Return the form to Batcheller 151 for approval.
  • Submit form to the Registrar in Kerr for processing.

PRO-Students changing to another PRO major:

Change to S/U grading?

  • Use the Change of Grading Basis form.
  • Verify that you are allowed to S/U the course.
  • This form requires departmental approval (KEC 1148).
  • If approved, submit to the Registrar in Kerr Administration Building.

Get a course waived or substitute a course for a required course?

  • Use a EECS Program Petition and carefully detail the justification for having your petition approved.
  • Return the petition to the EECS Office (KEC 1148).

Get a CS-Applied Program or ECE Self-Designed Program approved?

  • Use the Approval Form for Applied Computer Science Option Program or ECE Self-Designed Track Approval Form.
  • Return the form to the EECS Student Services Office (KEC 1148).

Withdraw from a course?
This can be done online. This must be done before the end of the 7th week of classes.
If you have a hold on your account you must go in person to the Registrar’s Office to drop a course.

Late drop, late add, or late withdraw from a course?

  • Pick up a PETITION for Approval form from the Registrar in Kerr Administration Building.
  • The Registrar’s Office will advise you of what approvals you will need. These petitions are not often approved so don't miss the deadlines.
  • Return the form to the Registrar in Kerr Administration Building.

Get into a closed ECE or CS course?

  • Use the College of Engineering Restriction Override form.
  • This form requires the signature of the student and course instructor.
  • Once the proper signatures are acquired, the form is returned to the department offering the course for departmental approval. That department will complete the override if approved.

Get into a Pro-ECE or Pro-CS course as a pre-engineering Student?

  • Submit a College of Engineering Restriction Override form if missing any prerequisites. This form requires the signature of the student and course instructor.
  • Submit a College of Engineering Petition requesting to take the pro course as a pre student.
  • Return both forms to the EECS Student Services office in KEC 1148 for review. If approved, the department will complete the override and notify you that you can now register.

Get into an ECE or CS course as a non-engineering student?

  • Use the College of Engineering Restriction Override form.
  • This form requires the signature of the student and course instructor.
  • Once the proper signatures are acquired, the form is returned to the department offering the course for departmental approval. That department will complete the override if approved.

Get into a course when I’m missing a prerequisite?
Use the College of Engineering Restriction Override form.

  • This form requires the signature of the student and course instructor.
  • Once the proper signatures are acquired, the form is returned to the department offering the course for departmental approval. That department will complete the override if approved.

Get a registration PIN?
You must have an updated academic plan on file with the EECS Student Services Office (KEC 1148) before you can get your registration PIN. If you are currently in the School of EECS, you are making satisfactory progress in your major, and you have an updated academic plan on file, your spring and fall registration PIN may be mailed to your ONID email account. Those students not making satisfactory progress or who do not have an updated academic plan on file will be notified by an email to their ONID account with further directions. This usually happens in the fifth week of the term.

Contact Info

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Phone: (541) 737-3617
Fax: (541) 737-1300
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