REQUIREMENTS & Application

Academic Prerequisites

CSC 330 (Software Engineering)

Status: Completed OR currently enrolled.

Why: You'll need software engineering principles for project planning, design, and development

‼️ Make sure to discuss your academic readiness for this class with your advisor

You should have experience with:

Don't worry: You don't need to be an expert in everything. You'll learn and grow throughout the semester!

Team Size

• Required: Exactly 3 students per team (exceptions might be permitted for 4 students, check with instructor)

• No exceptions: Teams of 2 or less are not permitted

• Why: Three is the optimal size for workload distribution, collaboration, and accountability

Team Formation Options

Option 1: Apply with a Complete Team

• You already have 2 teammates

• All 3 members apply individually

• List your teammates in your applications

Option 2: Apply Individually

• You don't have teammates yet, we'll help you connect with others

• Use MS Teams channel to find teammates

  • Introduce yourself and share your skills

  • Share project ideas to gauge interest

[Join the MS Teams channel → ]

Section Requirement

Critical: All 3 teammates must be in the SAME section. Check schedules before forming teams

Be realistic about your availability

Step 1: Complete Online Application

• Fill out the application form

• Provide accurate information about prerequisites

• List teammates if you have them

• Indicate if you have a project idea

Time: 5-10 minutes

Step 2: Submit Initial Project Proposal (March 31)

• See "Project Proposal Requirements" below

• Email your proposal to cainn3@southerct.edu

  • Attached your team's proposal PDF file

  • Include all your teammates on the email

Step 3: Wait for Approval

• Timeline: 2-3 business days

• Notification: Email to your SCSU email address

• Result: Approved, waitlisted, or denied

Step 4: Receive Permission Code

• If approved: You'll receive a unique permission code

• Required for registration: You cannot register without this code

• One per student: Each teammate gets their own code

Step 5: Register During Your Enrollment Period

• Check your enrollment date on the Academic Calendar

• Register using your permission code

• Registration is ongoing till August 2026

Step 6: Submit your Full Proposal (May 15)

• See details for project proposal requirements below

• Failing to submit the full proposal on time will result in being disqualified from taking the class.

Important: Spots are limited; register as soon as your window opens

All teams must submit proposals before the semester begins. This is a two-phase process:

Deadlines

• March 31, 2026: Initial Proposal**

  • Get early feedback on your idea

  • Get approval to register for class

• May 15, 2026: Full Proposal

  • Detailed requirements and plan

  • Failing to submit the full proposal on time will result in being disqualified from taking the class.

Phase 1: Initial Proposal (March 31)

In order to get your registration code you need to submit a short proposal to get early feedback on your idea.

What to Include:

• Team members and contact info

• Problem statement: What problem are you solving?

• Proposed solution: What will you build?

• Key features (3-5 bullet points)

• Client status: Do you have a client, or are you seeking one?

• Team experience: Have you done similar work before?

• Template: [📄Initial Proposal Template →]

Phase 2: Full Proposal (May 15)

‼️ Failing to submit the Full Proposal will disqualify you from the class.

A detailed proposal with research and planning. 

What to Include:

• User research: How did you learn about your users?

• User personas: Who will use your system?

• Key features: Prioritized list (must have, should have, could have)

• User stories: Summary statements (e.g., "As a [user], I want to [action] so that [benefit]")

• Technology stack: What will you build with?

• Implementation plan: Phased timeline aligned to semester milestones

• Client information: Confirmed client contact

• Template: [📄Full Proposal Template →]

How to Submit

• Email to: cainn3@southernct.edu

• Subject: CSC400 Fall 2026 [Initial/Full] Proposal - [Team Name]

• Include: All team members on the email

What If I'm Not Approved?

Common Reasons for Denial

• Missing prerequisites

• Below minimum credits

• No available spots (waitlisted)

• Incomplete application

Next Steps

• Waitlist: You may be contacted if spots open

• Prerequisites: Take required courses and apply next semester

• Reapply: Fix any issues and apply for the next semester

Alternative Options

• Consider CSC 390 (Independent Study) for smaller projects

• Work on portfolio projects independently

• Prepare a strong application for next semester

Questions? Email cainn3@southernct.edu.