The Computer Science and Engineering Honors Program is an academic program that is specially designed for high-achieving students. It provides the opportunity for talented individuals to enhance their college experience by taking on new challenges and receiving exclusive benefits.
Students who are a part of the program will be enrolled in smaller classes, allowing them to engage with faculty members and cover course material in greater depth and at a faster pace. CSE Honors students will be given advanced notification of internships and full-time job opportunities, as well as first consideration for department-level scholarships. All members will also receive an invitation to become a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the International Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines. Being a part of the program will bolster students’ resumes, making them extremely competitive for placement in undergraduate research projects such as UCARE.
Though the CSE Honors Program is separate from the UNL Honors Program, the basic admission requirements are very similar. Members must have an ACT composite score of 29 or higher and be in the top 20% of their high school graduating class. In addition, students must demonstrate high aptitude in advanced math, or exposure to CSE topics or a high-level programming language. It is also essential that students show a commitment to their academic and intellectual advancement.
Once in the CSE Honors Program, students will be required to enroll in the honors sections of CSE required courses. Members must have full-time student status and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 within their CSE courses as well as for their cumulative GPA. Students will also be expected to participate in leadership roles within the CSE department and engage in undergraduate research. It is possible, but not required, to be a member of the UNL Honors Program simultaneously.
Students who did not receive an initial invitation are still eligible to apply if they meet other requirements. Students must have completed at least one year at UNL or another institution of higher learning, taken at least two CSCE course that count toward their degree, and maintained a GPA of at least 3.5, both in their CSE courses and cumulatively. Eligible students must also demonstrate their academic potential and obtain a recommendation from a CSE faculty member.
If you are interested in becoming a member and would like an application, contact the CSE Honors Program Director, Dr. Chris Bourke, at cbourke@cse.unl.edu.