Computer Requirement in the School of Engineering

Extensive computer usage is integrated throughout all academic programs in the School of Engineering during all four years of the various undergraduate curricula. High quality, well-maintained computer hardware and software facilities are readily available and accessible in computer laboratories in each department, the Engineering School, and the University.

Junior year undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to acquire either a desktop or a laptop computer of their own. At this point in their engineering or computer science program, juniors have achieved a high level of technological maturity such that they can specify and tailor a computer configuration (hardware and software) which will most effectively meet the requirements of their particular computer science or engineering major. This computer will then continue to be current for use early in an engineering or computer science career after graduation.

Computers may be purchased through student discount agreements that the University of Mississippi has with a variety of computer vendors; see the web site http://www.olemiss.edu/computers/. The Engineering School recognizes that acquisition of a computer may represent an additional financial burden and that is why a computer purchase is highly recommend, but not mandated. The computer facilities on campus certainly provide the computer hardware and software needed to successfully complete the computer science or engineering program degree requirements. If a student receives financial aid through the University's financial aid office, the cost of a personal computer may be considered as an additional cost of attending the University.

The University faculty and the engineering faculty are confident that the high degree of computer usage as a tool that has been integrated into all Engineering school program curricula will produce a graduate who is well prepared to succeed in industry and is well poised for the life-long learning process which is characteristic of a long, rewarding and fruitful career.