Congratulations on your admission to Syracuse University and we are excited to welcome you to Engineering and Computer Science! Your very first step in the process is to activate your NetID on the self-service portal netid.syr.edu. This will create your Syracuse University email and will be your authentication into the systems and platforms you will use here at SU. Please keep in mind that all official communications are sent to your Syracuse University email address. The new student registration and enrollment process will occur throughout the summer. You will begin by completing a Mathematics Placement Exam and a Calculus Readiness Exam. Information and access to these exams will be sent to you in May. All students admitted to Engineering and Computer Science must complete both exams to be enrolled in classes and have AP, IB and transfer credit. We recommend that you take placement exams on a laptop or desktop computer prior to completing the Course Enrollment Preparation Survey.
Access to the Mathematics Placement Exams
Using your NetID and Password, access your MySlice account.
Once logged in, ensure that “Student Home” is selected in the top left corner.
Select the “Advising” tile. On the left panel, select the “Placement Exams” drop down.
Select “Take Placement Exams.”
Access to the Calculus Readiness Exam
Using your NetID and Password, access blackboard.syr.edu
Select “Organizations.”
Select “Calculus Readiness Exam”
The Calculus Readiness Exam is a timed exam, so please ensure you have adequate time to complete the exam.
ESOL Placement Exam
We’ll be offering the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Placement Exam online Thursday, June 4 (12:00 am – 11:59 pm EDT) and Saturday, June 6 (12:00 am – 11:59 pm EDT) for Fall 2026 placements.
This exam assesses English proficiency of students whose primary language is not English for placement in an ENL composition course.
Any students needing to take the exam can register here: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_88s3EhVKXYI kaMe
Instructions about how to access the exam will be emailed a day before the exam.
Additional Information
In May, you will receive a personalized link to an enrollment survey, delivered to your @syr.edu email. The information you provide will assist the ECS Undergraduate Records Office in enrolling you in the required Engineering coursework. Placement exams and the survey must be completed by June 24, 2026, to ensure that the necessary information is available for course scheduling.
The ECS Undergraduate Records Office will hold virtual information sessions in early June to answer questions related to Fall course enrollment. Dates and times will be sent to your @syr.edu email. Following the initial course enrollment completed by the ECS Undergraduate Records office, you will register for your Introduction to Engineering course (ECS101). You will have access to view your Fall course schedule and enroll during the first week of August. Specific information on what you need to register for and instructions on how to complete this process will be sent to your @syr.edu email.
Engineering and Computer Science programs are rigorous, and credit loads typically range from sixteen to nineteen credit hours. You can expect to take one to two introductory engineering courses, an Academic Excellence Workshop, foundational math and science courses, expository writing, and/or a social science or humanities elective.
The ECS Undergraduate Records Office will hold additional virtual information sessions prior to and during the new student registration period in August to assist new students with registration questions.
Optional Programs with Course Requirements
Students interested in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) will take leadership and training courses associated with either the Air Force ROTC or Army ROTC program. If interested, please make sure you’ve indicated your preference on the First Year Enrollment Survey.
Students interested in a Syracuse University Ensemble (Syracuse University March Band, Pep Band, or several other instrumental and vocal groups) will have the opportunity to register for the associated course. If interested, please make sure you’ve indicated your preference on the First Year Enrollment Survey.
Advising in Engineering and Computer Science
As a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, you will be assigned to an advising team consisting of:
A Faculty Advisor who will assist you with your curricular planning.
A Career Advisor who will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s job market.
A Success Advisor who will support your transition to college and overall student experience, provide strategies for academic and personal success and connect you with resources.
Your advisors will be assigned and accessible through Orange Success prior to start of classes.
We understand that starting this new journey can be an exciting, yet anxious time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the ECS Undergraduate Records office with any academic questions at undergradrecords@syr.edu. We look forward to seeing you on campus this Fall.
Computers, Textbooks, and Course Materials
There are numerous computer labs located throughout the campus. Purchasing a laptop or desktop computer is a personal choice. Many students find it convenient to own a personal computer. The Campus Store offers computers and software at an educational discounted price, however any computer that meets the Engineering and Computer Science recommended specifications are acceptable. You can find the recommended specifications here.
Textbooks and course materials can be purchased in advance through the Campus Store or may be purchased after arrival. The bookstore provides extended hours for the convenience of students and families at the start of the semester. Textbooks can also be purchased through other vendors and discount sites. If purchasing from a source other than Syracuse University, please ensure that you are purchasing the correct edition and that any online access codes are valid and unused.