If you are a high school graduate entering SIUC as a freshman, you can complete all degree requirements in the normal four years (or possibly less). Prior exposure to computers is not a prerequisite. However, the department does honor the Advanced Placement Test in Computer Science given by the College Board. Additionally, the department can grant proficiency credit, particularly for the first course (CS 202), through examinations given by the department's Undergraduate Program Director.

    If you are transferring from a community college, you can complete the departmental requirements in five or six semesters. Less time may be required depending on time of entrance and prior preparation. More precise estimates may be given in individual cases. It should be noted, however, that an associate degree in data processing may not significantly reduce the number of semesters required.

    A transfer student need not have taken calculus prior to entrance into the program, but it is desirable that the student have had suitable precalculus courses. Indeed, Math 111 (Precalculus) or its equivalent (Math 108 and Math 109) is a prerequisite to CS 215 and Math 150 (Calculus I), two courses required of all majors.

    As a computer science major, you have the opportunity to meet each semester with a departmental adviser to plan your schedule in computer science courses for the following semester. The adviser can also review your career objectives and help you outline a course of study to meet your goals. Additionally, an advisement seminar is conducted each fall and spring semester prior to registration. These seminars offer you an opportunity to gain familiarity with changes in the curriculum and an opportunity to ask questions regarding the curriculum, course offerings, advisement, registration, and departmental issues. However, you can choose to be advised by one of the undergraduate advisers in the College of Science Advisement Office. There are some computer science majors who must meet with the department's Undergraduate Program Director prior to being advised by a College of Science adviser. They are:

1. Students who are on academic probation
2. Students who have less than a 2.00 average in the major
3. Students deemed to be academically "at risk"
4. Graduating seniors (with Major Check forms)

Classes can be dropped and added during the first week of each semester. If you foresee any problems with a class, see your adviser and ask what can be done. If you find yourself overloaded, classes can be dropped until the end of the second week without affecting your record. Between the second week and the eighth week, classes can be dropped with a "W" (withdrawal) grade. This does not affect your grade point average. If you are having problems, talk to an adviser as early as possible. The first two weeks of fall and spring semesters, College of Science Advisement is open for walk-ins all day. If you have problems or questions, drop in at your convenience. No appointment is necessary. After the second week, there are two or three walk-in hours everyday for problems and questions. If you need to see an adviser, call (536-5537) or stop by (Neckers A185) to see when these times are available.

Make advisement/registration appointments early. During the second week of each semester, College of Science Advisement begins making advisement/registration appointments for the next semester. Registering early can make a difference in your getting the classes you want. SalukiNet is a web-based information system available to all SIUC students. You can use it to register, obtain class schedules and grades, inquire about financial aid, and much more. All you need is a touch tone telephone, your SIUC student ID number and your UniLink PIN number (new students are initially assigned a random PIN and are normally informed of it in writing at the time of admission or registration). You are strongly urged to change your PIN as soon as possible in order to maintain the privacy of your records. SalukiNet is available at http://salukinet.siu.edu/. More informaiton on SalukiNet and Web Registration is available at http://registrar.siu.edu/salukinet/salukinet.htm. At the beginning of your junior year, you should register with University Career Services to begin the job search process.