The College of Engineering and Computing offers an easy to follow list that will give
you the information you need to know before arriving for class.
Deciding on a major will help you get the most out of your orientation day and first advising!
If you are unsure which engineering or computing major is right for you, explore our 10 undergraduate programs. Still can't decide? Check out this video comparing the types of work in each field of study, the classes and curricula, and factors to consider if you decide to change your major later.
The Math Placement Test is online and must be completed before New Student Orientation. CEC freshmen may take either the MAP or MPT version of the placement test. The MAP is the “new” version and the MPT is the “old.” In either case, we encourage you to take the practice tests prior to taking an actual test. You want your MAP or MPT score to accurately reflect your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and other Precalculus concepts. This is a critical step in your pre-enrollment process as many of your first semester courses will be determined by your MAP or MPT score.
Get the most out of New Student Orientation by doing your part to be prepared.
You must register for and attend a New Student Orientation session in order to sign-up for classes. Click here to learn more about your session.
If you haven’t taken the Math Placement Test yet, do that now.
Before Orientation, download and complete the Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet. List all the classes that you have or expect for college credit, such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment. This is important so your advisors can help you select the right classes your first semester, as UofSC does not always receive all your official records prior to orientation.
Learn more about how AP and IB credits are counted at UofSC.
During your day of Orientation you will also meet one on one with an academic advisor and register for your first semester of classes. Review your program's recommended four-year plan in the Major Map Repository and prepare a list of questions about the classes you need to take.
After orientation, there are a few more things you can do to get ready for classes and our Office of Student Services is available to answer your engineering and computing questions.
Our academic advisors are dedicated to help ensure success in your transition to UofSC's College of Engineering and Computing. They can help you identify resources, connect you with campus partners, and help you identify your academic and professional goals. Keep an eye on your UofSC email for a follow-up within two business days after orientation. Please note all official communication after orientation will be directed to your UofSC email.
We recommend that all students have a good laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. In addition, College of Engineering and Computing students have free, 24/7 access to computer labs with computers capable of running all of the required applications needed to graduate. If you are considering the purchase of a personal computer, however, follow the recommendations from our IT support team.
We recommend that all Engineering and Computing freshmen review algebra, trigonometry
and precalculus before the first day of class. Good resources include ALEKS Prep for Calculus, Khan Academy Precalculus, and Schaum’s Outline of Precalculus.
We also recommend that incoming freshman majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering
and Computer Information Systems work through a Java tutorial, particularly those
students who will use AP Computer Science-A credit to place into CSCE 146 Introduction
to Algorithmic Design II. A good resource for this is Oracle’s The Java Tutorials.
Remember to walk your class schedule before the first day of class. Find your actual classrooms, not just the buildings, so that you will be on time. Don't forget to review the shortcut Dr. Lyons talked about during orientation!
Join us for CEC's annual Big Wednesday just before fall semester classes start. Meet over 40 different engineering and computing clubs, important campus offices, and welcoming department chairs and faculty.