Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program
We are delighted to congratulate you on your admission to California State University, Northridge. 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), one of the pathways offered through the Pathways to Excellence program, 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 4-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.
The program will follow a daily schedule similar to this example:
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
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The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program was held on campus Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-3:00pm from July 8, 2024 through August 2, 2024. Interested in being part of the 2025-26 Cohort? Check out the Pathways to Excellence website here to register:
Check out our recap of the 2023 M-STEP Cohort below.
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.
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.
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.
The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program is scheduled to be held on campus, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm for 4 consecutive weeks in July and August 2025. This is an in-person program and student participants will be required to meet on campus.
Yes, this program is free for all students who declare a major in the College of Engineering & Computer Science and are eligible.
The Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program focuses on three areas:
- Raising student's math level in the first semester.
- Introducing CECS as their home base.
- Preparing students for college by incorporating success skills workshops.
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/
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.
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
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
No, students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) should participate in an EOP Transitional Program. For more information, please visit the EOP page: https://www.csun.edu/csun-eop/transitional-programs
Lunch will be provided for students participating in the program. More information about parking will be sent to participants before the program starts. Students will be required to provide their own transportation.
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.
There is not an online option for the Matador Summer Transition to Engineering and Computer Science Program. However, Pathways to Excellence may offer online options for other pathways. Be sure to continue to check their website for updates on 2025 pathway options - https://www.csun.edu/pathways-to-excellence
First-time freshmen who have been admitted for Fall 2025 should reach out to the Student Services Center within the College of Engineering and Computer Science - https://www.csun.edu/engineering-computer-science/cecsssc
If you have additional questions that are not answered on the page or in the FAQ, please reach out to jessica.trujillo@csun.edu. Please note there may be some delays in response.