Print this page. About the Program
The College of Engineering and Computing offers a broad range of opportunities for ambitious men and women who seek a challenging technical career in engineering or computer science. Due to the increasing influence of technology on our society, there is a growing need for graduates who have not only high technical competence but also an increased understanding of, and responsibility for, the impact that their work will have on society. The curriculum has been developed to provide you with the opportunities to develop problem-solving strategies. You will learn to apply science, mathematics, and creativity to solve problems. Increasingly, engineers and computer scientists must develop the interpersonal skills to work effectively in dealing with modern enterprises. They must also understand the economic, environmental, and ethical implications of their work.The college is composed of five departments: chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Within the departments there is flexibility that allows students the opportunity to pursue specializations within these basic programs.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in engineering have a wide variety of career options awaiting in each of the major disciplines.
• In chemical engineering, entry-level opportunities include process research and development, design and production engineering, technical sales and service, occupational safety, industrial relations, and environmental management.
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Engineering and Computing, you must meet all University admission requirements, including (for freshmen) a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Program of Study (120–131 hours)
Areas of particular interest in each department vary greatly. Chemical engineering majors will concentrate on areas such as environmental restoration, batteries and fuel cells, synthetic materials, and processing. A major in civil engineering may focus on structures, environmental, water resources, or soils management. Your studies in computer engineering may include hardware and software engineering, parallel computing, reliability, performance evaluation, artificial intelligence, computer graphics and visualization, bioinformatics, and computer security. Electrical engineers deal with power systems and distribution, microelectronics, computer graphics, photonics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. And lastly, the mechanical engineering major deals with heat transfer, mechanics and materials, and manufacturing. Your studies will be structured around courses that fulfill general education requirements established by the college, courses that comprise a degree specialization, and several hours of electives. During your first two years, you will concentrate on general education requirements such as English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the social sciences. You must also complete a core of engineering courses that includes one semester each of computer usage, graphics, statics, and electrical circuitry.The college classifies undergraduates as either lower division or upper division. Your first two years in the engineering program are in the lower division. You must maintain at least a “C” average in all lower-division courses in order to be accepted into the upper division, where you will focus on your major area of specialization.
Of Special Interest
Faculty achievements and publications span the spectrum of major offerings. Ongoing research is supported by grants from sources such as the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and private foundations. More than 95 percent of our faculty hold doctoral degrees. Undergraduates are encouraged to work in research laboratories and are exposed to hands-on learning right from the start. Your oral and written skills will be developed through interaction with the college’s Professional Communications Center. The college also sponsors the High Technology Business Incubator, which assists in the startup of new business concepts. We conduct collaborative research with business and industry, and students gain career-related experience through cooperative education. Professional organizations within the college include the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers. Honorary societies for each discipline and Tau Beta Pi, a national honorary engineering fraternity, also have active chapters.