2010-2011 Catalog

Dec 04, 2024

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2010-2011 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College of Engineering and Applied Science

General Information
Academic Programs
Special Programs, Laboratory Facilities and Research Centers
EAS General Academic Policies
EAS Undergraduate Program Policies
Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Programs

General Information

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R. Dandapani, Dean

Engineering Building
(719) 255-3543
Fax: (719) 255-3542
eas.uccs.edu

Engineering is the application of scientific theories and resources of nature for the benefit of humanity.

Computer science provides the essential computational and process control tools for nearly every aspect of modern society. Computer engineering offers a mixture of computer science and electrical engineering. The disciplines of computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering all require a significant study in mathematics. Graduates of these four disciplines work primarily in technical careers, either public or private, but some also become teachers, managers, or entrepreneurs with their own businesses.

The prospective computer scientist or engineer should appreciate mathematics and have a keen interest in science and its methods. The ability to express ideas in both written and verbal form is of primary importance. The ability to understand problems and produce creative and innovative solutions is also a necessary prerequisite. Personal qualities such as initiative, energy, willingness to take responsibility, reliability, honesty, good judgment, understanding diversity, the ability to work and cooperate with others, and the perseverance to work through to the conclusion of an assignment are important. Obviously, the fundamentals of sound citizenship are necessary in any profession.

Employment demand for computer scientists, computer engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers is expected to grow faster than the average of all professions well into this century. Abundant opportunities will present themselves to graduates of these disciplines, in both public and private laboratories, in industry, and in commercial enterprises.

Financial rewards to be earned compare favorably with those of other professions; however, no one should enter any profession solely for monetary rewards. Rather, the dominant consideration should be the opportunity to use a lifetime for the advancement of society and the consequent personal satisfactions and enjoyment.

Mission

In partnership with the community and our alumni, the mission of the College of Engineering and Applied Science is to:

Illuminate: Inspiring a passion in our students for lifelong learning and graduating engineers and scientists who are knowledgeable and competitive in the global marketplace throughout their careers
Investigate: Conducting recognized and relevant research that has both local and global impact
Innovate: Engaging in leadership, service, economic and technology development that improves health, welfare, and prosperity through engineering.

Academic Advising

Undergraduate

Student Success Center
2nd floor, Main Hall
(719) 255-3260

Or contact the Engineering Academic Advisor at (719) 255-3427

Graduate

Please refer to the appropriate degree program within EAS for information regarding academic advising.

Academic Programs

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The undergraduate and graduate programs available for completion through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs are listed in more detail in the Programs of Study table.

Majors which may be completed in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at UCCS include Computer Engineering, Computer Science (BS & BI), Electrical Engineering (BS & BI), and Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science: Security, Game Design and Development (GDD)

Generally, two years of work toward the following degrees from the College of Engineering and Applied Science may be taken on this campus: Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Engineering Physics

Departments within the College of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) include the Department of Computer Science (CS), the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE).

Special Programs, Laboratory Facilities and Research Centers

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RMTA—Rocky Mountain Technology Alliance

The College of Engineering and Applied Science is the host institution for the local chapter of the Rocky Mountain Technology Alliance (RMTA), which is a regional development organization for applied research and technology development. The membership includes universities, government organizations and private businesses working together to bring forward new technology and manufacturing solutions to support successful commercial growth and national security.

The RMTA cooperatively pursues collaborative programs that will produce intellectual property (IP) for new products and businesses and provide support to existing businesses. The core objectives of the Alliance are to apply technology for the benefit of society, support economic development, strengthen the research base of the region, and foster entrepreneurship.

The Alliance works closely with the Dean and faculty of the College to develop first class programs to meet present and future needs of the region.

Computer Science

The Computer Science Department laboratories provide students (of all majors) with access to the latest programs in support of their degrees. The well-equipped laboratories contain a wide variety of computing resources. The Software Development Laboratory contains 27 networked Windows XP Workstations. The Graphics and Networks Laboratory contains several Silicon Graphics workstations and NT/Linux workstations. This laboratory supports research in graphics, computer communications networks and multimedia computing.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department has a wide variety of labs to enhance the learning of undergraduates and graduates in their education and research. With state of the art technology, the students will get hands-on experience in many aspects of the Electrical and Computer Engineering areas. A short description of each lab follows.

The Communications and Signal Processing Laboratory (CSPL)

This lab provides a focus for sponsored and un-sponsored research in communication systems, communication theory, and signal processing. Research projects have included analyses, computer simulation, and hardware experimentation involving spread spectrum communications, space communications, and wireless mobile communications.

The Control-Systems Laboratory (CSL)

The CSL comprises a number of student and research work centers. Each work center has at least one device to control, which includes Educational Control Products (ECP), Magnetic Levitation and Control-Moment Gyroscope systems, and a Rhino Robotics six-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm. Each center has a full complement of test-and-measurement equipment. This laboratory is run jointly with the MAE department.

The Electromagnetic Laboratory (EML)

The EML supports programs in the areas of wave propagation, microwaves, antennas, and metrology. Undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses have been developed in the areas of microwaves, millimeter waves, and infrared (IR) diagnostic techniques to support the existing courses in electromagnetic theory. These laboratory facilities provide students with measurement techniques and skills in the radio frequency (RF), microwave, millimeter wave, and IR wavelength regions. The EML contains a large broadband, shielded microwave anechoic chamber.

The Electronics Laboratory (ECL)

This lab is used for instruction in basic circuits design, digital circuits design, microcomputer systems design, and electronic circuits design. The laboratory is equipped with personal computers, power supplies, function generators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other components needed to support required laboratories in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering curriculum. This laboratory also houses stations for embedded systems design.

The Microelectronics Research Laboratories (MRL)

These are a group of related laboratories supporting all aspects of microelectronics, including fundamental microelectronic device modeling and processing, integrated circuit design and fabrication. MRL links the efforts of the following associated laboratories: (1) Advanced Development Laboratory (Class 100 clean room), (2) Device Characterization and Analysis Laboratory, (3) VLSI Circuit Design Laboratory, and (4) Advanced Materials Laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department maintains a variety of essential labs for undergraduate and graduate education and research.

Project Lead the Way

UCCS is the Colorado Affiliate University for Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a national pre-engineering curriculum geared for middle and high school students. The College of EAS supports PLTW by providing high school and middle school teacher training and support and by offering graduate continuing education credit for PLTW teachers. The College of EAS also grants college credit for qualified high school students enrolled in PLTW courses from certified high schools. (See detailed information in Undergraduate Transfer Credit.)

EAS General Academic Policies

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Advising

Undergraduate

All undergraduate students are required to be advised EACH semester (except summer semester) before enrolling in classes. Students will be advised by their respective departments or the Engineering Academic Advisor. Academic advising is available throughout the year in the Student Success Center, 2nd floor, Main Hall. If you do not know who your advisor is or would like advising, contact the Engineering Academic Advisor at (719) 255-3427, or for appointments, (719) 255-3260.

Graduate

Please refer to the appropriate degree program in the Catalog for information regarding academic advising.

EAS Instructional Fees

The College of EAS collects a college-wide EAS instructional fee (EAS IF). The fee structure for academic year 2009-2010 is $15 per EAS credit hour with a maximum of $180 per student per semester. This applies to all courses offered in the College of EAS with the exception of graduate thesis courses. There are no additional fees levied within the College. The fee is nonrefundable.

The purpose of the fee is to assist the College in providing exceptionally high-quality instruction, including but not limited to, the following:

Support for all instructional labs and smart classrooms managed by the College of EAS
Support for the College IT network and servers
College or departmental help centers or instructional supplements provided by students for students, and students run mentoring programs.
Support for career placement services that are specific to EAS, such as mock interviews with technology companies.

Grading Policies

Consult the Academic Policies, Registration, and Records section of this Catalog for more information.

Incomplete Courses

An incomplete may be given by the instructor (subject to approval by the appropriate department chair/EAS Dean) for circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as a documented medical or personal emergency. When it is given, the student is informed in writing by the instructor of what the student is to do in order to remove the incomplete and when the tasks are to be completed. The instructor may assign only the IF grade. The student is expected to complete the course requirements, e.g. the final examination, term paper, etc, within the established deadline and not to retake the entire course. The grade will be converted automatically to a grade of F after one year unless the specified work is completed.

No-Credit Courses

Students who register NC (no credit) are expected to attend classes and take all examinations but receive no credit. In the College of Engineering and Applied Science, students may not register NC for a required course, or change registration to NC in any course, except by petition to the chair/dean. If the student does failing work, the chair/dean may request the Office of Admissions and Records to change the registration from NC to credit, whereupon the student will receive a grade of F. A course previously taken for NC may not be retaken for credit to apply toward an undergraduate or graduate degree awarded by the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Engineering courses completed for NC by students not admitted to the College of Engineering and Applied Science may not be taken again for credit after transferring to the college.

Pass/Fail Option

The primary purpose for offering courses in which undergraduates may be graded pass or fail (PF) rather than A, B, C, D, or F is to encourage undergraduate students to broaden their educational experience by electing challenging courses without serious risk that their academic records might be jeopardized. Not more than one course per semester or summer session may be taken PF. Courses which a student may elect to be taken PF shall be designated by the major department. A student who has not designated a major field will not be allowed the PF option. In the College of Engineering and Applied Science only social sciences/humanities courses at the 300 level or above may be taken PF. The maximum number of PF hours counting toward graduation shall not exceed 16 credit hours, including courses taken in the Honors Program under the program’s PF grading system. A transfer student may count toward graduation 1 credit hour of PF courses for each 9 credit hours completed in the college.

Graduation Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

To be eligible to graduate with one of the Bachelor’s degrees in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:

Be admitted into the degree major at least 30 credit hours prior to graduation.
Have at least a 2.0 CU cumulative GPA for graduation.
Complete the Writing Competency as outlined in the Academic Policies, Registration, and Records section of this Catalog.
Satisfactorily complete the MAPS deficiencies before graduation (the requirement is two high school years or two college semesters of a foreign language).
Satisfactorily complete the prescribed degree curriculum requirements as outlined by the specific department section below.

It is the responsibility of students to be sure they have fulfilled all the requirements by completing a graduation check in the Engineering Advising office the semester before they anticipate graduating. It is the responsibility of the student to keep the Engineering Academic Advisor informed of any changes in the student’s plans throughout the senior year. The department chair must approve deviations from departmental degree requirements, in advance by petition. Petition forms may be obtained at the Engineering Advising office.

Graduate Degrees

Refer to the appropriate College of Engineering and Applied Science degree programs.

Intern/Co-op Programs

The Intern Program assists in the placement of students in part-time positions while they are attending school, and the Co-op Program provides alternate semesters of work and study for students. The purpose of the programs is to allow qualified students an opportunity to supplement their education with work experience in their major area of study. To qualify as an intern/co-op applicant, a student must be enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. Further information may be obtained by calling (719) 255-3347 or writing to:

Intern/Co-op Program Coordinator
UCCS, College of Engineering and Applied Science
P.O. Box 7150
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150

EAS Undergraduate Program Policies

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Undergraduate Admission Procedures

The Catalog that governs a student’s graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time of a student’s most recent admission into the college of the student’s degree program. The college seeks to identify applicants having a high probability of successful completion of their academic programs. Admissions is based on evaluation of many criteria; among the most important are the general level of academic performance before admissions to the college and other evidence of motivation, potential, scholarly ability, and accomplishment by College Board scores, by letters of recommendation from teachers and others qualified to evaluate the student, by accomplishments outside academic work, and by other relevant evidence.

Freshmen

In order to enroll, the student must meet the requirements of the College of Engineering and Applied Science as well as the University requirements described in the Admissions section of this Catalog. Students interested in a Bachelor of Science degree who meet these requirements may be admitted into the College.

Placement Requirements:

Rank in the upper 30th percentile of their high school graduating class
ACT composite score of 25 or above or an SAT composite score of 1120 or above

Students who meet these requirements are assured admission to the College.

Expected High School Course Work:

English: 4 course units
Math: 4 course units; at least two years algebra, one year geometry, one year advanced math
Natural Science: 3 course units; one year physics, one year chemistry
Social Science: 2 course units; government, history, economics, psychology, sociology
Foreign language: 2 course units, all in a single language
Academic electives: 1 course unit

MAPS

Students should insure that they are taking the Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for Engineering and Applied Science, as outlined in the Admissions section of this Catalog. Beginning students in engineering or computer science must be prepared to start analytic geometry- calculus. (Courses will be offered to allow a student to make up deficiencies; however, no credit toward a degree will be given for algebra or trigonometry.) In order to be prepared for the type of mathematics courses that will be taught, the student must be competent in the basic ideas and skills of ordinary algebra, geometry, and plane trigonometry.

These include such topics as the fundamental operations with algebraic expressions, exponents and radicals, fractions, simple factoring, solution of linear and quadratic equations, graphical representation, simple systems of equations, complex numbers, the binomial theorem, arithmetic and geometric progressions, logarithms, the trigonometric functions and their use in triangle solving and simple applications, and the standard theorems of geometry.

It is estimated that it will usually take seven semesters to cover this material adequately in high school. Freshman will be given a mathematics placement test during orientation to insure that they begin the correct mathematics course based on their abilities.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from other accredited collegiate institutions will be considered for admission if they meet the requirements outlined in the Admissions section of this Catalog or the freshman requirements for entering the College of Engineering and Applied Science. The student should understand that engineering degree requirements differ from one campus to another—from course selection to the number of credit hours required for the degree. To ensure the maximum acceptance of credit toward degree requirements and minimize the length of time required to complete the degree, the student planning to transfer to UCCS should contact the Engineering Advisor at (719) 255-3427. Please see Web site.

Intra-University Transfer Students

Students from other colleges at UCCS may transfer into the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Students transferring into the College must have completed at least 2 full semesters at UCCS and have a cumulative CU GPA of at least 2.5 (with preference that at least Calculus I is completed). Students with cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 will require department chair approval before being admitted into their major.

Unclassified Students

Persons who have been admitted to the university in the category of unclassified students may be permitted to register for courses in the College of Engineering and Applied Science upon approval subject to the availability of space in classes. Unclassified students should be aware of the College of Engineering and Applied Science rule that at least the last 30 semester hours must be earned in degree status in the College of Engineering and Applied Science in order to apply toward an engineering degree. A maximum of 12 semester hours of credit earned while in unclassified student status may be carried toward an undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado. High school concurrent students may exceed this 12-hour rule for unclassified students.

Undergraduate Academic Policies

Special Sources of Credit

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement and college credit may be granted on the basis of the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Tests or by special examinations administered by the department involved. For students who have taken an advanced placement course in high school and who make scores of 4 or 5 in the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, advanced placement as well as college credit will be granted (outlined in Advanced Placement Program in the Admissions section of this Catalog). Advanced placement credit for the freshman mathematics courses in calculus and differential equations will be limited to not more than 4 hours each.

Project Lead the Way Course Credit

The College of EAS grants college credit for high school students enrolled in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses from certified high schools. UCCS is the Colorado Affiliate University for PLTW, a national pre-engineering curriculum geared for middle and high school students. UCCS transcripts credits can be earned for three PLTW courses offered by the EAS College: Principles of Engineering, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Digital Electronics. High school students must completed the PLTW course, score 80 (based on a scale of 100) or better on the end-of course college credit exam, and register for the UCCS credit the semester immediately following the high school course. Up to 5 credits (two courses) are direct course replacements toward a BS degree from UCCS in:

Computer Engineering (Principles of Engineering & Digital Electronics)
Electrical Engineering (Principles of Engineering & Digital Electronics)
Mechanical Engineering (Principles of Engineering & Introduction to Engineering Design)

Additional credits will count as general credits toward a degree from the college. For further information contact the PLTW office at (719) 255-3184.

Transfer Credit Acceptance

Students desiring to transfer credits from engineering technology programs should note that such credits are accepted only upon the submission of evidence that the work involved was fully equivalent to that offered in this college.

Some technology courses are given with titles and textbooks identical to those of some engineering courses. These may still not be equivalent to engineering courses because of an emphasis that is nonmathematical or otherwise divergent.

In order to assist engineering technology students with transfer problems, the following guidelines have been established:

Courses on basic subjects such as mathematics, physics, literature, or history may be acceptable for direct transfer of credit if they were taught as part of an accredited program for all students and were not specifically designated for technology students.
Students who have taken technology courses (courses with technology designations) that may be valid equivalents for engineering courses have these options:

Students may petition the department chair concerned to waive the course. The requirement for a course can be waived if a student demonstrates that by previous course work, individual study, or work experience he/she has acquired the background and training normally provided by the course. No credit is given toward graduation for a waived course, but a strong student may benefit from the waiver by being able to include more advanced work later in his or her curriculum. Other students may profit by taking the course at this college instead and thus establishing a fully sound basis for what follows.
Credit for a course may be given if the course work was done at an accredited institution of higher education. The University of Colorado department involved may recommend that credit be transferred to count toward the requirements for a related course in its curriculum. Credit cannot be given for vocational technical or remedial courses under rules of the University. (See the Admissions section of this Catalog on transfer of college-level credit.)
Students may seek credit for the course by examination. See Advanced Placement and College Level (CLEP) Credit.

Transfer Credit Decisions

After a prospective transfer student has made application and submitted transcripts to UCCS, the Office of Admissions and Records issues a computer-generated student transfer credit evaluation, listing those courses that are acceptable by University standards for transfer. Once a student receives the transfer evaluations, an appointment should be made with the Engineering Academic Advisor at (719) 255-3427 to conduct an evaluation of the transfer credits as applicable to a degree in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. If at any time a student wishes to have a course not previously accepted considered again for transfer, the student should consult with the Engineering Academic Advisor.

UCCS has established articulation agreements with all two year colleges in Colorado. For students from such a college, the transfer process to UCCS will be easier. It is, therefore, beneficial for students from two-year colleges in Colorado to check with their administration to see what courses will transfer.

ROTC Credit

Credit from courses completed in the ROTC program will not apply toward fulfillment of the requirements for degrees in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. A maximum of 5 semester hours of work from the ROTC program may be applied toward the BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

Work Experience

It is the policy of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at UCCS that any credits accrued in the official records of the student that were awarded for work experience will not apply as part of the 128 semester hours required for an engineering degree in the College.

Undergraduate Academic Progress

Satisfactory Progress

To remain in good academic standing, undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative CU grade point average of 2.0 or better in hours taken.

Scholastic Suspension

Students whose full-time semester’s or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on probation for the next semester in which they are enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and will be notified by mail. If, after that semester, the semester or cumulative GPA is still below 2.0, the student will be suspended from the college.

Students who have been suspended from the College of Engineering and Applied Science cannot register for courses at the University (except for summer sessions, correspondence courses or extended studies classes) unless the suspension has been lifted or they transfer to another college. Suspended students may apply to transfer to another college within the university and, if approved, take courses in the new major. Students are responsible for knowing whether or not they are under a current suspension.

Students who have been suspended may apply for read mission during the second semester following the suspension (not including summer school) if they meet the following requirements:

They have brought their cumulative CU GPA up to 2.00 through summer session, and/or correspondence work and/or
They have satisfactorily completed, at another college or university, a minimum of 15 semester hours of work appropriate to an engineering curriculum.

Suspended students must apply to have their suspension removed (after meeting the above requirements) to the Dean, Engineering and Applied Science. In addition, students may be required to reapply to the University.

Students who are in doubt about their standing with regard to scholastic deficiency are strongly urged to consult with the Engineering Academic Advisor.

Course Load

Full-Time Students and Overload Approval

Students should register for the regular course load as outlined by their advisor. Students may register for 18 hours or less without approval. Permission to take more than 18 semester hours may be granted only after approval, using an Overload Approval Form, submitted to the Engineering Academic Advisor (for 19-21 hours) or the chair of the appropriate department (for over 21 hours). The forms can be obtained from the Student Success Help Center, 2nd floor Main Hall.

Employed Students Course Load Guidelines

Course load guidelines for students employed ten or more hours per week are as follows:

Employed 40 or more hrs/wk (max. 9 sem. hrs.)	2 courses
Employed 30 to 39 hrs/wk (max. 12 sem. hrs.)	3 courses
Employed 20 to 29 hrs/wk (max. 15 sem. hrs.)	4 courses
Employed 10 to 19 hrs/wk (max. 18 sem. hrs.)	5 courses

The above guidelines result from the experience of those who are both employed and in school. Students who wish to discuss a deviation from these guidelines may call the appropriate department office in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Undergraduate Academic Requirements

Common EAS Core

The College of Engineering and Applied Science has implemented a common EAS Core for entering freshmen students. This is a set of courses in English, science, mathematics, the humanities, and social sciences that count towards all undergraduate degrees offered by the College. Though some students declare a major upon acceptance into the College, others may delay the selection of a major. The curriculum of the Common EAS Core provides the students with the necessary foundation for pursuing their education career in the College and at the same time allows a change of major within the College to occur during the freshman year with minimum loss of credit or delay in graduation.

The Common EAS Core makes up 25 of the 32 semester credit hours typically taken by a full time freshman. For the selection of the remainder 7 credit hours, students should consult their college advisors.

The Common EAS Core consists of the following courses:

Math 1350 Calculus I	4 credits
Math 1360 Calculus II	4 credits
PES 1110 General Physics I	4 credits
PES 1120 General Physics II	4 credits
English 1310 Rhetoric and Writing I	3 credits
Humanities/Social Science Electives	6 credits

Students Planning to Transfer to Another School for Their Degree

The College of Engineering and Applied Science has developed a series of courses at the freshman and sophomore level that meet the requirements for some engineering disciplines at most accredited universities throughout the country. Our advising will follow these generally accepted guidelines. Since curricula will vary slightly from time to time and place to place, students should check with the college/university to which they plan to transfer to verify that the two-year program suggested here would transfer in its entirety.

Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Programs

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Master’s Degrees

The EAS College offers Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering (refer to corresponding departments for details). The College also offers Master of Engineering degrees in Software Engineering (CS Dept), Media Convergence, Games, and Media Integration GMI (CS Dept), Information Assurance (CS Dept), and Space Operations (MAE Dept), as well as Master of Engineering degrees in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, which are administered by the EAS College directly. The Space Operations and Systems Engineering programs are distance (online) only.

Admission Procedures—Master’s Degree

Every prospective graduate student should consult the graduate student advisor in the respective departments at the College of EAS at UCCS prior to submitting an application for admission to the Graduate School. Students wishing to take graduate courses without formally enrolling as graduate students may enroll in the Unclassified student category described in the Admissions section of this Catalog.

Guaranteed Early Admissions

Students who are seniors in any of the undergraduate programs in the College of EAS at UCCS may be eligible for guaranteed and simplified admission to the graduate programs. Contact the appropriate graduate degree program director for more details.

Fast Track Admissions Process for Recent Graduates

Students who graduated within the past four years with a degree fromthe College of EAS at UCCS are eligible for fast track admissions process. Contact the appropriate graduate degree program director for more details.

Regular Admission

Students having an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in all college-level academic work attempted are normally admitted to regular degree status.

Provisional Admission

See individual programs for details.

General Requirements—Master’s Degree

Credit hours: A total of 30 semester hours of graduate course work is required.

Grades: An overall 3.0 grade point average is required in all graduate work.

Thesis or Non-Thesis: The student must select either a Thesis (plan I) or Non-Thesis (plan II) option. Plan I requires a thesis worth from 4 to 6 semester hours of credit. Plan II requires a 3 semester hour project. In both cases, an oral presentation and defense is required, which is open to the public and which can include questions over all work presented for the degree.

Time Limit: All work applied to the degree must be accomplished within a six-year time limit.

Advising: Students are advised by the chair of the graduate studies committee during their first semester. A student must choose an advisor by the time 12 credit hours have been completed.

Plan of Study: All courses included to count for this degree must be part of an approved plan of study. This plan must be developed by the student and approved by his/her advisor (appointed by the department) within the first semester after being admitted to the program.