Global + Co-op Track
This is a five-year graduation plan that features a semester of study abroad and a semester co-op to obtain a BS in aerospace engineering sciences with a minor in computer science. You will benefit from robust training in CS, significant experience abroad, and in-depth training and exposure.
Your freshman through junior years largely follow the regular aerospace undergraduate curriculum combined with CS minor foundation courses. In year four, you will complete a study abroad semester followed by a semester of a full time co-op before returning to the CU Boulder campus in year five for your remaining courses.
Years 1-3
- Follow the regular aerospace course sequence.
- Complete the computer science minor prerequisites and foundation coursework. You must complete these courses before you can officially declare a CS minor. More information is available at
- Calculus I and II (Prerequisites to the minor - does not count toward overall minor hours)
- CSCI 1300 (may be substituted with CSCI 1320 or ECEN 1310)
- CSCI 2270
- CSCI 2400 (may be substituted with CSCI/ECEN 4593)
Year 3
- Meet with your advisor to officially declare your Global + Co-op track following fall semester, after grades have posted. You must have a 3.0 GPA to make this declaration.
- Submit your study abroad application. These are typically due March - April for fall enrollment.
- CU Boulder has numerous options where you can take CS coursework abroad toward the minor.
Year 4
Fall semester: Abroad
- While abroad, you must take at least one of the following equivalent CS core courses:
- CSCI 3104
- CSCI 3155
- CSCI 3753
- You should seek approved CS elective coursework abroad.
- You should seek approved H&SS coursework abroad.
- As your co-op will be during spring semester, you will need to complete and submit your co-op applications while abroad.
- You must secure your own co-op. CU Boulder cannot guarantee these placements but will provide resources and advising. Contact Engineering Career Services for more information.
Spring semester: Co-op
- Complete a co-op.
- You can expect to be paid for your full-time work, and you will not pay CU Boulder tuition during this semester.
- You are encouraged to continue your spring semester co-op into the summer to maximize your industry experience.
Note: You may invert this order and begin a co-op the summer after your third year and continue working through the fall semester; you'll then study abroad during the spring semester of your fourth year.
Year Five
- Return to CU Boulder to complete all outstanding requirements for a BS in aerospace engineering sciences and a minor in computer science.
Financial Considerations
Most CU scholarships and financial aid can be applied to a study abroad semester, and are available. You can expect to earn a good hourly wage during your full-time co-op to offset the cost of the additional year of study, and during the co-op, you are not obligated to pay tuition to CU, saving additional money! Students who wish to receive academic credit for their co-op can do so for $80/credit.