Second Major / Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering)
(Open to all CDE majors except Computer Engineering)
Computing technologies are revolutionizing engineering and design disciplines, streamlining processes, optimizing designs through data analysis and simulations, and accelerating product development. Automation and virtual environments are driving efficiency across engineering fields, paving the way for the next wave of industrial innovations. Collaborative tools are transforming workplaces, facilitating real-time sharing of designs, data, and simulations.
In Singapore, the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) leverages digital and smart technologies to enhance competitiveness. The ITM focuses on building a robust digital infrastructure, cultivating a skilled workforce, and fostering a supportive business environment. Central to the ITM's success is the widespread adoption of computing-based technologies to boost productivity, efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation across industries. The ITM underscores the need for a skilled workforce proficient in digital technologies and adaptable to evolving work methods.
As a result, proficiency in computing technologies is now a prerequisite for various industrial roles, including entry-level positions. To prepare the next generation of designers and engineers, the Second Major / Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering) – hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering – aims to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. This program enhances technical proficiency, improves career prospects, and ensures students remain at the forefront of advancements in design and engineering.
Students completing the Second Major / Minor will be able to:
- Understand fundamental computing concepts and the underlying components that are required for the operation of computing systems;
- Analyze complex problems and use computing-based tools and techniques to find solutions to these problems;
- Apply cross-disciplinary tools and techniques to the analysis and design of practical strategies for digitization and automation;
- Evaluate emerging technologies in the area of computing and their potential impact on society and industry;
- Gain critical-thinking, perspective-sharing and team-working skills
Requirement for Second Major
To be awarded the Second Major in Computing (Design and Engineering), students must earn a minimum of 40 Units of approved courses during their undergraduate candidature. The programme structure is divided into a 24 Unit core with 16 Units of electives.
| 2nd Major in Computing (Design and Engineering) – 40 Units | |
| Core Courses (24 Units) | Elective Courses (Choose any four courses, or totalling at least 16 Units)
Note: at least 12 Units must be at Level 3000 or above |
| Core courses:
CS1010% Programming Methodology EE2211 Introduction to Machine Learning or CS2030DE Programming Methodology II |
If not taken as core: CDE2212 AI for Design EE2211 Introduction to Machine Learning EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing AR2521 Digital Modelling and Simulation BN2102 Bioengineering Data Analysis CE2409 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering ID2112 Digital Design & Fabrication IE3110R Simulation ME3241 Microprocessor Applications MLE4205 Theory and Modelling of Material Properties PF3209 Building Information Modelling |
Requirement for Minor
To be awarded the Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering), students must earn a minimum of 20 Units of approved courses during their undergraduate candidature. The programme structure is divided into a 12 Unit core with 8 Units of electives.
| Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering) – 20 Units | |
| Core Courses (12 Units) | Elective Courses (Choose any two courses, or totalling at least 8 Units) |
| Core Courses:
CS1010% Programming Methodology (compulsory) AND Choose 8 Units from:
|
If not taken as core: CS2030DE Programming Methodology II CS2040DE Data Structures and Algorithms CS2100DE Computer Organisation CS2103DE Software Engineering CDE2212 AI for Design EE2028 Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing AR2521 Digital Modelling and Simulation BN2102 Bioengineering Data Analysis CE2409 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering ID2112 Digital Design & Fabrication IE3110R Simulation ME3241 Microprocessor Applications MLE4205 Theory and Modelling of Material Properties PF3209 Building Information Modelling |
Eligibility:
The second major / minor in Computing (Design and Engineering) is only open to students reading a common admissions Engineering primary major, an Architecture primary major, an Industrial Design primary major, or a Landscape Architecture primary major.
Students may apply at the point of admission, where the selection criteria are based on their university admission score and/or their proficiency in mathematics. “In-flight” (i.e., current) CDE students may also apply for this second major / minor.
The following groups of students are precluded from taking the second major / minor in Computing (Design and Engineering):
- Students who are not reading a CDE primary major;
- Students reading Computer Engineering as a primary major;
- Students taking a second major or minor in Computer Science
Students reading a Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering) can upgrade to the Second Major in Computing (Design and Engineering).
Students reading a Second Major in Computing (Design and Engineering) can downgrade to the Minor in Computing (Design and Engineering).
But students cannot read both of these second major and minor.
“In-flight” students should aim for at least a grade ‘A-‘ in CS1010E and a GPA above 4.0 to increase their chances of admission to these programs. Admission is subject to approval.
Application by in-flight students: Year 1, 2 and 3
Second major / minor in Computing (Design and Engineering) are restricted programmes which in-flight students must apply during the prescribed application window via EduRec in semester 2 of their Year 2 studies, or in semester 2 of their Year 3 studies.
Students will not be able to declare the restricted second major / minor themselves in the Academic Plan Declaration Exercise (APAD) before CourseReg begins for each semester. APAD is only for open minors / second majors which do not require special approval from the host department.
Please take note that the application date for this program will be from the Friday (9:00 AM) before reading week of semester 2 till end of first week of examinations on Sunday (11:59 PM), based on NUS academic calendar here. Kindly refer here for more information on the application procedure for restricted programmes.
Refer: NUS Double-counting policy for Second Major and Minor
For more information on this programme, please refer to our FAQ here.
Students with any queries, click here.