ECS Main Menu

  • M-STEP Banner image

We are delighted to congratulate you on your admission to California State University, Northridge. The College of Engineering and Computer Science at CSUN is the place where pioneers are nurtured and future leaders are cultivated. Our mission is to solve complex technical problems in academia, industry, and government through education.  As you begin your academic journey, it is important that you have a strong mathematical foundation. Math is an integral part of engineering and computer science, and it is essential for students to develop the problem-solving and analytical skills necessary for success in this field. College-level math can be demanding, and we urge you to dedicate the necessary amount of time and effort to make the most of your studies.

With that in mind, the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program (M-STEP) is designed to prepare incoming first-time freshmen who have declared a major in the College of  Engineering and Computer Science. The program will prepare student participants to be curriculum-ready for the math requirements in their selected major while facilitating a holistic transition into a university environment before the start of their first semester at CSUN. The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program is a free 3-week opportunity to boost your math skills and help ease the transition from high school to college course work all while gaining the opportunity to meet current faculty, staff, and students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Participation is optional but highly recommended.

So what are the benefits of attending? 

  • Your math-level may increase from participating, and you'll get a head-start on your major's Road Map.
  • Priority Registration for your first semester course selection.
  • Block scheduling with other M-STEP Participants for Fall 2023.
  • Develop early connections with classmates, staff, and faculty within the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program will be held on campus, Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM beginning July 10, 2023 through July 28, 2023. The deadline to apply was Friday, June 30, 2023. Registration for the program is now closed.

Check out our recap of the 2023 M-STEP Cohort below.

Is the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory at this time. It is strongly encouraged that incoming freshmen who have declared a major housed within the College of Engineering & Computer Science participate.

Who is eligible to participate in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

Eligible participants for the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program are incoming freshmen who have declared a major housed within the College of Engineering & Computer Science who may require assistance in getting their mathematical skills ready for college-level courses.

What happens if I do attend the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program gives incoming freshmen the potential opportunity to start their freshmen year in Calculus I after completion of the program. Most majors within the College of Engineering & Computer Science require Calculus I as the required Road Map mathematics starting point.

What are the times/dates for the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program will be held on campus, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM beginning July 10, 2023 through July 28, 2023. This is an in-person academy and student participants will be required to meet on campus.

Is the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program free?

Yes, this program is free for all students who declare a major in the College of Engineering & Computer Science and are eligible.

What are the main focuses of the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program focuses on three areas:

  1. Raising student's math level in the first semester.
  2. Introducing CECS as their home base.
  3. Preparing students for college by incorporating success skills workshops.

Will my Calculus Advanced Placement score exempt me from the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

Yes. An AP score of 3 or above in Calculus AB will exempt you from the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program. If you do not know your score yet, make sure to register for M-STEP in the meantime. For more information on Advanced Placement Credits, visit here: https://catalog.csun.edu/policies/advanced-placement-ap-credit/

What is block scheduling?

Block scheduling is the reduction of 6 - 8 daily class periods in traditional academic scheduling to 4 class periods per day. Block scheduled class periods are longer than traditional class periods, so more material can be covered.

If I have to attend an appointment or another activity during the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program, can I be excused for a period of time?

Yes, If you need to attend an appointment (i.e., doctor appointment) or another activity during the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program working hours, you can be excused from attending. Just ensure that you communicate with your instructor that you'll be out of class, and for how long.

I am an international Student, can I participate in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

No, international first-time freshmen students should connect with The Hub and plan to participate in their programs. For more information, please visit The Hub's page: https://www.csun.edu/thehub/international 

I am a student athlete, can I participate in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

No, student athletes should participate in the Student Athlete Summer Success Program. For more information, please visit the Matador Achievement Center's page: https://www.csun.edu/undergraduate-studies/matador-achievement-center

Can I participate in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program instead of Early Start?

No, if you receive an invitation to participate in Early Start, you should register for Early Start instead.

Does the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program provide transportation, meals, and parking?

No, the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program does not provide transportation, meals, or parking. Students will be required to provide their own transportation, meals, or parking.

I do not have a computer, can I borrow one for the program?

Yes, if you do not have a laptop, you may be able to borrow one through the Device Loaner Program. Please check in with the coordinator after submission of interest to see how you may qualify for a loaner laptop.

I do not have transportation to campus, are there any alternatives to in-person attendance?

Not for the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program. However, CSUN does offer a program called Early STEM which an asynchronous online program. You can work on it anytime from you home. For more information, please visit: https://www.csun.edu/science-mathematics/mathematics/ESM.

Will I receive college credit for participating in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program?

College credits are not awarded for participation in the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program.

Where should I go for advisement?

For general advisement, we recommend reaching out the HUB for getting started:  https://www.csun.edu/thehub/advisement 

How do I contact M-STEP with additional questions?

If you have additional questions that are not answered on the page or in the FAQ, please reach out to matadorstep@csun.edu. Please note there may be some delays in response.