Undergraduate FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of students come to Penn State for computer engineering and/or computer science?
Students who are interested in math and science and enjoy solving problems (typically, those who were strong in math and science courses in high school).

What can I expect in my first year at Penn State?
You can expect to work hard and study a lot more than you did in high school (even if you received A's and B's without much effort.) In the First-year Testing, Counseling, and Advising Program (FTCAP) in which all entering students take part, it is stated that success in the first year is based 60 percent on factors not related to ability (such as homework, health, time management, and adjustment to college life), and 40 percent on factors related to ability and past performance.

What type of assistance is available to help me succeed in a challenging program?
The Engineering Advising Center (EAC) serves as the advising source for all first- and second-year engineering students. The center is staffed by full-time professional advisers and faculty members from each major in the College of Engineering. The EAC operates on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Students may request appointments with specific advisers.

Excellent referral programs help students succeed--for example, Penn State's University Learning Center, which includes the Math Center, Writing Center, Tutoring Center, and Supplemental Instruction.

Getting involved in student activities (but not too many!) aids the transition to life on a large campus. The student chapters of the engineering societies and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) are great places to meet and network with other students involved in your program.

These are only a few examples of resources available at Penn State.

How many years will it take to earn my bachelor of science degree in computer engineering or computer science at Penn State?
These majors require eight full semesters (four years) of study. Students participating in the Engineering Cooperative Education program will have their completion date delayed.

What is the difference between the Computer Engineering and Computer Science majors?
The quick answer is that computer engineering students study hardware design and computer science students study software design. In truth, each major studies both design aspects. The emphasis is generally a 65/35 percent split--the Computer Engineering major has a 65 percent emphasis in hardware design and a 35 percent emphasis in software design, with the percentages reversed for the Computer Science major.

An expanded answer notes that the Computer Science major has more general electives and can include a minor in a related field, such as mathematics. This major also has a foreign language requirement.

The Computer Engineering major requires a sequence of courses in electrical engineering and has a full physics sequence. The degree is ABET accredited, with tightly prescribed requirements.

Can I start my computer engineering or computer science education at a Penn State location other than University Park?
Yes. Approximately 50 percent of the students who start in the College of Engineering begin their program at a campus college. Students at all locations compete on an equal basis for positions in the different engineering majors.

How can I be sure to get the major I want?
In general, students who maintain good academic standing (a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0) will be accepted to the major of their choice. A few majors for which there is a particularly high demand may require a higher grade-point average for admission. To be eligible for assignment to a major, students must have completed four specified foundation courses with a grade of C or better.

Can I receive credit for advanced placement courses (College Board Advanced Placement Program) that I have taken in high school?
The University awards varied amounts of credits depending on the score you achieve on the examination (see Advanced Placement Credits). Students are urged to consult with their advisers on the appropriate strategy for using their AP credits. The use of these credits is an entirely individual decision for which a number of variables must be considered.

What other opportunities at Penn State might influence my decision to enroll?
Penn State has made a commitment to create and design an outstanding engineering and computer science education program. The college sponsors a Minority Engineering Program, Women in Engineering Program, and the Engineering Cooperative Education Program. Students can participate in department and/or college-based student societies that provide many leadership opportunities. Undergraduates can study abroad for at least a semester, gain valuable experience by working in a laboratory, or pursue dual degrees and minors in the College of Engineering and other colleges.

If I need to begin my CMPEN/CMPSC program off main campus, which would be the best campus to attend?
The campus curriculum would be about the same at every campus.

If I have taken 4 years of a foreign language in high school do I need to take additional language courses?
No, you do not need additional language credits. You do need a 2nd-level proficiency in the same language. Four years of a high school language will provide that proficiency. This department will need a high school transcript for your file that shows that 4 years of a given language were completed. If you took 2 or 3 years of a language in high school, then you would need to register for the 2nd level of that same language when you come to Penn State.

When a course says 2 units of math needed for this course, what math is required?
Basic high school math is needed for these courses.

Do you offer a BS or a BA in Computer Science and in Computer Engineering?
We offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Do you offer a major in Software Engineering?
Computer Science is software. Computer Engineering is hardware.

Is the Computer Science program more Theoretical or Applied?
The computer science program covers both areas. We educate students in the core areas and expect our graduates to learn different application domains easily.

Yes, visit our departmental office. We are here to help you.