Incoming Students
- CS Placement Information
- Math Placement Information
- Register for UT Dallas Orientation
- Advising Orientation
- AP Test Credit
- Special Programs
- Transfer Guides
Computer Science Placement Information
All Jonnson School students must take computer science (CS). Two tracks are available, depending upon your major or interest in programming. Mechanical engineering (ME) and electrical engineering (EE) students are only required to take CS 1325. This class has no prerequisites. It is a terminal class; it will not serve as the prerequisite class for upper-level computer science courses. Students in ME or EE who are interested in a computer science minor, or simply in taking further computer science courses, should take the higher level programming sequence as described below.
All computer science, software engineering, computer engineering and telecommunications engineering students must take ECS 1337. Any ME or EE major who is interested in the higher level programming class may use ECS 1337 as a substitute for CS 1325. (Please note that CS 1325 may not replace ECS 1337.) ECS 1337 requires a background in programming. Students must place into this class either by earning a grade of C or better in CS 1336 or by passing the computer science placement test. The placement test includes multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of programming fundamentals. Click the circle to the left of the best answer to each question, and at the end click the “Print Score” button. If you pass, bring your printed score to your advisor at the time of your registration. This will allow you to register for ECS 1337. If you do not pass or do not have any programming experience, you must register for CS 1336/1136.
ECS students do not earn degree credit for CS 1336/1136. It is used for placement purposes only. A similar placement test will be administered during the first week of classes for students in ECS 1337. Those who do not receive a satisfactory score will be instructed to move to CS 1136/1136.
If you have taken the Advanced Placement CS A or CS AB exams, you may be eligible for university credit. You can find the information here.
Math Placement Information
UT Dallas offers two calculus sequences. Which one you take will depend on several factors, including your major, your test scores and in some cases your preference. Students may take an accelerated sequence of MATH 2417 and MATH 2419. This is equivalent to the three-semester sequence of MATH 2413, MATH 2414 and MATH 2415. Some students may be required to take preparatory courses before entering the calculus sequence. These courses will not count on the student’s degree plan.
Computer science and software engineering students need only complete MATH 2413 and MATH 2414. All other majors must complete MATH 2415 as well or take the accelerated sequence.
AP scores can be used to place a student into the appropriate math course.
You can find the information here.
SAT II scores and the level of math taken in high school can also be used for placement purposes. Information on scores and whether a student needs to take the SAT II test can be found at http://www.utdallas.edu/ossa/gems/assets/Math_Placement_Info-form2010.pdf.
Advising Orientation
Toward the end of your orientation, the Office of Undergraduate Advising (OUGA) will provide an advising orientation that will include registration for your first semester of classes. We will also take time then to explain how to create an effective schedule, and we will work with you to create a schedule that’s suitable for you. It’s important to register for the earliest orientation date possible. Waiting until the last sessions may make it more difficult to get the schedule you want since classes will begin filling up.
What to bring to orientation:
- Bring copies of all test score reports (especially SAT II math scores and AP scores). Sometimes students find that their newest AP or SAT II scores are not yet in our system. You will need copies of these to prove you have the prerequisites for math and CS courses.
Note: We will not register you for classes for which you do not have the necessary documentation.
For example, if you have AP exam scores that qualify you for MATH 2417 (Calculus I) but these scores are not in our system and you have not brought a copy of your scores, we must register you for a lower math course, and you will have to visit us again to change your schedule.
- Bring a printout of your CS placement test results, if applicable (see above). You will have the opportunity to take the CS placement test, if necessary, at orientation, but doing so beforehand helps speed the registration process.