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Jack Baskin School of EngineeringUC Santa Cruz

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students

 

Is an engineering major right for me?

Which major is right for me?

Why should I choose Baskin Engineering at UCSC?

 

How to prepare for engineering at UCSC

Admissions and application questions

How to succeed as an engineering student (support, study habits, classes to take, jobs, etc.)

Jobs and Internships

 

For more questions please visit UCSC's Office of the Registrar's page, reg.ucsc.edu/regfaq.html

Is an engineering major right for me? I'm not sure. How do I decide?
Learn more about engineering from the American Society for Engineering Education:

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Engineering
  • The Benefits of Being an Engineer
  • Famous Engineers
  • Engineering & Engineering Technology
  • Assess Yourself

Which major is right for me?

What is the difference between computer science and computer engineering?
The computer engineering B.S. builds on a foundation of mathematics and physics to study the design, construction, and use of computer and digital systems. After learning a core of electronics, programming and algorithms, and computer system design, computer engineering majors may specialize in hardware (digital hardware track), software (systems programming track), or the combination of the two (networks track, multi-media track, and computer systems track).

The computer science B.S. and B.A. degrees build on a similar foundation. The B.S. degree requires advanced courses in algorithms, compilers, operating systems, programming languages, and the theory of computation. The B.A. degree has different tracks allowing students to specialize in software methodologies, operating systems and hardware, compilers & programming languages, theory, or graphics.

Should I major in electrical engineering or computer engineering?
Electrical engineering concerns itself with the analysis and design of electronic and electrical components, and their associated signals and systems. At UCSC, our EE Department places particular emphasis on the following areas of interest:

  • Photonics and electronics (including analog, digital, and optoelectronics)
  • Communications, which includes wireless and fiber optics, signal and image processing (including inverse problems and coding), and electromagnetic
  • Biomedical electronics (including neural prosthesis, neural interface, biomimetic systems)
  • Remote sensing (including numerical electromagnetics, radio, radar and satellite systems)

So, if you have an interest in electronic systems and signals that may or may not include computers, EE is the more appropriate major. However, if you are more specifically interested in the inner working and design of computer and digital systems, the CE curriculum may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in computer science?
The B.S. has 22 course requirements, while the B.A. has 17. The B.A. offers more flexibility in choosing your curriculum and makes it easier to do a double major because fewer courses are required. The B.S. is the more rigorous pathway and is sometimes considered more prestigious.

Suppose I don't know which I am interested in?
Several departments offer introductory courses you can take to help you narrow your field of interest. The Electrical Engineering Department offers EE 80T, Modern Electronic Technology and How It Works. The Computer Science Department offers CMPS 10, Introduction to Computer Science. The ISM 101, Management of Technology, seminar gives some flavor of the information systems management major, which combines technical and business courses.

In addition, there are a number of courses you can take that can be used for any of our majors: CMPS 12A, CE 16, MATH 19A, and MATH19B. This gives you time to speak with faculty and other students to explore the various majors. You could also take PHYS 5A and 5C, which are accepted by Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and the Computer Science B.S.

Finally, talk with faculty and fellow students about the following classes: CMPS 101 - Algorithms (for computer science), CMPE 100/L - Digital Logic (for Computer engineering), and EE 70/L - Circuits (for Electrical engineering). This can give you a taste of the majors. So schedule the appropriate courses soon.

If Bioinformatics is also a possibility, please talk to a BINF faculty advisor.

Why should I choose the Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC?

First of all, UCSC has a student-focused heritage that many large universities lack. UCSC is geared toward undergraduates. One example of that is the fact that the campus is organized around a set of ten residential colleges where students live, work, eat, play, and interact with faculty, staff, and other students. UCSC also has a history of liberal arts excellence in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Secondly, by attending the Baskin School of Engineering, you will be a part of both established and up-and-coming programs in Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Information Technology. Our undergraduates have the opportunity to do research with faculty. Your peers at small or community colleges won't be able to have that experience and, at large universities, the research is usually reserved for graduate students. At Baskin School at UCSC, you truly get the Best of Both Worlds!

What engineering fields can I study at UCSC?
We offer undergraduate, graduate, and/or combined undergraduate/graduate degrees (as well as some minors) in:

Bioinformatics
Computer engineering
Computer science
Electrical engineering
Information systems management

Visit www.soe.ucsc.edu/programs to learn about our degrees and programs.

Do you offer an engineering management program?
Yes, the information systems management degree. For further information, visit the website for the ISTM Department: www.istm.ucsc.edu.

What classes will I be taking?
Here is a link to a site that lists the curriculum charts for each major. You might notice the changes in some of our majors. These departments are constantly updating their requirements to keep abreast of the ever-changing technological fields.

www.soe.ucsc.edu/programs/curriculumcharts

Where can I get information about the engineering courses you teach?
Visit www.soe.ucsc.edu/classes for information on our lower-division and upper division courses for the major.

How can I find out about the UCSC faculty and their current research?
You will find links to the departmental websites and research links at our home page, www.soe.ucsc.edu.

How to prepare to study engineering at UCSC

What computer languages do I need to start? What operating systems?
Languages - A familiarity with Java, C and assembly is important.

Operating systems - familiarize yourself with the UNIX environment (visit: www2.ucsc.edu/cats/sc/help/unix/command/, or use a search engine on the web to find 'UNIX' and there will be multiple tutorial sites available).

How can I best prepare myself in high school for an SoE major?
Engineering admission is very competitive. We encourage you to prepare yourself beyond the basic requirements for UC admissions. This may involve taking community college classes in your community or even online, if your school does not offer AP math and science courses. Work closely with your high school counselor and meet with the UCSC admission counselor who comes to visit your school.

Take high school calculus (or at least pre-calculus) and physics. Chemistry is recommended. Take biology if you are considering the field of bioinformatics. If possible take an entry level computer programming class. This will prepare you as well as enable you to discover whether or not you enjoy programming and will guide you to the best match of a major within engineering.

Develop effective study skills, in particular time management strategies. Maintain a high GPA and follow all the other admission advice for first-year UC applicants. (www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/welcome.html).

During the summer before you register for classes, take the UCSC placement exams for math and sciences in your home geographic area.

How can I best prepare myself for transfer from a community college or other college or university?
If you are attending or have attended a four-year college or university, it is imperative that you work with a University of California, Santa Cruz admission counselor. Contact the Admissions Office immediately as there are limitations to the number of units that you may take prior to transferring here.

For California community college students, the transfer process is well established. Work closely and regularly with your community college transfer counselor. Be sure that he/she is a specialist with regard to engineering majors. Use the website, www.assist.org (link Julie), to determine which classes at your college equal the required classes for your major at UCSC. Start with the Foundation Courses for your major; and then take as many of the other lower division major preparation courses as your schedule will allow. Your counselor will guide you to the 4 additional courses required for admission to the University. Engineering majors should NOT try to follow a general education pattern such as IGETC. Again, just complete the major preparation and admission requirements. Take any remaining general education courses for completion at the University.

If you are taking courses that do not appear on ASSIST.org but which you think might be the same as a course required at UCSC, save your course syllabi (showing weekly study topics, etc.) and your final exam. You can use these to petition for credit at UCSC once you are admitted.

Use all of the campus resources available to you: tutoring, MESA, etc. in order to get the highest possible grades in your math and science classes. For example, some of our departments expect transfer students to get no less than a B grade in certain community college classes.

In addition, during the engineering admissions processing, the departments consider all attempts at classes that articulate. A passing grade does not replace a fail grade. Both are used in calculating your GPA in the Foundation Courses.

Develop effective study skills, in particular time management strategies.

Avoid taking a full time course load if you must work more than 10-15 hours per week. Frequent W grades or withdrawals from science and math courses could become a disadvantage on your application to the major. If they are in courses that articulate to the Foundation Courses for your intended major, they may be treated the same as an F during the admission review.

If I'm a current UCSC student, how can I best prepare myself to declare for an SoE major?
Take the Foundation Courses for the major you are interested in. Here is the list:

Foundation Courses by major: Bioinformatics: CMPS 12A, CMPS 12B (or 13H), MATH 19A, MATH 19B, CHEM 1B/M, CHEM 1C/N
Computer Science: CMPS 12A, CMPS 12B (or 13H), CMPE 16 (or 16H), MATH 19A, MATH 19B
Computer Engineering: Any five lower division courses for the mjaor
Electrical Engineering: MATH 19A, MATH19B, ENGR 27, PHYS 5A/L, PHYS 5B/M, and PHYS 5C/N
Information Systems Management: CMPS 12A, CMPE 16 (or 16H), ISM 50 (or ECON 1 and ECON 2), and MATH 19A & 19B (or ECON 11A & 11B)

Get Bs and As in all your math courses because they are vitally important to your success in an SoE major. Don't withdraw from any course that is one of the Foundation Courses for your major as that will count the same as if you failed the class. Remember, passing grades do not replace failing grades in the SoE.

Once you have finished the Foundation Courses for your major, apply to the major in the first week of any subsequent quarter (note: the campus requires you to declare by the end of your sophomore year). The Departments will return their decision within a week.

If you find you cannot achieve As and Bs in your Foundation Courses, talk with an undergraduate SoE advisor or one of your SoE instructors for strategies to help you learn how to succeed in your major.



Admissions and application questions

General Questions

If I am admitted to UCSC, does that mean I am guaranteed admission to Baskin School of Engineering?
No. Junior transfer students will find out if they are admitted to an SoE major at the time they apply to UCSC.

Some high school applicants are granted direct admission to a major based on their excellent academic history. The rest enter as proposed majors or as part of a cluster. Sophomore transfers are treated similarly to proposed majors. These groups of students apply for admission to an SoE major after finishing the Foundation Courses (Julie - link to Foundation Courses above) for that major. Acceptance is based on their Foundation Course GPA. See the official admission policy.

How can I get an undergraduate application?
- Visit the counseling office of any California high school or community college. Inquire about which counselor has the most experience with engineering majors.
- Visit www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/welcome.html
- Call the UCSC Admissions Office at (831) 459-2131

Who do I ask if I have questions about the application and admissions process?
Ask at your community college or your college/university if there is a counselor who specializes in transferring. If there is more than one, ask who has had the most experience with engineering majors. At community colleges, if you have good grades in your academic classes, ask for someone who knows about our guaranteed admission program (GATE).

If your question concerns the admission process to the UCSC campus, contact .

If your question concerns pursuing an SoE major, contact .

Are there programs that will guarantee my admission to an SoE major at UCSC?
Yes, transfer students should see your community college counselors for information about the GATE program.

Can I visit the School of Engineering? Where can I get information about taking a tour?
UCSC offers student-guided walking tour of the campus which you may find particularly helpful and interesting (see admissions.ucsc.edu/). In addition, the School of Engineering offers open houses in April

Do you have a virtual tour of campus?
Yes, at www.ucsc.edu/about/vtour.

Specific questions from high school applicants

Once I start at UCSC, how do I apply to study SoE majors?
You take the Foundation Courses for the major you are interested in and then apply to be admitted to the major. Decisions will be based on your GPA in those certain courses. If you withdraw from one of these courses, it will count the same as an F. Passing grades don't replace prior failed grades. See the official admission policy.

Note: The campus requires you to declare a major by the end of your sophomore year. Be sure to finish your Foundation Courses in a timely manner as we will not be able to admit you until they are done.

What is this direct admission I have been offered?
High school applicants can be granted direct admission to their desired major based upon their excellent high school academics. Such students must accept the direct admissions offer by meeting with an undergraduate SoE advisor in their first quarter on campus to plan their classes. If they do not, their status changes to that of other entering first-time freshman - they must complete the Foundation Courses for their major and then apply to be admitted.

Specific questions from transfer applicants

What if I want to transfer to Baskin Engineering at UCSC?
At this time, there is no separate application for Baskin Engineering. If you list UCSC as a campus you are interested in and specify an SoE major on your UC application, you will be evaluated by that Department for admission. Look at the Foundation Courses. For the major/majors you are interested in and make sure your self reported academic records shows how these will be completed prior to your first quarter at UCSC.

Your first admission letter from UCSC will concern your admission to the campus as a whole. Your second will concern your admission to the major or majors you requested. You can be admitted to the campus but not admitted to an engineering major.

In what quarters do you admit transfer students?
We always admit transfer student in fall. We may admit in winter. Inquires should be directed to the UCSC Admissions Office.

How do you decide who will be admitted to an SoE major as a transfer?
Students are accepted on the basis of their grades in all attempts (both those failed and those passed) at the Foundation Courses for the major as indicated in their self-reported academic record on their application. Priority is given to students who have completed as many of the lower-division course for the major as are offered at the colleges or universities they have attended. See the official admissions policy.

Can I be admitted if I haven't completed all the required courses?
If there is space, students with high academic achievement in courses related to their major may be conditionally accepted if they can finish their Foundation Courses in their first quarter on campus.

How much time do I have to finish the major once I start at UCSC?
The campus has a limit on the amount of time in which you can finish your major, based upon the number of unit credits you transfer to UCSC. Usually a student should graduate when they approach 180-200 quarter units but the upper limit is presently being reviewed by UC Office of the President.

How quickly can I finish the major once I start at UCSC?
It is not so much about units. You must complete the required coursework for your major. Your engineering advisor will help you answer this question during your first meeting, either during Summer Orientation or before you start classes in fall.

How do I know what requirements I have already satisfied?
UCSC determines what transfer credits you receive for your work at other colleges and universities. Offering departments determine which college classes are equivalent to the courses you have taken. Your major department determines which major requirements have been satisfied. Please bring unofficial transcripts with you when you come for advising. If your transfer credit is not from a California community college (or does not show as an articulated class on ASSIST.org), please also bring syllabi for all courses you think may be equivalent to courses for your major.

What is "ASSIST"?
ASSIST is a computerized "course equivalency" information system, available through the Internet, which is designed to help transfer students. It shows how a course from one California community college or university can be applied when the course is transferred. ASSIST is available on the web at www.assist.org.

What is "IGETC"?
The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a general education program that community college transfer students can use to fulfill lower-division general education requirements. We think it is most important that you focus on your Foundation Courses, then on UCSC admission requirements, and finally on general education requirements if room is left on your schedule. Besides, most students find that it is best to only take two courses for the major each quarter and you will need a third class each quarter for full-time student status.

Thus, we do not recommend you finish IGETC before transferring into an SoE major at UCSC.

Is there any way I can get credit if a course has not been articulated or if I come from a college without articulating classes or if I have work experience?
Once admitted, Petitions for Course Substitution or Waiver is the form that may be submitted with appropriate syllabi and interviews with faculty advisors.

I was denied admission to an SoE major. Is there a way that I can get into the major later on?
No. The decision is made at the time you transfer because our majors are course-intensive and rigorous. There is a limit to the time students have to complete their majors. Therefore, admission after arriving at UCSC is very unlikely.

I was denied admission to one of the SoE majors. Can I apply to another major later on?
No (for reasons stated above).

I listed a second SoE major on my application. If I am denied admission to my first choice, will I be evaluated for my second choice?
Yes. This is done during the initial evaluation. If you are admitted to your second choice, you will receive communication admitting you to that second choice rather than the denial of the first choice.

I was denied admission to one of the SoE majors. Can I minor in one of the majors?
Perhaps. Minors are offered in bioinformatics, computer engineering, and computer science. Admission to the minor is possible with the consent of the offering department. The petition to declare a minor must be made to the Undergraduate Advising Office at 225 Baskin Engineering in the first week on any quarter.

Although I am not an SoE major, can I enroll in classes offered by the School of Engineering Department?
Lower-division courses may be taken on a space-available basis. Upper-division courses may also be available. However, upper-division courses for the major should not be taken by those not admitted to the major in hopes that degree will be granted once all the classes are finished. It is the strict policy of the SoE to only award degrees to those that have been admitted to one of its majors.

Can I appeal my denial of admission to an SoE major?
Yes, but the appeal must be received before the first day of the quarter in which you start at UCSC. Otherwise it will not be considered. Appeals should only be filed if you think our decision was based on a mistake in fact or if there was an error in your self-reported academic record.

Suppose I have changed my mind about the major/s I listed on my application?
Update your application as instructed by the Office of Admissions.

Can I do double majors or a major and a minor?
You cannot double computer science with computer engineering or computer engineering with electrical engineering as the course of study is too close. The electrical engineering/computer science double major is allowed (with restrictions about what courses can be used to satisfy both majors). In addition, a bioinformatics or computer engineering minor can be added to any other major (with departmental approval). A computer science minor can only be added to an electrical or non-SoE major.

I was admitted as an SoE major. Can I change to another SoE major?
Yes. But you must ask permission of your new department. Their decision will be based on such factors as your grades in courses for the major and whether you have enough time remaining to complete the major.

I am in! Now what?


I was accepted as a transfer student! What's my next step?
You will receive e-mailed instruction at the beginning of the summer from a Baskin engineering advisor about what you need to send to us (unofficial copies of your transcript/s, syllabi, etc.). If you have not received something by mid-June, contact us at . Whether your status is as a direct admit or conditional admit, we want you to attend the department orientation session during the first week of school. See the Fall Schedule of Classes for the proper place and time.

In addition we hope you will consider attending the excellent Summer Orientation program for all new UCSC students Scholarships are available. The engineering undergraduate advisors and faculty will be participating in this program. We ask you to bring your unofficial transcripts, AP exam results, and syllabi (for courses that are not articulated on Assist.org to a UCSC equivalent). If possible take the math placement exam (and biology or chemistry, if appropriate) during the program or in your hometown prior to registering for classes.

All engineering students should familiarize themselves with what it takes to be successful in the majors. Visit the SUCCESS site. Create a weekly, master time management plan for yourself using paper and pencil, EXCEL, your day-timer, your personal PC, or whatever works for you.


How can I get to know my instructors?
As an SoE student it is important that you get to know your instructors for several reasons. First, they can be very helpful with regard to class content and instructors want to know if students understand or misunderstand the lectures. Second, they provide student recommendations for jobs, internships, summer research programs, independent study, graduate school, etc, for students they know well. And finally, often faculty members have research funds or reader positions to hire students ...usually the ones they personally know to be talented and/or highly motivated.

Instructors often complain that they hold office hours, but students do not attend. If you feel hesitant about going to see your instructors...here are a few suggestions. Find out when and where the instructor's office hours are held. Take a friend with you if it makes you feel more comfortable. If you have a question about the course content, bring your work with you to show what you have already tried to do. Ask specific questions rather than wait for the instructor to explain everything to you. If you cannot make office hours, send e-mail or ask in person before/after class for an appointment. Try to avoid catching the instructor at a bad time (rushing to the shuttle, parking meter...).

Learn about your instructors main research area (on the SoE website), and ask questions to determine if this might be an area of specialization for you to pursue.

Make it a goal to meet with each of your instructors at least once every quarter. Sit at the front of the classroom, lean forward attentively, and maintain eye contact with the instructor during lecture. You may be surprised at how much more you will gain from your educational experience!


How do I find an undergraduate research experience?
Engineering students who plan to go on to graduate school will be most successful if they participate in undergraduate research opportunities. The SoE website has useful information about how students can gain this experience on campus. Additionally there are numerous summer programs at other university campuses throughout the country. Visit the National Science Foundation website regarding Research Experiences for Undergraduates. And as always, the UCSC Career Center has more information.

Specific questions from UCSC students (proposed SoE, students associated with a cluster, or proposed or declared in a non-SoE major)

What if I do not pass a Foundation Course for my intended major? Can I still get in?
The decision to admit you will be made on all attempts at the Foundation Courses. For SoE purposes, passing grades do not replace failing grades as may be the case for your UCSC GPA that appears on your student portal. You will have to get sufficiently good grades in the rest of your Foundation Courses to improve your GPA.

For the purposes of this entry GPA calculation, grades of P (pass) will count the same as C, grades of NP (no pass) will count the same as an F, and Ws (late withdrawal from a class) will count the same as an F.

My college has put a hold on my enrollment because I haven't declared a major yet but I haven't passed all the Foundation Courses yet. Can I declare now and finish them later?
No. Except, the Electrical Engineering Department will review students who have completed all their Foundation Courses except Physics 5C/N if they are currently enrolled in that class.

How to succeed as an SoE student (support, study habits, classes to take, jobs, etc.)

Tips from students: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT... answers to the question "What do you know now that you wish you had known when you first started?"

  • "Opening a campus e-mail account should be at the top of your list of things to do. It is the way the campus and your department will contact you about matters important to your education. If you are having trouble with your campus account, investigate and clear up what is wrong. You can filter messages from your college or your department to a folder and only check those messages. Don't let spam deter you. It's a fact of life. Learn about spam blockers."
  • "Pay attention to the campus calendar in the Schedule of classes issued each quarter. It is a convenient little reminder of dates, such as when your priority enrollment starts and when your finals will be given, along with other things that are easy to lose track of during the quarter. Check the time finals are given for the classes you want to take. Don't end up with 3 finals on the same day."
  • "Don't count on your counselors for everything. Use them as a resource and do your own legwork.
  • Be careful of rumors. Like children's games of telephone, information changes as it passes through the pipeline. Check our website or talk with your undergraduate SoE advisors."
  • "Get in the habit of reading the weekly SoE newsletter which is e-mailed to your campus account on Mondays and is also posted to the SoE website."
  • "If you aren't used to the quarter system, do not wait until the third week of the quarter to open your books because you will be in the middle of the first set of midterms by that time!"

Computers, Languages, and Operating Systems

Should I buy my own computer?
It can be handy to have your own computer, but it is not necessary since all of the colleges have computer labs. The labs in the Baskin Engineering building are open 24 hours a day.

What kind of computer should I buy? What operating systems are used?
Many students own personal computers. With respect to course work, there is no preference for a particular type of personal computer. The most common choice today is probably an Intel-based machine (often called a PC). The students with Intel-based machines generally run either a version of Microsoft Windows or a version of Linux (a variant of Unix). Also a significant number of students use a Macintosh running Mac OS X (also based on a variant of Unix).

Our electronics and computer hardware labs use Windows machines (PCs) with CAD and other engineering software. For programming assignments, students will often be expected to use Unix, which would push a decision towards either a Macintosh or an Intel-based PC running Linux or other variety of Unix.

There are program development tools for both Macs and PCs (Windows or Unix). When programming on a non-Unix platform, students will generally be expected to transfer the programs to a Unix computer for final testing. Transferring files is a simple matter.

But I don't know Unix?
- Visit: www2.ucsc.edu/cats/sc/help/unix/command/
- Or use a search engine on the Web to find 'UNIX' and there will be multiple tutorial sites available.
- If you are interested in investigating or using the Linux operating system, there is an active LINUX users group on campus that periodically has installation sessions during the school year. Their website is: www.sluglug.org/.

What about wireless connections for my laptop?
Much of Baskin Engineering is wireless and the campus as a whole is moving in the direction of being wireless throughout.

Getting started

What will I take my first quarter?
Transfer students must first send an unofficial copy of their transcripts to the engineering advising staff. This is in addition to the official transcript you had your college/s send to the UCSC Admissions Office. The staff will evaluate what credit you will get toward the major and contact you about what classes you should be taking in your first quarter on campus. You cannot enroll in any courses for the major on campus until this has been done.

Freshman who have been directly admitted to an SoE major or who enter as proposed SoE majors will be contacted in summer to help them decide what they will take. They take a college core writing classes but classes for their SoE major will depend upon how they do in placement exams or if they have AP or community college course credit.

Other freshman can affiliate with the Information Sciences, Engineering and Technology Cluster and use their first quarters to explore if they want to try for one of our majors.

Do I need to take the Math Placement Exam?
Yes, unless you have Math Advanced Placement credit or have already taken pre-calculus or calculus at another college or university, you need to take the exam to find out at what level of Math you will begin and to determine placement into CMPS12A and CMPE 16.

I have Math Advanced Placement credit. What do I do?
Make a copy of the AP form showing your score and take it to the Engineering Undergraduate Advising Office. They will enter it into the computer so you can enroll in the appropriate Math class. On the AB exam:
- an AP score of 3 = credit for precalc (MATH 3, ENGR 3)
- an AP score of 4 = credit for MATH 19A.
On the BC exam, an AP score of 4 = credit for MATH 19B.

If I score between 30 and 40 on the Math Placement Exam, should I enroll in MATH 11A?
No, MATH 11A is not accepted for SoE majors. Enroll in ENGR 3 (precalculus). Then enroll in MATH 19A the following quarter.

Students who know they want to pursue an information systems management degree have the option of taking Econ 11A and B in place of MATH 19A and 19B

I am interested in electrical engineer and my Math Placement Exam put me into pre-calculus (ENGR 3). I cannot start the PHYS 5A/B/C series until I have placed into calculus (MATH 19A) and the 5 series is only offered A in Fall, B in Winter, and C in Spring. That means I can't start my physics classes until next year. Is that all right?

Yes, there are many other students in the same situation. Take your math and programming courses in your first year (CMPS 12A, CMPE 12/L, MATH 19A, MATH 19B) and start Physics in fall of your second year. But, be careful, you must acquire a working knowledge of calculus so that you can fluently use it in your physics courses. If you fail the first class in mechanical physics, it may mean that you should not continue in the major.

I have programming experience and want to take CMPS 12A but I did not score high enough to get into MATH 19A?
The answer depends on your background, please talk to an advisor.

Should I enroll in CMPS 10 or CMPS 12A?
To enroll in CMPS 12A, you should be at a math level ready to begin calculus (40 on the math placement exam) and have some experience with computers and/or programming. If this is not the case, enroll in CMPS 10 fall quarter, or gain more math experience by taking pre-calculus.

I placed into CMPS 12B but don't know Java. Should I take CMPS 12A instead of 12B?
This depends on your programming experience and the language you used to write code. More experience with one language can make it easier to pick up another. But, the transition from C++ to Java is easier and more straightforward than the transition from C to Java. If in doubt, contact the 12B instructor to assess your background for that class. Most of the 12B class will know Java and you probably don't want to start the class feeling behind.

I am told I must have a campus e-mail account because that is how my college, the campus, and my department will communicate with me. How do I do this?
- From any computer lab on campus or your computer on the Internet, log onto my.ucsc.edu to access your pre-assigned e-mail account.

Once I'm here, where should I go if I have questions about a major in the School of Engineering?
The advisors and staff of the Undergraduate Advising Office, Baskin Engineering 225, are available to assist you and answer your questions. You can meet with your advisor on a walk-in basis between 1:30-3:30 M-Th if you have a quick question, or schedule an appointment by calling 831-459-5840 or emailing with a few times you are available.

I'm having trouble enrolling in my classes...
Call the enrollment helpline (831-459-3939) between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

The class I need to get into is full...
Keep trying to enroll, spaces often open up. Contact the instructor to get on a possible waiting list. Go to the first day of class. You should also consider alternate plans.

I can't enroll into CMPE 185 because I was told I had not fulfilled the prerequisites for CMPE 185 and I know I have...
If you are a transfer student, our enrollment computer cannot read that you have fulfilled the composition requirement. Call the enrollment help line and they will enroll you.

Academic Support

What support do students studying engineering get at UCSC?
SoE students have access to a wide variety of academic support services including class discussion sections, faculty/teaching assistant office hours, modified supplemental instruction (MSI), etc.

Students get to know one another in sequential courses and form study groups which are very helpful. Pleasant student study space is devoted to such learning; this is located in the Whiteboard Area near BE 115. Individual and small group tutoring is available for math, physics, computer science, and other engineering courses. Eligible students (participants in EOP, Disability Resource Center, Services for Transfer and Re-Entry Students, and others) receive free tutoring. In the future there may be a small fee to provide tutoring for students who are not affiliated with those programs.

The Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) offers an academic learning community and support services for first-generation college students, underrepresented minority students, low-income students, and other eligible applicants.

There are numerous engineering student organizations affiliated with professional organizations that promote student success through mentoring, peer tutoring, conferences, scholarships, and a range of extracurricular activities. Some are affiliated with specific student cohorts such as: Society of Women in Engineering (SWE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and others.

Jobs and Internships

How can I find out about jobs and internships at UCSC?
Note: We do not recommend that full-time students work more than 10-20 hours a week while enrolled in courses. If you must work longer hours, see your college preceptor about the possibility of taking classes part-time.

The Baskin School of Engineering offers many employment opportunities. You may search for SoE employment opportunities at our Employment and Internship web site: www.soe.ucsc.edu/jobs/student/.

The UCSC Career Center can assist you in finding part-time employment while in school, determining career goals, obtaining internships, applying to graduate and professional schools, and developing the necessary skills and strategies to find professional employment.

What about jobs as a reader or a tutor?
The School of Engineering employs readers and tutors on a quarterly basis to provide support for instructors.

A Reader is employed to grade student papers and examinations under the supervision of the course instructor.

A Tutor is employed to provide instructional assistance to students under the supervision of the course instructor.

For further information, please contact the School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising Office (225 Baskin Engineering) at (831) 459-5840 or .