College of Science & Engineering (CSE)

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is a competitive college that houses all of the Engineering majors and majors like Physics and Math. 

The most helpful tool for PSEO students in planning their courses for CSE majors is these CSE sample degree plans.  

Note: PSEO students are not able to declare a major or minor. 

Academics

It is important to prioritize math if you are planning a CSE major. The majority of CSE majors require 3-4 semesters of math. Other courses that would be helpful to take while in PSEO if you are going to major in something in CSE are:

• • Phys 1301W - Calculus-based Physics for Science and Engineering

  • Chem 1061/1065 - Chemical Principles 1 (not required for all majors)

  • Computer science course information can be found here. 

Please see the Course Planning section of this handbook for more information on eligibility for these courses

PSEO students can take the CSE versions of math (like Math 1371, 1372, 2373, or 2374) on a space-available basis. You can request permission into a class using our closed math course process when registration opens for PSEO students. 

• The different versions of math (1271 vs 1371, for example) can be used interchangeably. It doesn't matter if you take the CSE version or not. If you don't take any CSE versions of math at the sophomore level (MATH 2373: CSE Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 2374: CSE Multivariable Calculus and Vector Analysis),  it is recommended students review training  (MATLAB and Mathematica training) on Matlab and Mathematica to be prepared for physics intensive major courses. See the physics intensive majors below. 

After PSEO

• PSEO students must take the first-year experience course in CSE: CSE 1001. CSE 1001 provides an opportunity to learn college success strategies, explore majors and careers, learn how to get involved on campus, and discover what your future in science and engineering will entail. 

• Due to the nature of the CSE curriculum, it can be difficult to graduate in 2 years after completing 2 years of PSEO. It might be possible for majors like math or computer science, depending on how many credits you completed during PSEO.   

• Admission into CSE does not guarantee admission into every major. You will need to apply to your major after your complete the prerequisite courses for it. Your goal should be a 3.2 or higher technical GPA to guarantee admission to your choice of major. If you have a GPA lower than a 3.2 your application to your major will be reviewed on a space available basis.

  • • Caution: Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, and Mechanical Engineering are the competitive majors. See the admission statistics to CSE majors.

• Some CSE majors are more chemistry intensive, some are more physics intensive, and some are in between. If you are undecided on a major- the graphic below can help you get started on finding some options based on which subject you enjoy more: