College of Engineering and Computer Science

Academic Offerings
Faculty
Courses
About the College
Educational Mission and Vision
Accreditation
Undergraduate Program Overview

Arts and Sciences/Engineering & Computer Science (Combined Degrees)
Intra-University Transfer
E&CS PRIDE Office
Co-Op
Graduate Program Overview

Laura J. Steinberg, Dean
227 Link Hall
lcs.syr.edu

About the College

These are exciting times in engineering and computer science. Revolutionary changes in multiple areas continue to transform the operations of most traditional employers of engineers and computer scientists. The demand for individuals with degrees in engineering and computer science is greater than ever. In addition, new nontraditional opportunities for engineering and computer science graduates are opening in law, medicine, public policy, finance, management, and communications. Traditional tools and technical know-how are often no longer enough. Today’s engineers and computer scientists must possess a broader set of perspectives, experiences, and skills to contribute successfully in a dynamic, rapidly changing world.

Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science (E&CS) offers courses and programs that are designed to prepare leaders for a high-technology, knowledge-based global community. Through courses in the college and across the University, E&CS offers students a breadth of opportunities and experiences that is unmatched by programs at most other universities.

The college offers ten undergraduate programs: bachelor of science programs in aerospace engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and bachelor science program in computer is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. In addition we offer, in collaboration with the i-School, the Systems and Information Science, BS.

New engineering and computer science students enroll in ECS 101 - Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science. ECS 101 provides a broad introduction to each of our degree programs, allowing students an opportunity to explore each area before they choose a major. ECS 101 is also open to students of other SU colleges who are interested in exploring the areas of engineering or computer science as a potential field of academic study.

E&CS students may choose from a variety of study options, including technical and non-technical minors, combined B.S./M.S. degree programs, and a combined undergraduate degree program between E&CS and the College of Arts and Sciences. The college also offers its students opportunities for co-op, study abroad, and undergraduate research.

Founded in 1901, E&CS enjoys a long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation. The college community is composed of outstanding students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to personal excellence and success.

Educational Mission and Vision

The College Mission

The mission of the college is to promote learning in engineering and computer science through integrated activities in teaching, research, scholarship, creative accomplishments, and service.

The College Vision

The vision of the college is to earn recognition among universities for engineering and computer science programs that prepare leaders for a high-technology, knowledge-based, global community. The vision for E&CS is a distinct student-centered research university model for engineering and computer science education. Features of this model include the following:

the commitment that all programs relate directly to students and their learning experiences;
the commitment that research is an integral element of the learning environment;
the flexibility for students to pursue the diversity of learning opportunities available in a broad university setting; and
the commitment to world-class quality in courses and programs.

Accreditation

The college offers nine undergraduate programs: bachelor of science programs in aerospace engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and bachelor science program in computer is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes in all B.S. in engineering programs:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
an ability to communicate effectively
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
a knowledge of contemporary issues
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Student outcomes in the B.S. in computer science program:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.

Undergraduate Program Overview

Aerospace Engineering

Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems and Information Science

General Regulations

For academic rules and regulations that apply to all University students, see the Academic Rules section of this catalog, which also contains special regulations that apply only to students matriculated in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Engineering and computer science students enrolling at Syracuse University must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in all engineering, mathematics, and science courses taken at SU. Furthermore, all students must satisfactorily complete at least 24 credits, including summer courses taken here or transferred to Syracuse University from another institution, within any 12-month period to maintain satisfactory progress, with a 2.0 semester and overall average.

For graduation, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and at least a 2.00 GPA in all ECS, mathematics, and science courses taken at Syracuse University. In addition, students must meet all degree requirements specific to their chosen major.

Arts and Sciences/Engineering & Computer Science (Combined Degrees)

Arts and Sciences contact the Advising and Academic Support Office, 329 Hall of Languages, 315-443-3150.

Engineering and Computer Science contact Maria Marceau, Director of Student Records, 130 Link Hall, 315-443-5191.
Engineering Faculty, See individual departments listed in the “College of Engineering and Computer Science.”

The College of Arts and Sciences , in cooperation with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, offers a five-year combined curriculum. Students complete the requirements for and receive two degrees-one degree in a major of their choice in engineering or computer science and one degree in a major in the College of Arts and Sciences . Students who enter this program are urged to talk with advisors in both departments in which they plan to major as soon as possible. It is important that they learn the curricular requirements of each department in order to understand how best to merge the two sets of requirements.

Students register with the College of Arts and Sciences as the home college for the first three years. They receive a basic education in mathematics and science along with a liberal education in the social sciences and humanities. While most of the coursework taken during that time is in the liberal arts, approximately one quarter of the program consists of first- and second-year courses in the engineering field chosen by the students.

After completing the third year, students transfer the home college designation to the College of Engineering and Computer Science while maintaining a connection with the College of Arts and Sciences. The fourth and fifth years of the program focus on engineering subjects. The B.A. or B.S. degree in the Arts and Sciences major may be awarded upon completion of the fourth year, but increased scheduling options are possible by completing both degrees at the end of the fifth year.

While some flexibility is possible in the program, it is a formalized curriculum. Students usually major in mathematics, biology, physics, or chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, although other majors are allowed upon approval by both colleges. The completion of the combined degree program requires a minimum of 150 total credits earned.

Admission requirements are the same as those for students entering the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students who are already enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the College of Arts and Sciences may transfer into the combined program provided requirements can be met. Such transfers must be approved by both colleges.

Intra-University Transfer

Students who wish to transfer into any program within the College of Engineering and Computer Science from another school or college within the University should have a strong record of achievement and demonstrated success in key technical courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.00. Specifically, it is critical for the applicant to have proven their ability to excel in college-level calculus (by completing at least one of MAT 295, MAT 296, or MAT 397 with a grade of B- or better) and science (by completing at least one set of PHY 211/PHY 221 or CHE 106/CHE 107 with a grade of B- or better). Students who wish to major in computer science must also complete CIS 252 with a grade of at least a B.

E&CS PRIDE Office

PRIDE Office (Programs Rooted In Developing Excellence) provides programming that meets the needs of and fosters excellence in the educational, professional, and personal development of all students with particular emphasis on African American, Latino/a, Native American, and women students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

PRIDE Office offers programs that focus on student development and their academic success including the SummerStart Program, the E&CS Pathfinders (peer advisors), and academic advising for newly admitted students. In addition, first-year students are invited to participate in the E&CS Learning Community in the STEM Residential College located in Shaw Hall which allows for formed social connections and peer collaboration on similar academic pursuits.

Additional programs include Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW), which focus on the mastery of calculus and other fundamental engineering courses and the STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) Program, which provides support in the nonacademic skills that are necessary to ensure student success; and the PRIDE Incentive Program, which celebrates the students’ academic achievement.

PRIDE is also committed to helping students develop leadership skills through involvement in recognized student organizations. The activities, leadership opportunities, and community service projects sponsored by the organizations are important to the students, the college, the University, and the local Syracuse community, as they prepare to be future societal leaders.

PRIDE evolved from the Minority Engineering Program (MEP) Office established in 1976.

Students interested in the PRIDE Office programs should contact the director’s office, 123 Link Hall, 315-443-2582, pride@lcs.syr.edu.

Co-Op

The Engineering and Computer Science Cooperative Education program (Co-op) empowers undergraduate students to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities that have proven to aid them in successfully reaching their post-graduate goals. The Co-op program consists of full-time professional work primarily during the summer. This design allows students the opportunity to gain more than six months of paid work experience in their field of study and still graduate in four years. Working during the academic year is an option that students may choose, with the understanding that their ability to graduate on time may be affected. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full time in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Contact Cooperative Education Program, 121 Link Hall, 315-443-2582.

Graduate Program Overview

The College of Engineering and Computer Science was established in 1901, the fifth of the 11 schools and colleges within Syracuse University today. The college is dedicated to graduate as well as undergraduate education in engineering, computer science, systems and information science, and research. Its research efforts, which total nearly 25 percent of all sponsored research at Syracuse University, contribute significantly to student development as well as to the continued professional growth of the faculty. Graduate education and research, particularly at the Ph.D. level, are inseparable.

The faculty numbers 71 full-time members, most of whom are research scholars of national and international renown. Full-time graduate enrollment in the college totals approximately 400 students, with approximately 400 part-time students.

The college offers the following graduate degrees:

Bioengineering, MS
Bioengineering, PhD
Chemical Engineering, MS
Chemical Engineering, PhD
Civil Engineering, MS
Civil Engineering, PhD
Computer Engineering, MS, CE
Computer Science, MS
Computer & Information Science & Engineering, PhD
Electrical Engineering, MS, EE
Electrical & Computer Engineering, PhD
Engineering Management, MS
Environmental Engineering, MS  (See civil engineering for Ph.D.)
Environmental Engineering Science, MS
Law/Computer Science, JD/MS
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, MS
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, PhD

For a complete listing of faculty affiliated with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, see the Faculty section.

Admission

Applicants must complete the application for admission found online at apply.embark.com/grad/syracuse. International students must take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE); this requirement is rarely waived.

Please note that failure to see that transcripts, letters of recommendation, or GRE scores are provided may delay processing. It is advisable to apply as early as possible.

Nonmatriculated students may register through University College. Up to 12 credits of nonmatriculated graduate credit may be transferred toward a degree program if the applicant is subsequently admitted. Performance in courses taken for nonmatriculated credit carries considerable weight in evaluating the application.

Graduate Awards

Syracuse University fellowships are awarded competitively from applications received by January 1 on an all-University basis. Doctoral fellows receive a stipend, plus a tuition scholarship of 30 credits for the academic year. Fellows devote full time to their studies and are not assigned duties.

Graduate assistantships in the form of research assistantships and teaching assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis from among applications received by February 1; assistantships are usually not available at any other time of the year. Research assistants are required to assist their sponsoring faculty to perform research. Teaching assistants are required to assist with undergraduate/graduate instruction as well as to work on research projects.
Recipients of these assistantships receive a stipend in addition to a tuition scholarship for up to 24 credits per year.

Information about programs to support graduate students from ethnic minority groups (African, Latino, and Native American) that are underrepresented in science and engineering fields can be found in the publication Graduate Study: College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Securing loans and part-time jobs is the responsibility of the student.

To apply for fellowships or assistantships, check the proper place on the application for admission.

Programs

Master’s

Doctorate

Combined Degree

Certificate of Advanced Study