Frequently Asked Questions
General:
- I can’t decide on an engineering major. Who can help me choose a major?
- What is the difference between engineering and engineering technology?
- What is the difference between computer science and computer engineering?
- I do not see at UNT the engineering field that I am interested in studying (examples: Aerospace, Industrial, Petroleum, etc.). Can I still enter these fields if I earn a degree from UNT?
- I’ve noticed that most engineering courses have prerequisites. When is the best time to start taking my engineering courses?
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with Cassady Ogedegbe to discuss the different majors. It would also be beneficial to take a tour of the College of Engineering and view the labs in each of the different departments. If you have specific questions about different departments, Cassady can also assist you in scheduling appointments with the faculty advisors.
Generally speaking, engineering is more focused on theory and design; engineering technology is more focused on using theories and designs. Engineering often involves more advanced science and math requirements than engineering technology. Engineers often spend most of their time planning and designing, while engineering technologists spend most of their time carrying out the plans of engineers. You can find more information by reading our degree program descriptions.
Computer science deals with software and programming; computer engineering deals more with hardware and design. Information technology deals with designing and managing networks, databases, and other information technologies. You can find more information by reading our degree program descriptions.
The degrees offered by the UNT College of Engineering are designed to give flexibility in the Engineering Career Paths you choose. If you are interested in a specific Engineering field, it is recommended you contact Cassady Ogedegbe to begin the conversation of how you can get on the right career path.
We strongly recommend that students complete the College of Engineering core curriculum before enrolling in any major-related engineering courses.
Registration:
- I’m getting a message that says “Requirement Not Met.” What does that mean?
- I’m having trouble registering for a lab and/or recitation for a class. What should I do?
You are trying to register for a course for which you have not met a prerequisite. To find out the prerequisites for courses, you will need to consult the course descriptions section of the catalog. Please note that if you are a transfer student and have credit for the prerequisite from another institution, you may need to talk to the department that teaches the course to be added into the class.
You need to contact the department that teaches the course for help registering for your lab and recitation. Example: If you are trying to register for CHEM 1410/30 recitations and are having difficulties, you need to contact the chemistry department.
Academic Requirements:
- Does the College of Engineering require a minor?
- What College of Engineering core classes or major requirements can I take at a community college?
- How can I get an incomplete for a course?
- What math GPA is required to graduate in the College of Engineering?
- What science GPA is required to graduate in the College of Engineering?
- What communications GPA is required to graduate in the College of Engineering?
No, but students may choose to add a minor in a field of interest or to enhance their resumes.
Please refer to Transfer Guides
Talk to your instructor about getting an incomplete. Please be aware that if your instructor agrees to give you an incomplete and you do not complete the stipulated work within a year or earlier time specified by the instructor, the grade of “I” will default to the automatic grade designated by the instructor, or, if no automatic grade is designated, a grade of “F.” Please keep in touch with instructors who have given you an “I” to prevent this from happening to you!
A 2.5 math GPA is required. If you think you are on the borderline, please contact an advisor to discuss your options.
A 2.5 lab science GPA is required. If you think you are on the borderline, please contact an advisor to discuss your options.
A 2.5 communications GPA is required. If you think you are on the borderline, please contact an advisor to discuss your options.
Financial Matters:
- What scholarships are available for engineering students?
Please visit our scholarship information page for information.
Additional Questions:
If you have additional questions, please contact Kathryn Beasley.