Starting with Pre-Calc in Computer Engineering

Hello, I am currently a computer engineering major in my first semester at SFSU. Due to not being able to meet the pre-requisites of Calc 1, I am required to retake Pre-Calculus in my first semester because I received a C. I know that usually engineering majors tend to start out with at least Calc 1. So I was wondering if it would be possible to graduate in 4 years while starting with Pre-Calc. I am willing and able to take summer classes if I have to, so I am basically just looking for some advice. I can provide you guys with the required courses and the usual Computer Engineering sequence of courses at SFSU if you would like.

Thanks

It’s probably possible but a bit of a stretch. If caution you about summer classes though, especially later, as spending your summer doing internships or co-ops is more fruitful.

Yeah. You may catch up in the summer perhaps even in a CC for a lower cost. Internship after freshmen year is hard to find. So you should really try to catch up before sophomore year.

Do you guys think that taking Calulus 2 over the summer is manageable or should I focus on getting GE’s out the way.

If you still have a lot of GE and pre-req classes on the way, you have a lot of catch up to do or you may not graduate within 4 years. Check out what other classes you may take in the summer.

As long as you have the financial means, it’s not the end of the world to take more than 4 years. In fact, at many institutions it’s very difficult to graduate in 4 years even if you do start in Calc. Do your best to be on track, but not to the point that you have to take so many hours that it’s backbreaking to keep up and not to the point that you miss out on internship and co op opportunities like @boneh3ad said. Good luck.

I would only take Calculus 2 over the summer if you have done extremely well in Calculus 1 next Spring. The term is shorter and if you already have a struggle than make sure you take it in a full term.

Alright, thanks for the advice.

http://engineering.sfsu.edu/academics/undergraduate/major/computer/squence_of_courses.html is the course map for your major.

MATH 226 (calculus 1) is a prerequisite for PHYS 220/222 (physics 1), so the delay in taking calculus 1 will also delay you in the physics sequence and anything else that requires that as a prerequisite (e.g. PHYS 230/232, ENGR 205/206, ENGR 305, etc.). You may want to check if you can take both calculus 2 and physics 1 next summer to “catch up”, if you do well enough in calculus 1. Be sure to check http://www.assist.org for course equivalency if you are considering taking these courses at a community college.

Otherwise, you may have to plan for 9 semesters to graduation (instead of 8.5 including the summer as 0.5).