2003-04 Undergraduate Catalog -

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)

Bachelor of Arts (Computer Science)

Bachelor of Science (Management Science)

Bachelor of Science (Telecommunications Systems)

Engineering work can be classified by function, regardless of the branch it is in, as follows: research, development, design, production, testing, planning, sales, service, construction, operation, teaching, consulting, and management. The function fulfilled by an engineer results in large measure from personal characteristics and motivations, and only partially from his or her curriculum of study. Nonetheless, although engineering curricula may be relatively uniform, their modes of presentation tend to point a student toward a particular large class of functions. Engineering curricula at SMU aim generally at engineering functions that include research, development, design, management, and teaching functions ordinarily associated with additional education beyond the Bachelor's degree.

The curricula in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The School of Engineering has the following common educational objectives for ABET accredited programs as well as programs that seek ABET accreditation:

Graduates will obtain the appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge to assume leadership and management positions.
Graduates will obtain the skills necessary to function and communicate effectively, both individually and in multidisciplinary teams, in culturally diverse and changing technical environments.
Graduates will obtain a broad education with exposure to contemporary issues and professional ethics, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.

The School of Engineering is engaged in an ongoing assessment process that evaluates its success in meeting these school-wide objectives as well as individual program-specific objectives and enhances development of its programs.

Junior Year Abroad

Many undergraduates in American universities have found it academically and culturally rewarding to spend their junior year at a university in another country. This opportunity has rarely been used by students concentrating in programs in engineering because of the integrated nature of curricula in these fields. However, as a result of arrangements with several of the Colleges in the University of London in England, it is now possible for undergraduates in the School of Engineering to undertake their junior year as students at the University of London without delaying their progress toward a baccalaureate degree.

To be eligible for this program, students should normally have attained a G.P.A. of at least 3.00 and also have the academic and social maturity needed to adapt to the different academic and social customs in English universities. For detailed information about this program, students should consult their academic advisers and the undergraduate dean in the School of Engineering early in their sophomore year.

Description of Courses

Courses offered in the School of Engineering are identified by a two- or three-letter prefix code designating the general subject area of the course, followed by a four-digit number. The first digit specifies the approximate level of the course as follows: 1 first year, 2 sophomore, 3 junior, 4 senior, and 5 senior. The second digit denotes the term-hours associated with the course. The last two digits specify the course numbers. Thus, CSE 4322 denotes a course offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the senior (4) level, having three term hours, and with the course number 22. The prefix codes are as follows:

CSE -- Department of Computer Science and Engineering

EE -- Department of Electrical Engineering

EMIS -- Department of Engineering Management, Information, and Systems

ENCE -- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering

ME -- Department of Mechanical Engineering

SS -- Center for Special Studies