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Software engineering curriculum updates

1. Fall 2024 catalog years and later:
   • See “Gold” general studies updates below.
2. Fall 2024 and later: EGR 104 is no longer required.
3. Fall 2024 and later: IEE 380 is the required stats course for the major, EGR 280 no long applies.
4. Fall 2024 SER 401: Capstone I prerequisite update: Starting fall 2024 Prerequisite(s): Software Engineering BS major;  w/min C: SER 315, SER 316, SER 321, SER334; senior standing or postbaccalaureate.​ Students graduating in 2025 will not be held to the new prerequisite with the addition of SER 315, SER 321, SER 334, and may request an override through https://fultonapps.asu.edu/override/

Program structure

The program is a unique project-driven curriculum, establishing a new model for software engineering education. The program is built around the concepts of engaged learning, discovery-based education and learn-by-doing. Students complete projects in every semester of the program to provide emphasis in communication, teamwork, critical thinking and professionalism. Students will select three (3) 400-level software engineering courses that may cover topics such as web and mobile applications, embedded systems or a combination of both areas. In addition, students will select one upper division engineering technical elective that supports the curriculum and targeted, individual interests.

Critical requirements

Arizona State University has adopted an 8 semester tracking model, which monitors completion of “critical” lower division and “necessary” upper division courses specific to each degree. This set of courses was designed to serve as predictors of academic success in the degree program. The lower division “critical” courses are shaded grey on the flowcharts and indicated on the major map. Upper division “necessary” courses are indicated with stars on the major maps. All courses listed on both the major map and the flowchart are required.

University policy allows students to retake a course one time. Students who are not successful in passing a course after a second attempt will be asked to identify a new major. Please see your academic advisor if you have questions related to 8 semester tracking.

**Students are subject to any individual course prerequisite changes despite their catalog year.

Gold general studies: 2024-2025 and later

General Studies Gold is the name of ASU’s general studies curriculum, which specifies the requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2024-2025 and forward.

The General Studies Gold framework reduces the complexity of the current general studies curriculum (now known as General Studies Maroon, and required of students in catalog years 2023-2024 and earlier). General Studies Gold will require the same number of credits and will provide greater transparency to students, faculty, and staff.

Required categories in the General Studies Gold curriculum include:

• Humanities, Arts and Design (HUAD) 6 semester hours min
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBE) 3 semester hours min
• American Institutions (AMIT) 3 semester hours min
• Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) 3 semester hours min
• Global Communities, Societies and Individuals (GCSI) 3 semester hours min
• Sustainability (SUST) 3 semester hours min

Maroon general studies: 2023-2024 and earlier

HU/SB Guidelines (15 semester hours or five 3-semester hour classes)

One Class Upper Division (HU or SB) – 3 semester hours ~ MUST BE TAKEN AT A 4-YEAR INSTITUTION

• Two Classes HU (Humanities) – 6 semester hours minimum
• Two Classes SB (Social Behavioral) – 6 semester hours minimum

Within these five classes, select courses that include three awareness areas: cultural, global, and historical. No one class contains more than two awareness areas and this requirement must be met with two classes minimum. Contact your advisor if you have questions.

Lab science requirements

1. PHY 121/122: University Physics I Mechanics* (lecture/lab) – 4 semester hours
2. Natural Science: Quantitative SQ or Natural Science: General SG – 8 semester hours

Select two (2) additional lab science courses (8 semester hours) from:

1. BIOLOGY: BIO181, 182, 201, 202
2. CHEMISTRY: CHM113, CHM116
3. GEOLOGY: GLG101/103, GLG102/104, GLG110/111

*NOTE: Students who did not take physics in high school are encouraged to take a basic physics course prior to PHY121/122 in order to ensure academic success for this requirement. (The basic physics course will be in addition to the 120 semester hour degree program.)

Student have the option of taking PHY121/122 and PHY131/132 for the lab science sequence. Then, select one other lab science from the list above.

Recommended basic physics courses are:

PHY101 (Introduction to Physics – with lab), or

PHY111 (General Physics) AND PHY113 (General Physics Lab)

SER 4XX Electives/Technical Elective

Software Engineering students are required to complete nine (9) hours of SER 400-level electives PLUS one, three (3) hour technical elective with a grade of “C” or higher. Students may choose from the list of courses below. Please note that some courses may require additional prerequisites and approvals to enroll.

SER 400-level Electives (9 semester hours, 3 courses):

1. Web-Based Applications – SER 421
2. Mobile Systems – SER 423
3. Computer Architecture – SER 450
4. Embedded Interfaces: Sensors and Actuators – SER 456
5. Software Analysis and Design – SER 460
6. Introduction to Human Computer Interaction – SER 463
7. Software Quality Assurance and Testing – SER 464
8. Internship* – SER 484 – meet with advising for information.
9. Embedded C Programming – SER 486
10. Honors Research and Thesis* – SER 492/493 – meet with advising for information.

Technical Elective Options (3 semester hours, 1 course)

1. CSE 300- and CSE 400-level courses
2. DAT 300, 301, 400, and 401
3. EEE 300- and 400-level courses
4. FSE 301* and FSE 404
5. IEE 300- and 400-level courses
6. IFT 300- and 400-level courses
7. MAE 300- and 400-level courses
8. SER 400-level courses

*may not exceed 6 hours with SER492, SER 493, FSE 301, SER 484, or Independent Study