CS Undergraduate Advising Guide

Spring 2008 Revision: Effective April 2008

The School of EECS offers an undergraduate minor program for those students preparing for careers in other disciplines where computer science plays an important role. It also participates in the interdisciplinary minor in media communications.

The undergraduate computer science courses and requirements are designed to provide a strong background in the fundamental areas in computer science, including object-oriented programming, data structures, operating systems, analysis of algorithms, software engineering, and networking. Elective courses allow students to learn more about system administration, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and other exciting topics.

Most of our graduates immediately take jobs in industry or government. Others continue their education and earn advanced degrees in computer science, business administration, or other fields.

Students enter the program by declaring computer science as their major when they enroll at Oregon State. The recommended high school preparation is four years of mathematics, science, and English. High school programming or computer application courses should not be taken in place of other college preparatory courses.

The School of EECS also offers degrees in computer engineering. The programs of study in computer science and computer engineering complement each other. Computer science emphasizes software, systems, theory, and software applications. Computer engineering emphasizes computer hardware design, hardware applications, and electronics related to computers. Some computer science majors also major in computer engineering or another engineering discipline.

Computer science majors are encouraged to participate in the MECOP internship program. All students are encouraged to participate in the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and/or the student chapter of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

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Computer Science Major
Oregon State University offers the Pacific Northwest's most innovative and flexible undergraduate degree program in computer science. Students are able to choose between three different tracks, or options, all of which lead to the BS in computer science.

Every student completes 88 credit hours of core classes. These classes provide a solid grounding in the fundamental knowledge in computer science. These classes are:

• Computer Science Orientation
• Introduction to Computer Science I and II (Java)
• Data Structures
• Introduction to Databases
• Operating Systems I and II
• Analysis of Algorithms
• Fundamentals of Software Engineering I and II
• Introduction to Computer Networks
• Programming Language Fundamentals
• Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Science
• Senior Computer Science Electives
• Elements of Discrete Mathematics I and II
• Statistics for Engineers
• English Composition
• Writing II
• Technical Writing
• Public Speaking
• Senior Software Engineering Project, Internship, REU, or MECOP

In addition to these core classes, each computer science major takes the courses associated with one of the following options: Computer Systems Option (CSO), Information Systems Option (ISO), or Applied Computer Science Option (ACSO).

The Computer Systems Option is for those students who wish to take up computer science as a career, and seek an in-depth understanding of computer science as an academic discipline. This option provides excellent preparation for those who plan to further their studies by pursing an advanced degree (masters or Ph.D.) in computer science, or for working for companies that require advanced mathematics, computing theory, or hardware design.This option is ABET/CAC accredited.

The Information Systems Option includes the core classes in computer science, but also incorporates a minor in business administration. In addition to providing a solid grounding in both fields, this program can position the student for entry into the four-term MBA program offered by Oregon State's College of Business. By following both these programs, the student can complete both a BS in computer science and an MBA in five years. (Note: admission into the MBA or any graduate program is predicated by acceptable grades in undergraduate coursework, an acceptable score on a standardized graduate school admissions test, and letters of reference.)

The Applied Computer Science Option is designed for students who wish to combine the study of computer science with an in-depth examination of a related field. This option may include a major or minor from that related field. Examples of approved programs include the multimedia minor and pre-medicine. Students must have an approved applied program before the end of their first term in the professional program.

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Pre-Computer Science Program
The undergraduate program is divided into two halves. Lower-division (freshman and sophomore) courses comprise a program of pre-computer science study that a student completes before applying for entry into the upper-division "professional program" of computer science. The pre-computer science courses may be taken at Oregon State University or at any accredited college or university that offers equivalent courses transferable to Oregon State.

Some pre-computer science courses are the same for students in all three tracks: computer systems, information systems, and applied computer science. Some pre-computer science courses are required only for students in the computer systems track, and some pre-computer science courses are required only for students in the applied computer science track.

Pre-Computer Science Courses for the Applied Computer Science Option

Students must apply to the College of Engineering for admission into the upper-division "professional program" in computer science. The College accepts professional program applications in the spring term for admission the following fall term. It also accepts applications fall term for winter term admission.

Most students apply to the professional professional program during the spring term of their sophomore year, asking for fall admission to the program. Students applying for fall admission must demonstrate that they will have completed all (or all but one) of the required courses in the pre-computer science program by the beginning of fall term. In addition, students must demonstrate that they will have completed at least 80 hours of coursework by the beginning of fall term.

In order to qualify for admission to the professional program, a grade of C- or better must be earned in every pre-computer science course. A course in which a grade of D+ or lower is received may be repeated once.

Applicants for admission are evaluated by the School and are ranked according to GPA in pre-computer science courses. The College Advising Guide details the manner in which the GPA is computed for ranking purposes.

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Computer Science (Professional) Program
The professional program in computer science consists of junior and senior level courses. Enrollment in the program is limited to the number of students who can be served by the faculty and facilities available. Some courses in the computer science program are common to students in all three options: computer systems, information systems, and applied computer science. In addition, each option has its own set of additional course requirements.

The Senior Software Engineering Project
The Senior Software Engineering Project is a requirement designed to give students a computer science project like they will experience in the real world, taken completely through the software creation cycle. As a team, the students formulate, design, implement, document, and test the product. The classes CS 461, CS 462, and CS 463 make up the Senior Software Engineering Project.

Proposed applied programs are submitted to the Undergraduate Committee on the Applied Program Application Form. Students must have an approved applied program before the end of their first term in the professional program.

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Graduate School
Graduate school applications are generally made late in the fall of the senior year. Students are usually required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit the scores as a part of the application. Students interested in graduate studies should also look at announcements on the CS office's Graduate Student Bulletin Board, talk to their advisors, and talk to faculty who have expertise in the specific area of interest for the student. The Peterson's Guide and the ACM Guide to Graduate Study are very useful resources.

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Advising Procedures
The first advising session for each student is typically with the Head Undergraduate Advisor. If you are transferring credits to Oregon State from another institution or another major, these credits should be evaluated at this time.

After the meeting with the Head Undergraduate Advisor, you will be assigned a permanent advisor who will work with you throughout your stay at Oregon State to help you reach your academic and career objectives. Students are encouraged to plan their own programs of study each term to fit their own pace and interests within the limits of the degree requirements. It is the student's responsibility to determine those objectives and to develop a plan. The advisor is there to advise students on their progress, answer questions about requirements and policies, and help students evaluate different choices or plans.

It is School and University policy that students are responsible for the completion of the academic requirements for a degree. Each student must have a study list signed each term by an advisor before they can receive the PIN code they need to register for classes.

The advising and registration procedure is as follows:

Pre-CS advising is done in group advising sessions. You will receive email each term announcing when and where the sessions will be held. You should come to the group advising session with a plan for the next term. If you have issues that you prefer to discuss in a more private setting, you should make an appointment with your assigned advisor following the procedures for pro-CS students below. You will receive your PIN at your advising session.

Pro-CS advising is done as follows:

1. Two weeks before the beginning of Web registration you should come to the Computer Science office and:
   1. make an advising appointment with your advisor. Appointments are made by signing up in the appointment book at the front desk.
   2. pick up a pre-engineering or professional engineering study list from the CS office. (It is the 4" x 5.5" form you fill out to list the classes you plan to take.)
2. Refer to the General Catalog, the Schedule of Classes, and this document to select the courses you intend to take.
3. As best as you can, fill out the study list before your advising appointment. Your advisor will meet with you to advise and answer questions, not to fill out your study list.
4. After the study list is signed by the advisor, take the study list to the CS office to pick up your PIN (Personal Identification Number). With your PIN you may register via the Web.
5. You are encouraged to see your advisor about career planning and to discuss problems relating to their studies either during advising week or during their advisor's office hours. Advisors may also refer students with special problems to specialized campus resources.
6. Students with special problems may also seek advice from the School's CS Undergraduate Head Advisor or from the Head Undergraduate Advisor of the College of Engineering.

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Computer Science Minor
The School of EECS offers a minor to those students who wish to learn about computer science or who will be entering careers in science or business where computing will be an integral part of their work. Students minoring in computer science must have a "C-" or higher in every minor course and a 2.25 GPA for all minor courses to complete the minor requirements. Students may apply for the computer science minor after completing the lower division required courses with a GPA of 2.25 or higher. Use this form to apply for the CS minor.

The Computer Science Program restricts enrollment in upper division courses to students in the Professional Program. Majors enter the Professional Program based on GPA in the pre-CS courses. Students wishing to minor in Computer Science will be admitted to the minor program only if they meet the same GPA standards as students who enter the Professional Program. The minor student's GPA is calculated using the same rules as those for CS majors. Students accepted as minors must petition to get into the resrticted upper division courses and will be allowed to take only the number of classes required to complete the minor.

Students who wish to take CS 311, CS 312, and CS 372 to fulfill the upper division requirement must take CS 271 , which is a prerequisite for these courses. Students who want to take CS 440 must take CS 275.

Upper Division
12 hours of upper division computer science courses, not including CS 391, 395, 495, 401, 405, 406, 407, and 410 are also required. The courses most commonly taken by minors are:

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New Media Communications
In addition to the School of EECS courses, the New Media Communications Multimedia minor integrates courses from several OSU departments. More information is available is available from New Media Communications.

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Academic Standards for Graduation
In order to graduate in Computer Science, students must have a C- or higher in all required courses in the Computer Science program. (Any passing grade is acceptable for baccalaureate core courses not part of the pre-computer science or computer science program.) Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better in major courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better in all Oregon State coursework. Students are required to have 180 credit hours, at least 60 of them upper division, for graduation.

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Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the College and the University. Some scholarships are also available from the School of EECS. For new students, the online application for scholarships is reviewed by the University, then the College, and finally the School. For advanced students, applications are generally made in the spring for the following year. College and School deadlines are announced in class, via email, and on bulletin boards. The Financial Aid Office has information on University and national scholarships.

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Student Professional Societies
Computer science students are strongly encouraged to join one or both of the student chapters of the major professional societies for their profession (ACM and IEEE). Students joining these chapters receive publications; go on field trips; hear talks from professionals; increase their contacts with the faculty; learn about jobs, interview techniques, and resume writing; and find out about their profession.

In addition to the two major societies, the School supports the activities of students in AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society), SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and AWM (Association of Women in Mathematics), and others. All of these societies are open to all students.

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Internships
Internships are strongly recommended for computer science students. Such experiences serve as an important part of the educational process and also place the student in a better position when looking for a job after graduation. Job experience is an important qualification for many positions. Students completing internships often return to classes with a greater appetite for learning and a better understanding of academic and career objectives. The first step to an internship is to watch for opportunities posted on the Undergraduate Bulletin Board in KEC 1130, those registered with Career Planning and Placement Office in the Administrative Services Building, and those posted on the electronic bulletin boards. While most of these positions are for students with advanced standing, even first year students qualify for some.

Computer science majors who have a GPA of 3.0 or greater may receive academic credit for their internship. These students first find an internship (a paid internship is not required) and then register for from 3-12 hours of Computer Science 410. To complete the course, both the intern and the intern's supervisor must file a report describing the intern's activities.

The most prestigious internship program is MECOP (Multiple Engineering Co-Op Program). This program is a significant and innovative industry-university educational program. About fifty companies (including Intel, Mentor Graphics, Rogue Wave, Sequent, Tektronix, and Timberline Software) participate. Students apply for the program toward the end of their sophomore year. Those students who are selected must commit to two six-month (spring-summer) internships, and to the resulting two-term delay in completing a bachelor's degree. Each six month internship is at a different company so that students experience different work environments. During their internship the students are given significant job assignments and earn 70% of entry level pay. On average, MECOP students receive starting salaries $6,000 higher than non-MECOP students after graduation because of their job experience. The School schedules classes so that no required courses are only offered in the Spring Term when students are on their MECOP internships. Students may also receive up to 12 hours of academic credit for their MECOP internship by enrolling in CS 410.

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Jobs
Job searches are traditionally made through the Career Planning and Placement Office. Further opportunities exist through intern contacts, electronic bulletin boards, and the student chapters of professional organizations. The average starting salary for students graduating in June 2005 was $52,876. The job market for computer science graduates is again strong. Job openings are listed each week in the EECS Weekly News which is archived and an archived jobs list.

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School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1148 Kelley Engineering Center
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-5501
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