College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

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The College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics is composed of the Department of Biology , Department of Chemistry and Physics , Department of Engineering and Computer Science , and the Department of Mathematical Sciences , as well as the Academic Computing and Learning Center (ACLC). Curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Engineering, and Master of Science degrees are listed on the appropriate departmental pages, along with specific departmental requirements.

The engineering and computer science programs at McNeese State University are designed to give students the theoretical and practical background needed to apply scientific knowledge and meet society’s material and physical needs. The programs offer professional training in engineering and computer science that includes a cultural awareness along with a sound technical education.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at McNeese State University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at McNeese State University is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Mission

The primary mission of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics is to offer high quality and student-engaging undergraduate and graduate science and mathematics programs and courses. The College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics supports the McNeese State University mission and core values of student success, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and University-community alliances. Faculty and staff of the college are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and service.

In addition to courses and programs, the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics provides the expertise, resources, laboratories, equipment, and additional learning experiences necessary for each student to progress in meeting academic, personal, and career goals.

Statement of Purpose

• To maintain ABET accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programs.
• To maintain ACS accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program.
• To meet the educational needs of the students.
• To serve the local community, including industry, and society at large by providing cultural and educational leadership.
• To stimulate students toward maximum intellectual and professional growth while at the same time providing an atmosphere conducive to their development.
• To provide the facilities and the opportunities necessary to search for truth and the expansion of knowledge through research, design, and other forms of creative expression.

Scholarly Activity and Service

While the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics faculty focus primarily on teaching that results in the continued success of students in studying and learning, the faculty is also encouraged to pursue scholarly activity and research as a means of keeping themselves, the students, and the courses up-to-date in the respective disciplines. Applied research in areas related to the regional environment, local business, and industries in southwest Louisiana is also undertaken by faculty and students.

Faculty and students are involved in community service activities such as science fairs, career days, competitions, and school, civic, and scholarly society presentations.

Admission Policy

First-time freshmen who have declared a major offered by the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics are advised by professional advisors in the Office of Freshman Advising  until a minimum of 12 hours and a cumulative 2.5 GPA is earned. Regardless of major, students with less than a 2.5 GPA are advised in the Office of Freshman Advising until 24 hours are earned; then students are advised in the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Transfer students from community and junior colleges wishing to enter the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics may be subjected to proficiency examinations to determine placement within the program of their choice. Credit for courses taken at other universities with a grade of lower than a C cannot be applied toward an engineering degree.

Academic Computing and Learning Center

The mission of the Academic Computing and Learning Center (ACLC) is to facilitate and support the instructional and technical needs of the departments, students, faculty, and staff of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. The ACLC provides necessary computer hardware and software for the courses in the academic computing center, the MATH 113 lab, and the two studios for the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The ACLC also provides a tutoring center for students in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and other courses upon request. Furthermore, the ACLC maintains a testing center that assists instructors with make-up quizzes, tests, and exams.

Co-op and Intern Programs with Industry

Engineering and computer science students who meet industry-established criteria are eligible to apply for work-study positions. Co-op and intern students are selected by industry based on grades, experience, and interviews. A co-op or intern position cannot be guaranteed to any applicant. During their sophomore and junior years, successful applicants alternate semesters as full-time students at McNeese and full-time employees in industry. Successful intern applicants work summers only following their freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Engineering students must be registered full-time and earn at least 12 credit hours-or six credit hours in the summer session-toward the engineering degree the semester or session before the industry work term begins.

Computer science students must be registered in either CSCI 398 or CSCI 399 during the terms they work in industry (including the summer term). Engineering students must be registered in either ENGR 350 or ENGR 450 during the terms they work in industry (including the summer term).

Students enrolled in ENGR 350 or ENGR 450 are considered full-time students in the fall and spring semesters to prevent student loans from entering repayment status, for insurance purposes, and for citizenship and immigration services reporting.

Registration as a professional engineer continues to become increasingly important in the future of engineering, and seniors are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (formerly the Engineer-in-Training examination) prior to graduation.

Minimum Requirements of Many Medical/Dental Schools

Students who plan to attend medical or dental school may pursue any degree offered by the University. Admission to medical or dental school is on a competitive basis and each professional school has control of its own admission procedures and policies. The specific course requirements for admission differ among professional schools; however, the general requirements are given below.

Students should consult the catalog of the medical/dental school of their choice to determine if the school’s minimum requirements exceed those listed. Selection factors considered by most medical/dental schools include grade point average, upper-level science courses beyond minimum requirements, MCAT/DAT scores, personal interview at the medical/dental school (by invitation only), and either an evaluation letter provided by a committee composed of faculty members from the students’ undergraduate institution or three letters of recommendation from individual faculty members.

The Health Professions Committee is responsible for providing committee evaluation letters for students at McNeese State University who are applying to medical or dental schools.

Students interested in a committee evaluation must fill out and sign a Committee Interview Request form in the Department of Biology office during the spring semester of their junior year. These students must also complete an evaluation file which will include:

• At least five and no more than ten faculty evaluation forms (available in the Department of Biology office);
• At least three and no more than five off-campus letters of recommendation (from persons not related to the student);
• Unofficial transcripts of all college work, showing an overall grade point average of 3.3;
• A copy of the personal statement which the student intends to include as part of their application; and
• A resumé, limited to two pages.

These materials must be sent to the chairperson of the committee by the deadline established for that semester. 

Most professional schools require that a student obtain a bachelor’s degree before admission; however, some will admit students with three years of college provided they have completed the basic requirements. Those students who are admitted to an accredited medical, dental, or pharmacy school after three years of college may be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University after successfully completing the first year of work at that professional school. Under this option, all coursework listed in the first three years of the McNeese curriculum must be completed before a degree can be granted.

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