Computational Science and Engineering Certificate

The CSE Certificate Program offers in-depth study and research in computational science and engineering, including computational and applied mathematics, numerical simulation, scientific computation, and visualization. Students also complete an independent scientific computing project under faculty supervision.

Students who complete the program receive certificate recognition on their transcript and a letter from the Oden Institute Director describing the program and the student's certificate coursework.

Eligibility and prerequisites

• Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student currently enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin
• Calculus
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA to earn the certificate

Enroll in the Certificate Program →

After your enrollment form is submitted and reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email from the Certificate Program Coordinator.

Complete the certificate requirements

Complete 18 credit hours of approved coursework, meeting the following requirements:

• At least one course in each required area
• A grade of C or better in every certificate course
• A minimum 3.00 GPA across all certificate courses
• At least 12 hours of upper-division coursework
• Certificate courses completed in conjunction with degree requirements or within one year after graduation

Required course areas

• Upper Division Mathematics
• Basic Programming
• Numerical Applications
• Advanced Computing
• Elective
• Scientific Computing Project (additional details below)

View the approved CSE Certificate course list ↓

Some courses on the approved list may be restricted by the department offering the course. Please note that the Certificate Program cannot ask departments to waive prerequisites or lift restrictions on their courses. Every effort has been made to include multiple options under each category to allow students from various majors to find courses that fit within their degree program.

Course substitutions within the broad area of computational science and engineering may be made with the approval of the certificate program faculty advisor.

Scientific Computing Project

The Scientific Computing Project is generally completed during the senior year through taking CSE 370 (Individual Reading & Research) or another approved research methods or individual instruction course.

Project Steps

1. Find an eligible faculty supervisor.
   • Project supervisor must be a faculty member affiliated with the Oden Institute. Look for the Principal, Core, or Affiliated Faculty tag in the Oden Institute Directory
   • Review the CSE Project Mentors list which highlights faculty who have indicated an interest in supervising certificate projects.
2. Discuss the project with the proposed supervisor. Work with the faculty supervisor to define the topic, scope, and expectations.
3. Submit the Scientific Computing Project Approval Form. Submit this form after you and your supervisor have agreed on the project.
4. Enroll in the project course. CSE 370 or an equivalent Research Methods/Individual Instruction course.
5. Complete the approved project.