Undergraduate FAQ

Conventionally, Computer Engineering focuses on the combination of hardware and systems software (embedded systems, mobile devices), Computer Science focuses on programming and theory (formal languages, programming paradigms, etc.), and Software Engineering focuses on programming and methodology (analysis, design, testing, maintenance, cost estimation, project management, etc.).

All three programs overlap. For example, all three programs cover programming, methodology, hardware, and systems software, but in different amounts.

No. CHEM 1A along with PHYS 50 and PHYS 51 will satisfy the GE life-science requirement: Area 5B (Biological Science) if you started college in Fall 2025 or later, or Area B2 on earlier catalogs. All should be C or better. This applies to both BS Computer Engineering and BS Software Engineering.

Note: Students may need to submit an Intensive Science Petition to receive credit for Area 5B / Area B2. Please consult with your academic advisor.

No. If the course that you have taken is a Biology or Chemistry course and it satisfies the GE life-science requirement (Area 5B for Fall 2025 and later catalogs, Area B2 for earlier catalogs), you do not need to take BIOL 10. This applies to both BS Computer Engineering and BS Software Engineering.

This is also called “Catalog Rights”. See the Catalog Rights policy in the SJSU catalog for detailed information.

Email [email protected] (include your name and SJSU ID), or schedule an appointment with your major advisor on Spartan Connect. Also check the CMPE/SE Major Advising Canvas course, which has registration, graduation, and transfer-credit guides. See Undergraduate Advising for office hours and more.

Every undergraduate in the College of Engineering gets a major advising hold each semester. To have it removed, plan your courses for the next semester and submit the Major Advising form. Advisors review submissions in the order received, remove the hold if your plan is approved, and email you either way. See Undergraduate Advance Registration / Advising Hold Removal for the form and details.

No. “Department Consent Required” means the department has not opened that section for enrollment yet (usually because other sections are not full, or the instructor, time, or room is still being finalized). No add codes are given for sections that are not open. Choose an open section that fits your schedule, or waitlist in the section you need so the department can see the demand. Check MySJSU regularly, since sections may open as others fill.

During advance registration, add yourself to the waitlist (you may waitlist up to 5 units). Waitlists end three days before classes start; after that, ask the instructor for a permission number, starting on the first day of class. Permission numbers are at the instructor’s discretion; the department office does not issue them. See the Registrar’s enrollment limit and waitlist page.

During advance registration, complete the CMPE Permission Number Request form in the “Registration” module of the CMPE/SE Major Advising Canvas course. During late registration, show your transcript (with the prerequisite course) to the instructor, who can give you a permission number.

If you are taking the course for the second time, you can register starting on the first-time repeaters date on the Registrar’s calendar; if the class is full, waitlist or ask the instructor for a permission number once classes start. If you are taking a course for the third time or more, you must file the Registrar’s Petition to Enroll in a Course More Than Two Times by the last day to add. Talk to your major advisor before a third attempt.

For CMPE and SE courses, contact your major advisor first. The university process requires a permission number from one of the instructors and a letter on department letterhead confirming the instructor is aware of the conflict, which you take to the Registrar (window R in the Student Services Center).

Contact your major advisor (see above). The “Senior Project Course Options” guide is in the “Registration” module of the CMPE/SE Major Advising Canvas course.

First check ASSIST. If the course is articulated but credit was not posted, contact the Registrar. If it is not articulated, go through the College of Engineering course equivalency process, which is handled by the Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC, ENGR 116). See Undergraduate Advising.

Yes, with a petition signed by your major advisor, the instructor, and the department chair. Once signed, enroll with the permission number; if you have trouble, take the signed petition to the Registrar. Keep a copy of the signed petition for your graduation paperwork.

Contact the instructor (or the department chair if the instructor is unavailable). If there was an error, the instructor starts the Change of Grade process through the department; students cannot submit change-of-grade forms. Grades are usually posted two to three weeks after the end of the term.

Domestic students who have completed at least one semester at SJSU may take a one-semester leave without notifying the university, but must enroll the following semester. Stopping out for two or more consecutive semesters means you must reapply. See the Registrar’s leave of absence page. International students should consult ISSS.

Apply through the Registrar’s graduation page. The “Graduation Information” module of the CMPE/SE Major Advising Canvas course explains eligibility and when to apply. If you will not finish by your anticipated date, submit a Graduation Date Change to the Registrar at least two months before that date. See also the department’s Graduation page.

Contact the faculty member you would like to work with directly. The department office does not handle these requests.

The Computer Engineering office is in ENGR 284, phone (408) 924-4150, email [email protected]. See Office Hours.