Frequently Asked Questions
How much credit can I receive for the AP/IB courses that I took in high school?
A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit from AP and IB exams may be applied toward the number of credits required for graduation.
The minimum score required for AP exams to earn SU credit will vary pending on the exam subject. Students can also earn credit by earning a five or higher on select IB higher level exams. Prospective LCS students should note that AP credit for calculus is not automatically awarded. To receive credit for calculus, a student must earn a 4 or better on the AP math test (AB or BC). In addition, all incoming first-year students in the College are required to take the LCS Math Placement Test. Together with the AP score, the results of this test are used to place students into the appropriate level of calculus.
To find out more about AP and IB credit and how it applies at Syracuse University, check out section 7.5 of the online course catalog at http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/2010/rules/undergraduate/
I plan to major in engineering or computer science, but I see that Syracuse offers minors in a lot of different areas of study. Is it possible to have a major in LCS and a minor in another SU school or college?
Yes! LCS programs offer students the flexibility to pursue studies in other areas at Syracuse University. As a result, many students take advantage of the opportunity to pursue a minor. Last year, 50% of our graduates earned minors. A minor consists of 6-7 courses in a particular area of study. There are over 80 different minors at Syracuse. Entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, information management and technology, foreign language, architecture, and policy studies are popular choices for minors among our students. A list of minors at SU is available online at http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/2010/programs/minor
Will I be required to take a foreign language at Syracuse?
LCS students are not required to take a foreign language as a degree requirement. However, all students are required to complete several courses in the social sciences or humanities. In completing these, you can choose courses from a broad range of areas such as English literature, political science, economics, psychology, and yes, foreign languages. It is up to you to choose courses that are of strongest interest to you and that will best help you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
While our students are not required to take a foreign language, we live in a global society! We encourage our students to equip themselves with the strongest possible technical AND communication skills! That could mean continuing a language that you studied in high school OR picking up a new language! It is up to YOU! Learn more about the foreign languages at SU by visiting http://lang.syr.edu
I was in the marching band in high school. Can I continue to do this at Syracuse, even though I don’t plan to major in music?
Amidst the cheering crowds and sports action at an SU athletic event, visitors to the Carrier Dome are sure to see many engineering and computer science students in the band! Two of the better known bands on campus are the Pride of the Orange Marching Band and the Sour Sitrus Society Pep Band. Both bands are open to any undergraduate, so long as that student played in a high school marching band for at least one year. In addition to the marching band and the pep band, there are numerous musical and choral groups on campus, including the University’s Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. While membership in these groups may require an audition, you do not have to major in music in order to participate. SU’s Setnor School of Music also offers many courses for non-music majors, including applied music, music theory, music history, and music industry.
If I start having difficulty with one of my courses, where do I turn for help?
There are many places, within LCS and across campus, where you can go for additional help with your academic work. The first person many students turn to is the faculty member who is teaching the course. All faculty members maintain a regular schedule of office hours. You should never hesitate to stop by during office hours to talk to your professor, whether it is just to say hello, or to ask for help. In addition, teaching assistants, who work with our professors to ensure student learning, are an excellent resource. Teaching assistants also maintain office hours and can be an invaluable source of extra help.
LCS student societies also provide tutoring assistance to undergraduate students. Many of these societies offer free tutoring as well as mentoring programs. Tutoring assistance is also available through the SOAR office in LCS and the University-wide Division of Student Support and Retention. If you find that you are having trouble in a course, you can be confident that SU’s faculty and staff are ready to help you get back on track. The most important thing that you have to remember is to ask for help when you need it!
Will I have a faculty advisor to help me?
Yes. Every student is assigned a faculty advisor. A faculty advisor will work with you through each stage of your undergraduate career. Advisor assignments are based on your choice of major. For example, if you choose to major in computer engineering, you will be assigned to a faculty advisor in that program. If you change your major, you will be assigned to work with a faculty member in your new program. Your faculty advisor will work with you to ensure that you are meeting all your degree requirements. In addition, your faculty advisor will help you to make good choices based on your academic interests and professional goals. Whenever you have questions, are looking for advice, or just need some encouragement or direction, your faculty advisor is someone that you can turn to.
In addition, new students have the benefit of working with a student peer advisor. Peer advisors are upper-class students who share their knowledge and experiences with new students, to assist in their successful transition to life as an SU student. New students meet with their peer advisors during SU’s Orientation. Peer advisors also work with new students throughout the first semester and are always available for assistance and support.
Can I transfer college credits to my degree at LCS?
Yes, depending upon when and where you took the courses and how well you performed. Information about transfer credits can be read in section 7.2 of the online course catalog at: http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/2010/rules/undergraduate/
Are new students required to bring a computer to campus?
While we recommend that you have your own computer, there is no requirement to do so. Many LCS students do bring their own computers to campus. The College also provides outstanding computer facilities for its students. Within LCS, there are approximately 300 personal computers available around the clock for exclusive use by our students. Each department also provides specialized computer laboratories for student learning and research. In addition, public clusters of personal computers are located in various locations across campus, including two in the lobby of Link Hall. If you plan to purchase a computer prior to your arrival at Syracuse, be sure to check out the Information Technology and Services website at http://its.syr.edu. You will also find more detailed information about computer resources at SU!
What is LCS SOAR?
LCS SOAR (Support, Opportunities, Admissions, and Retention), located in 123 Link Hall, is home to a suite of programs that encourages success through every stage of a student's undergraduate career - before, during, and after life on campus. SOAR staff members share the common goal of assisting and supporting LCS students in their professional and personal development.
Students turn to the Student Support Program Office for assistance with a variety of issues, including tutoring, advising, leadership development, and more.
The Opportunity Center provides support and resources to students seeking experiences in cooperative education, internships, job placement, undergraduate research, graduate fellowships, part-time positions, and international study.
PRIDE (Programs Rooted in Developing Academic Excellence) provides programs that meet the needs of and foster excellence in the educational, professional, and personal development of all students, with particular emphasis on students from underrepresented populations in the engineering and computer science fields. A number of programs are offered through PRIDE, including the Summer Start program, Academic Excellence Workshops, the PRIDE incentive program, and the STAR Program (Students Taking Academic Responsibility.). For more information about PRIDE, visit: http://pride.syr.edu
The LCS undergraduate recruitment office is also located in the SOAR complex. Prospective students and parents are always welcome to stop by to pick up information or to find out more about specific programs and areas of interest.
I have heard a lot about LCS student societies. What are they?
LCS has a strong tradition of active chapters of professional engineering and computer science student societies. There are numerous professional societies, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), just to name a few. There are many benefits to becoming a member of a student society. Society activities include professional development workshops, social activities, and service to the profession, to the College, and to the University community. Student societies also sponsor design competitions. These design events allow members to work together on a project and then participate in regional and national competitions with students from other colleges and universities. Joining an LCS student society is an excellent way to meet people, become more involved in your major, and gain early exposure to your future career.
Does Syracuse offer summer engineering classes?
Yes! Some engineering courses are offered each summer as well as a variety of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology courses. These courses are available to full time undergraduate students.
The Summer College Program for High School Students at Syracuse University is a program that offers high school students an opportunity to earn college credit and gain insight into college-life. Information is available online at http://summercollege.syr.edu
The Summerstart Program is designed to give incoming freshman a head start on their studies at SU. With transition seminars, mentoring programs, and social events, the program provides a tremendous amount of support to its student participants. You can learn more by visiting http://summerstart.syr.edu
Is there an opportunity for me to do research as an undergraduate?
Research is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a discipline of engineering and get invaluable experience in the process. As a professional school at Syracuse University, undergraduate research is highly encouraged and opportunities are available to all students including first-year students. Learn more by visiting http://lcs.syr.edu/research_lcs/index.aspx