CSC Open House FAQ

It is not required that you bring a computer to Cal Poly with you. The university maintains many public access computer labs for student convenience to use while on campus during the school day.

- If you choose to bring a personal computer, we suggest the following:

- A fast processor is desirable (2 Ghz or better).

- LOTS of memory, e.g., 512 Mbytes or more and a large hard drive.

- A 17-inch monitor (or even larger). A flat panel display saves space.

- A high performance video card and 3D graphics card are great, but not necessities.

- Many students now prefer to use laptops instead of a desktop since many now rival desktops in speed and capacity. Unfortunately, they can also be stolen much more easily than a desktop.

- Wireless Internet connection is available throughout campus, including the resident halls; you will need a wireless network card for your computer.

- For the department’s curriculum, it is not important which operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.) that your computer runs.

2) Are there tours for the residence halls?

Yes. Campus tours are provided by the Admissions office. The Admissions Office is located in the Administration Building, Bldg. 1, Room 206

3) What's the difference between CS/CPE/SE?

In a nutshell:

- CS: most general

- CPE: more hardware oriented

- SE: more software-management oriented

For a full treatise on the differences among these and other related disciplines (Information System, Information Technology), see ACM Computing Curricular 2005, http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf

4) How easy is it to change majors (within CENG and out of CENG)?

It is very easy *if* the students meet the minimum criteria published on the Advising Center website (http://www.eadvise.calpoly.edu/dept/major.php), listed by major.

Students wishing to transfer into Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering should be aware that many very good students are not accepted because they do not meet the minimum standards (which are higher due to the impacted status of these four majors).

Majors outside of CENG also have published change of major criteria so it really depends on the major as to how hard it will be.

5) Can I do a double major?

The College does not encourage double majors and a double major pairing CSC/SE/CPE is not allowed. See http://www.eadvise.calpoly.edu/dept/doublemajor.php

6) What (CENG) minors are offered?

It is in the catalog.

Our college has the CSC minor and the Multi-Disiplinary Minor (through AERO). The CSC minor is not open to CSC, SE, or CPE majors.

7) Is it possible to graduate in four years?

Yes, the department has prepared a flow chart which illustrates a sample study plan that allows a student to complete either the CSC or the SE degree in four years. A hardcopy of the flow chart can be picked up from the information center just outside the Computer Science Department office (pink color for CSC and green for SE)

8) What is the graduation rate?

Most of the students in the College of Engineering do take more than 4 years to graduate. A primary reason is that many students take time off for co-op or internship.

This page, http://www.calpoly.edu/%7Einststdy/major.htm, has data for the university’s retention and graduation rate by program.

9) Which first computer science course should I start?

1. Most students start with CPE 101 the first quarter. You should check to be sure that you have the prerequisites for this course, which are :

(i) MATH 118 (Pre-Calculus Algebra)

(ii) basic computer literacy

To satisfy prerequisite(i), you may have already taken a course in high school that is the equivalent of Cal Poly's Math 118. If not, then you have two choices:

1) Take Math 118 at Cal Poly before taking CPE 101; this will slow down your progress by one quarter.

2) Take a test at Cal Poly that demonstrates that you have the skills expected of students who have completed Math 118. The test is known as MAPE (Mathematics Placement Exam; see http://www.calpoly.edu/~math/mape.html), and a G rating from this test will satisfy prerequisite(i) If you do choose to take the MAPE, you should take it before the start of the first quarter. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to register for CPE 101.

For prerequisite (ii), the Computer Science department assumes that you have basic computer literacy skills such as keyboard entry and some familiarity with the use of computers for basic programming. If you do not feel that you have these skills, you are strongly encouraged to enroll in CSC 100 (Computer Science Orientation) or CSC 232 (Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers) prior to CSC 101. This will slow down your progress by one quarter, but may be better for you in the long run.

2. If you have completed AP Computer Science (see the next question), you should be getting credit for CPE 101. In that case, go directly to CPE 102.

10) I am admitted for fall; can I start in summer instead?

Yes, the department encourages you to do so. You may contact Cal Poly’s Admissions about your wish to start in summer.

11) Can I transfer my AP credits or community college course credits?

The university’s Student Records office handles transfer of AP credits. They have a web page that explains this: http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/Degree_Progress/Transf_credit_eval.htm.

After being admitted students will automatically receive a transfer credit evaluation and a copy will be sent to the student's permanent address. Once admitted the same process applies for any additional transcripts, however the copy is sent to the students local address.

12) If you enter with AP credit and programming, can you start with more advanced courses?

The university’s Student Records office handles transfer of AP credits. They have a web page that explains this: http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/Degree_Progress/Transf_credit_eval.htm

For Computer Science:

Test A Exam # 31

Score 3 = 9 units electives

Score 4 or 5 = CSC 101 plus electives

Test AB Exam #33

Score 3 = 9 units electives

Score 4 or 5 = CSC 101 plus electives

If both Computer Science A & AB are passed, credit is extended for Computer Science AB, since AB duplicates the A material.

If you receive CSC101 credit, you will start with the second course CSC 102.

13) Is it difficult to get the first-year and other major courses?

Thanks to a recent stable state budget allocation, and to the Cal Poly fee contributed by students, the department has been able to satisfy the demands for all major courses, excepting unforeseen circumstances.

14) How many majors are there in CSC/SE?

Currently there are approximately 500 undergraduate majors in Computer Science, 70 in Software Engineering, and 500 in Computer Engineering (a joint program between the Computer Science and the Electrical Engineering department). There are about 50 graduate students (including students in the 4+1 program.)

15) Does the CSC department have a game concentration?

No, we do not currently have a game development concentration.

However, our curriculum covers the fundamentals essential to the software development aspect of game development, and many of our students do obtain employment in game development companies such as Activision.

The department is strong in graphics, with four full-time professors that specialize in the area. We offer a number of upper-division technical-elective courses

- Introduction to Graphics,

- Advanced Rending Techniques,

- Real-time 3D Computer Graphics Software,

We offer Artificial Intelligence courses that cover game theory, among other topics.

Developing a game (simple or complex) is an occasional subject for some course projects.

There are also courses offered by the College of Liberal Arts that are of interest:

- ART 483 Video & Multimedia Production

- ART 474 RAML (Rendering Animation Modeling)

- ART 486 Advanced Digital Imaging

16) Is there advising for students?

- Each student is assigned a faculty advisor, initially in alphabetical order. However, students are free to come to a professor that they have become familiar with for academic advice.

- The College of Engineering has an Advising Center (http://www.eadvise.calpoly.edu/) with a staff that assists undergraduate students with academic questions or concerns, tracks the academic and administrative progress of each student, and administers academic or administrative probation or disqualification procedures.

- The university also has a Counseling Center (http://www.hcs.calpoly.edu/counseling/) whose mission is to promote wellness to maximize academic success and enhance overall quality of life for students. The Center provides professional mental health, outreach, & educational services.

17) Is there tutoring for students?

§ The Computer Science Department offers tutoring, free of charge, for all students taking CSC courses. We offer help on all scheduled evenings for students in CSC/CPE 101, 102, 103, or 141. Depending on the tutors on duty, we may also offer help on certain evenings for other CSC courses, including 234, 349, and 357. If you need help outside of class and your professor's office hours, the tutoring service is for you. You may also email your short questions to csctutor@csc.calpoly.edu and expect a response within 24 hours Sunday through Thursday evenings. (See http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/students/tutoring.html)

§ Cal Poly’s Academic Skills Center (http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/trs.html ) provides a Tutor Referral Service available to all Cal Poly students.

18) Are there scholarships available?

While we may not be able to compete with private universities and research institutions in offerings of scholarships, there are opportunities for scholarships – see here http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/students/scholarships/

19) What will the job market be like when we graduate?

- A recent CNN article (http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/01/26/cb.top.jobs.pay/index.html) lists 5 computer-related jobs (Computer systems software engineer, Computer applications software engineer, Computer systems analyst, Database administrator, Network systems and data communication analyst) as among the 10 top jobs that are fastest-growing in salary, and also made the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of the 30 fastest-growing jobs through 2014

- Money magazine just published an article (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/) that rates software engineering as the best job of all.

20) Do you have a prediction for how the tuition may rise in the near future?

The 2006-07 budget allocation of our state’s governor provides for an enrollment growth of 2.5% for the CSU, and also a “buy-out” by the state of an 8% tuition increase originally projected for Fall 2006.

Because this campus is expected to meet its enrollment targets for the next academic year, we do not foresee any budget cutback. However, the increase in CSU tuition, if any, is a decision by the governor and the CSU Chancellor’s Office; it is beyond the control of Cal Poly.

21) What is the Cal Poly fee initiative

“In a spring 2002 election that boasted the second-highest turnout in Cal Poly election history, students in all six colleges voted themselves a fee increase of $125 to $200 per quarter, beginning in fall 2002, to pay for additional course offerings, computer lab updates, and equipment purchases.” (http://www.calpolynews.calpoly.edu/magazine/02annual_report/fees.html)

The CENG Department/Program Based Student Academic Fee (http://www.ceng.calpoly.edu/about/fee_increase.php) was requested by the Engineering Student Council and the College of Engineering Department Chairs in order to sustain and enhance the quality of the College of Engineering academic programs.

It should be noted that:

- Fee revenues will go directly to the departments/programs of the students paying it - none of this fee will be allocated at the college or university level or for administrative purposes.

- One hundred percent (100%) of the fee shall be used to support department/program based instructional activities.

- Open, standing, student-elected and student-chaired committees in each department/program will plan and oversee allocation of the fee increase revenues. These committees shall have a majority of student members.

For information on all university fees, go to http://www.fees.calpoly.edu/.

The Computer Science Department has a student fee committee http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/fees/, consisting of 5 to 12 students and some faculty, that oversees the student academic fee, totally approximately $300K per year.

22) How easy is it to get into the MS program? How about other MS programs outside of computer science?

Check the department’s home page for a link to a Handbook for Prospective Graduate Students. In short:

· Minimum 3.0 for candidates with a computer science undergraduate degree. Minimum 3.25 for all other applicants.

· Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Tests taken after October 1, 2002 require a minimum total;

· three letters of recommendation.

· For International (Foreign) Applicants: A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computerbased), plus a minimum TWE score of 4.5.

23) What is the 4+1 program?

See: http://www.academicprograms.calpoly.edu/academicpolicies/PoliciesUndergrad/blended4plus1.htm

The BLENDED (4+1) PROGRAMS award a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at the same time.

The stated academic objectives for these programs are:
1.	To provide an accelerated route to a graduate professional degree, with simultaneous award of both bachelor's and master's degrees:
	- in most cases, to allow for the possibility of students' earning graduate credit for several of their senior electives, effectively decreasing the summed unit requirements for both degrees. - to provide a seamless process whereby students can progress from undergrad to graduate status without having to apply through the Admissions Office (thereby eliminating the need to pay an admissions fee)
2.	To provide a meaningful capstone experience that in most cases integrates the senior project with the graduate thesis/project.

The Computer Science Department offers a 4+1 program in Computer Science.

24) How easy is it to get into the 4+1 program? How about other 4+1 programs outside of computer science?

4+1 applicants need a minimum 3.3 GPA. But they do not take the GRE.

Generally, the acceptance rate to the 4+1 program has been lower than

to the MS. This is because we usually receive more applications from

qualified students to the 4+1 program than to the regular MS program.

25) Is there an active study abroad program?

Foreign study is recognized as an essential part of the college experience. Approximately 4% (approximately 500-600 students annually) of Cal Poly students will have lived and studied in another country by the time they graduate.

There are two International Exchange Programs available:

The university’s International Education & Programs has brought together hundreds of books and catalogues that provide information on every conceivable study abroad opportunity from Russia to South Africa, or at universities all over the globe. Independent travelers really can go anywhere they want to go.

If you are interested in this progam, you should visit the Study Abroad Office (Bldg 38 Rm 106) to utilize the resource materials.. There is “Planning Your Study Abroad Experience” informational meeting each quarter.

The College of Engineering has its own International Exchange Program which currently has exchange programs with China, Taiwan, Australia, Sweden, and Finland. This program is run by the college’s Advising Center (http://www.eadvise.calpoly.edu/).

26) Is there an active co-op program?

Yes, Cal Poly has a campus unit known as Career Services , which supports

- Listings of currently available career, summer, co-op and local part-time jobs advertised specifically for Cal Poly students and alumni. Located on Mustang Jobs.

- On-campus Interviews (available through Mustang Jobs)

- Information Sessions (available through Mustang Jobs)

- Job fairs (one each quarter) Each event brings 80 - 150 companies and organizations to the campus

27) What is the difference between co-op and internship

A co-op is work experience that supplements your classroom-learning environment. It is directly related to your field of study and will provide you the opportunity to apply concepts and skills you’ve learned in the classroom. Further, it will help you focus your career interests.

Historically, internships and co-ops have had different requirements and different outcomes. In recent years, the differences have blurred. There are companies that do not make the distinctions between the two. At Cal Poly, we consider co-ops and internships as the same thing. If there is academic value in a work experience, you may receive co-op credit with faculty supervision. Co-op is usually offered year-round, with up to two quarters of work. Internship is usually for summer only.

Both are encouraged and can provide the student with professional level work experience prior to graduation; many students extend the work they do while on co-op or internship for their senior projects.

The Computer Science department has a faculty co-op advisor who supervises students that enroll in co-op for credit.

28) What are the main differences between Cal Poly and UC?

- Annual Tuition and fees:

Cal Poly	$4,000 in-state, $14,000 out-of-state
UC	$7,000 in-state, $25,000 out-of-state

- Our classes are small (typically 30 in size); we do not have large lectures like the UCs.

- You start taking major classes immediately.

- You get to choose 24 units (6 classes) of upper division technical elective classes in specialized areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computational Sciences/Theory, Computer Architecture, Computer System Administration, Database Systems, Distributing Computing, Graphical User Interfac