⚠️ Student applications and proposals are reviewed and processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
1. CSC 330 (Software Engineering)
Status: Completed OR currently enrolled
Why: You'll need software engineering principles for project planning, design, and development
2. Six Tier 2 CSC Courses
Required: At least 6 completed Tier 2 Computer Science courses
Why: CSC400 assumes mastery of core CS concepts and skills
3. Senior Standing
Required: 90+ credits completed
Why: This is a senior capstone course
Special Circumstances: If you're close to meeting requirements but missing one element, explain your situation in the application. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
You should have experience with:
Proficiency in at least one programming language
Understanding of data structures and algorithms
Experience with debugging and testing
Code organization and best practices
Version control (Git/GitHub)
Software development lifecycle
Testing methodologies
Basic debugging skills
Technical Writing
Code comments and documentation
User guides
README files
Team communication
Code reviews
Task tracking
Meeting facilitation
Don't worry: You don't need to be an expert in everything. You'll learn and grow throughout the semester!
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
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 → ]
Critical: All 3 teammates must be in the SAME section. Check schedules before forming teams
If you already have a project idea, you can submit a proposal with your application.
Not required for the application if you don't have an idea yet
Timing: With your application or after approval (before the end of the Fall Semester)
Development: You can develop your project idea prior to the first week of class
Your proposal should address:
Problem statement: What problem are you solving?
Objectives: What will you accomplish?
Approach/Methodology: How will you build this?
Expected Deliverables: What will you submit at the end?
Timeline: Rough sprint milestones
Proposal Guidelines: [View Slides →]
Proposal Sample: [View Sample →]
Email to: cainn3@southernct.edu
Subject: CSC400 Spring 2026 Proposal
Include all your team members on the email
Be realistic about your availability:
2.5 hours per week in synchronous online seminar
Attendance required for presentations and meetings
6-10 hours per week outside of class
Team meetings
Independent development
Testing and debugging
Documentation
More time needed during:
Project launch (weeks 1-2)
Pre-presentation weeks
Final project delivery
Consider your:
Other courses (especially senior-level CS courses)
Work schedule
Internships
Personal responsibilities
⚠️ Warning: Underestimating time commitment is the #1 cause of team stress and poor outcomes.
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
See "Project Proposal Requirements" above
Not required if you don't have a project idea yet
Timeline: 2-3 business days
Notification: Email to your SCSU email address
Result: Approved, waitlisted, or denied
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
Senior registration: Opens November 4
Last Day to Add a Course: January 27, 2026
Check your enrollment date on the Academic Calendar
Register using your permission code
Registration is ongoing till January 21, 2026
Important: Spots are limited; register as soon as your window opens
Missing prerequisites
Below minimum credits
No available spots (waitlisted)
Incomplete application
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
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.