Jul 08, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalogue 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalogue

–College of Science and Engineering


College of Science and Engineering

Ronald Vetter, founding dean
Kate Brody Nooner, associate dean, faculty, policy, research, and innovation
Laurie Patterson, associate dean, academic affairs and curriculum
Karen Barnhill, assistant dean. administration and resource management 

https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/cse/

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The College also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics, B.S. in coastal engineering/M.S. coastal and ocean policy, and Psychology and Applied Gerontology, Bachelor’s/Master’s Combined Program. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, data science, cybersecurity, and digital arts. The Two-Plus-Two Engineering Program , Three-Plus-Two Computer Science and Electrical or Computer Engineering Program , and  Three-Plus-Two Physics and Electrical Engineering Program  are joint programs that allow students to complete their first one or two years of an engineering curriculum at UNCW and then, if they qualify for admission to NC State University, students would complete their education at NC State’s College of Engineering. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available. 

 

CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and to prepare them for a variety of careers or advanced study. 

 

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Academic Resource Center (ARC)

https://www.uncw.edu/cse-arc

The College provides advising assistance to all students interested in its many programs. 

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Academic Resource Center (ARC) is the central advising unit for students pursuing majors within the Departments of Biology and Marine Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Math and Statistics, Physics and Physical Oceanography, and Psychology. Professional and faculty academic advisors support students as they navigate their collegiate experience by offering guidance on course selection, highlighting academic and co-curricular offerings, providing academic and career coaching, and sharing referral information. Our aim is to develop an atmosphere that embraces student experiences, promotes sense of belonging, and creates space for innovation by valuing student empowerment, personal advocacy, and educational opportunities. CSE ARC advisors use the Starfish platform to schedule appointments, address concerns for students, and maintain student records. In addition, the CSE ARC advisors collaborate with UNCW offices and maintain strong relationships with CSE departments and faculty to help support student persistence and success. The following are what students in CSE can expect from their academic advisor: 

  

Advisor Responsibilities 

  • Be accessible virtually, in-person, by telephone or email for advising sessions and follow-up within a reasonable time, recognizing that busy advising periods may cause delays.  

  • Understand the requirements of the major, University Studies, and graduation. 

  • Provide academic and co-curricular resources to students that promote accountability and encourage self-efficacy, self-discovery, and self-authorship. 

  • Review DegreeWorks audit with students, upon request, to discuss graduation requirements, academic standing, progress to degree, etc. 

  • Stay informed of current and changing academic policies, regulations, and program requirements. 

  • Encourage student participation in applied learning experiences (internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and service-learning). 

  • Provide information and strategies for using university resources and services. 

  

Students pursuing majors in the College of Science and Engineering are assigned an academic advisor when they declare their major or transfer into UNCW with the specified minimum requirements. Students can find their academic advisor information in their Starfish network and on their DegreeWorks audit. Students should read all communications from staff in the CSE Academic Resource Center and are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:  

  

Student Responsibilities 

  • Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions. 

  • Be an active learner by reviewing all shared resources and arriving prepared to advising appointments with questions.  

  • Comply with academic deadlines, regulations, and policies as stated on the UNCW website and the UNCW Undergraduate Catalogue. 

  • Explore applied learning experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and service-learning. 

  • Complement your academic path by pursuing student resources and services. 

  • Utilize advising tools to track your academic progress and goals. 

  • Regularly check your UNCW email account for official communication. 

  

Through this shared understanding, academic advising in the CSE Academic Resource Center is an essential component to a successful educational experience. 

Interdisciplinary Cross-College Programs

In addition to the programs and departments listed below, the College of Science and Engineering offers joint programs with the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (Digital Arts B.A.), Watson College of Education (Applied Behavior Analysis and Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities Minor), and with Cameron School of Business, (Cybersecurity, B.S. and Information Technology, B.S.).

Bachelor of Arts
Digital Arts, B.A.   
 
Bachelor of Science
 
Non-Degree
 

Interdisciplinary Cross-CSE Programs

In addition to the programs and departments listed below, the College of Science and Engineering offers joint programs celebrating the interdisciplinary nature of education.

 

Non-Degree
Data Science Minor  (Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics and Statistics)
Neuroscience Minor  (Department of Psychology and Department of Biology and Marine Biology)
 

Programs

Certificate

Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts with Licensure

Bachelor of Science

Non-Degree

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

License

Non-Degree

Department of Computer Science

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor’s/Master’s

Non-Degree

Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

License

Non-Degree

Department of Environmental Sciences

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-Degree

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts with Licensure

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor’s/Master’s

Certificate

Non-Degree

Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor’s/Master’s

License

Non-Degree

Department of Psychology

Go to information for this department.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor’s/Master’s

Non-Degree

Pre-Engineering Joint Programs

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Dual Degree Bachelor of Science