Open Option Engineering

The Open Option Engineering program in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder is designed for first-year students who want to explore their academic and career interests before committing to a specific engineering major. This program provides a structured yet flexible experience that prioritizes self-discovery, goal-setting, and informed decision-making to set students up for long-term success in CEAS.

New first-time, first-year students who are unsure of their intended major can start in Open Option Engineering while taking foundational coursework that aligns with multiple engineering disciplines. With guidance from their dedicated Open Option Engineering Academic Advisor, students will create a customized course plan that keeps them on track for a four-year graduation. Students must declare a major by the eighth week of their second semester, ensuring they transition smoothly into their chosen field of study.

Welcome to Open Option!

Course Planning & Flexibility in Open Option Engineering

The Flexible First-Year Curriculum (outlined below) ensures that the courses you take in your first year align with any College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) undergraduate degree, keeping you on track for graduation. Your Open Option Engineering Academic Advisor will work closely with you to create a full-time course schedule, making adjustments as needed to ensure steady progress toward your degree. This may include substituting or rotating courses that can be taken in either the fall or spring semester. Your individual course plan may also vary based on Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or prior college credit.

Students participating in specialized programs—such as the Engineering Honors Program, President’s Leadership Class, or Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC)—can incorporate required courses into their first-year curriculum. However, these courses may not automatically fulfill degree requirements; once a major is declared, the respective department will determine how they apply toward graduation.

For more details on staying on track, refer to the Four-Year Graduation Guarantee.

💡 Pro Tip: Aiming to graduate in four years?

To earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in CEAS, students must complete at least 128 credit hours, while the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. To stay on pace for four-year graduation, students should aim to complete an average of:

  • 32 credit hours per year (16 per semester) for a B.S. degree
  • 30 credit hours per year (15 per semester) for a B.A. in Computer Science

Flexible First-Year Curriculum

Many Open Option students follow the Flexible First Year Curriculum during their first two semesters of enrollment: 


Fall Semester: 13-15 Credits

Calculus 1 (4-5 credits)

Appropriate Science course  (3-5 credits)

Engineering Projects (3 credits)

Humanities/ Social Science or Writing course (3 credits)

Engineering Major Intro Class (1 credit)* 


Spring Semester: 13-16 Credits

Calculus 2  (4-5 credits)

Appropriate Science course (3-5 credits)

Computing and/or Disciplinary course (3-4 credits)

Humanities/Social Science or Writing course (3 credits)

Explore Majors & Careers in Engineering

As an Open Option Engineering student, you’ll have multiple opportunities in your first year to explore different engineering disciplines and discover which path is right for you.

  • Hands-on Projects: Enroll in GEEN 1400: Engineering Projects or another first-year projects course—such as ASEN 1400, ASEN 1403, or ECEN 1400—to experience real-world engineering applications. These courses allow you to work in teams to design, plan, and build projects, helping you understand how different engineering fields solve complex challenges.
  • Career Exploration: Meet with a Career Advisor to assess your interests and strengths while exploring how different engineering majors align with career opportunities. You can also visit TryEngineering.org and the Career Cornerstone Center for additional career insights.
  • Academic Pathways: Learn more about each major in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) by reviewing sample 8-Semester Degree Plans, which provide an example four-year plan for every CEAS undergraduate program. We encourage you to explore each course by clicking on the links in the sample plans of study to learn more about its content and how it fits into your academic journey.
  • Interactive Resources: To find the best fit for your interests and goals, browse a full listing of CEAS majors, minors, and certificates and dive deeper into your options with the Open Option Engineering Major Exploration Notebook (CU Boulder login required).

Explore Engineering with Intro Courses

Open Option Engineering students can enroll in 1-credit introductory courses to explore different engineering disciplines before choosing a major. These courses provide insight into various fields and can help you decide which path aligns with your interests.

*Available Introduction Courses:

  • ASEN 1009 – Undergraduate Aerospace Seminar (offered in Fall & Spring)
  • AREN 1316 – Introduction to Architectural Engineering (offered in Fall only)
  • BMEN 1000 – Exploring Biomedical Engineering (offered in Spring only)
  • CVEN 1317 – Introduction to Civil & Environmental Engineering (offered in Fall only)
  • CHEN 1300 – Introduction to Chemical Engineering (offered in Fall only)
  • CSCI 1000 – Computer Science as a Field of Work and Study (offered in Fall only)
  • ECEN 1100 – Exploring Electrical & Computer Engineering (offered in Fall only)

💡 Tip: These courses are a great way to experience different engineering fields before committing to a major.

📖 Explore More Engineering Courses | 📌 Email XXEN-Advising@colorado.edu with questions

Degree Planning & Course Registration

Have a question? Email us at xxen-advising@colorado.edu

 

Open Option Engineering Academic Advising Team: