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Our graduates discover that computer science (CS) opens up a world of possibilities. 

Computer scientists enjoy exceptional career opportunities, in settings ranging from large, established companies to adventurous new start-ups. They are also well qualified to pursue graduate study in a number of fields.

Our students are creative, analytical problem-solvers. This is a rich, collaborative and varied field that you will find challenging, no matter where your individual interests lie.

And there is more to CS than programming. While software engineering is an important skill, computer scientists also work with robots and other physical devices, design hardware that runs faster and more efficiently, and apply machine learning techniques to gain insight from large data sets—to name just a few examples.

Because CS has become highly interconnected with medicine, business and many other fields, it is a great fit with other interests you may have. You will enjoy a strong career outlook while having an impact on society.

How to Get in

Declaration Requirements

To declare the computer sciences major, students must meet the following requirements1:

1

 For purposes of computer sciences major declaration requirements, GPA is calculated with UW-Madison courses only and does include the first attempt of all eligible major declaration coursework completed at time of submitting major declaration request.  Repeated coursework is not included.

If a student needs additional coursework to meet the 2.250 GPA requirement, COMP SCI/​MATH  240, COMP SCI/​E C E  354, and/or COMP SCI 400 Programming III may also be used. 

Students having difficulties meeting the above requirements should schedule a meeting with a computer sciences advisor.

For instructions on declaring the major, see the Department of Computer Sciences website.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science curriculum.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Mathematics Complete the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A (QR-A) and Quantitative Reasoning B (QR-B) coursework.
Language
  • Complete the fourth unit of a language other than English; OR
  • Complete the third unit of a language and the second unit of an additional language other than English.
LS Breadth
  • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include 6 credits of literature; and
  • 12 credits of Social Science; and
  • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include one 3+ credit Biological Science course and one 3+ credit Physical Science course.
Liberal Arts and Science Coursework Complete at least 108 credits.
Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work Complete at least 60 credits at the intermediate or advanced level.
Major Declare and complete at least one major.
Total Credits Complete at least 120 credits.
UW-Madison Experience
  • 30 credits in residence, overall; and
  • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit.
Quality of Work
  • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison
  • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison

Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major

Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.

Requirements for the Major

Students must complete a minimum of 48 total credits as detailed below.

 Basic Computer Sciences

COMP SCI/​MATH  240 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics3
COMP SCI/​E C E  252 Introduction to Computer Engineering3
COMP SCI 300 Programming II3
COMP SCI/​E C E  354 Machine Organization and Programming3
COMP SCI 400 Programming III3
Total Credits15

 Basic Calculus

Complete one of these sequences:9-14
Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1
and Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2
Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I
and Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
and Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2
Total Credits9-14

Additional Mathematics

Linear Algebra

Complete one:
MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations3
MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra3
MATH 341 Linear Algebra3
MATH 375 Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra5

Probability or Statistics 

Complete one:
STAT/​MATH  309 Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I3
STAT 311 Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I3
STAT 324 Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers3
MATH 331 Introductory Probability3
STAT 333 Applied Regression Analysis3
STAT 340 Data Science Modeling II4
STAT 371 Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences3
STAT/​MATH  431 Introduction to the Theory of Probability3
MATH 531 Probability Theory3

Advanced Computer Science Courses1

 Theory of Computer Science

Complete one:3
Introduction to Algorithms
Introduction to Theory of Computing

 Software & Hardware

Complete two:6-8
Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications
Software Engineering
Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers
Introduction to the Theory and Design of Programming Languages
Introduction to Operating Systems
Introduction to Software Security
Introduction to Big Data Systems
Introduction to Computer Architecture
Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation
COMP SCI 620
Introduction to Computer Networks
Introduction to Information Security

 Applications

Complete one:3
Introduction to Numerical Methods
Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization
Numerical Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Optimization
Linear Optimization
Computational Photography
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Computer Graphics
Introduction to Data Visualization
Introduction to Computer Vision
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Building User Interfaces

Electives1

Complete two:6-8
Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications
Introduction to Numerical Methods
Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization
Introduction to Cryptography
Introduction to Computational Statistics
Introduction to Combinatorics
Software Engineering
Numerical Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Wearable Technology
Introduction to Theory of Computing
Introduction to Optimization
Linear Optimization
Advanced Linear Programming
Matrix Methods in Machine Learning
Image Processing
Computational Photography
Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers
Introduction to Operating Systems
Introduction to the Theory and Design of Programming Languages
Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Theory & Algorithms for Data Science
Introduction to Software Security
Introduction to Big Data Systems
Introduction to Computer Architecture
Introduction to Computational Geometry
Computer Graphics
Probability and Information Theory in Machine Learning
Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation
Introduction to Data Visualization
Medical Image Analysis
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Building User Interfaces
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Introduction to Algorithms
Virtual Reality
COMP SCI 620
Tools and Environments for Optimization
Introduction to Computer Networks
Introduction to Information Security
Undergraduate Elective Topics in Computing

Residence and Quality of Work

  • 2.000 GPA in all COMP SCI courses and courses counting toward the major
  • 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level credits, taken in residence2
  • 15 credits in COMP SCI, taken on campus

Honors in the Major

Students may declare Honors in the Computer Sciences Major in consultation with the Computer Sciences undergraduate coordinator(s).  To earn Honors in the Major in Computer Sciences, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:

  • Earn a minimum 3.300 University GPA
  • Earn a minimum 3.500 GPA for all COMP SCI and major courses
  • Complete one COMP SCI course numbered 500 through 699, taken for Honors with a grade of B or higher
  • Complete COMP SCI 681 and COMP SCI 682 for a total of 6 credits.3

 Footnotes

1

COMP SCI courses may only fulfill one COMP SCI major requirement area.  For example, if you take a course for the COMP SCI Applications requirement, it cannot also apply to the COMP SCI Elective requirement.

2

COMP SCI courses numbered 400 through 699 count as Upper Level.

3

Senior Honors Thesis proposal must be approved by the thesis/project advisor and student must be declared as Honors in the Major before enrollment in COMP SCI 681. A final thesis or project must be completed before a final grade for COMP SCI 682 can be awarded.

University Degree Requirements

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Recognize and apply the core principles of Computing (abstractions and algorithms) to solve real-world problems.
  2. Describe and apply the theoretical foundations of Computer Science (e.g., complexity analysis) in practical settings.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of key elements of computer systems, e.g., hardware, operating systems, networks.
  4. Use fundamental and detailed knowledge, skills, and tools (e.g., specific algorithms, techniques methods, etc.) of computer science and develop the ability to acquire new knowledge, skills, and tools.
  5. Design, implement, and evaluate software in multiple programming paradigms and languages.
  6. Develop a substantial piece of software, and recognize the challenges of designing and developing software.
  7. Exhibit technical (designing, implementing, and testing) and teamwork (communication, collaboration, and professional practice) skills in order to develop solutions as a computer science practitioner.
  8. Can solve problems by applying a broad toolbox of knowledge and techniques.

Four-Year Plan

This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMP SCI 2003COMP SCI 3003
MATH 2215MATH 2224
Communications Part A3Ethnic Studies3
First-Semester Language4Second Semester Language4
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMP SCI 4003COMP SCI/​E C E  3543
COMP SCI/​E C E  2523COMP SCI/​MATH  2403
Linear Algebra3INTER-LS 210 (Optional Career Development Course)1
Third Semester Language4Communication Part B3
Social Science Breadth3Fourth Semester Language4
 16 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMP SCI Theory (COMP SCI 577 recommended)3-4COMP SCI Software/Hardware3-4
Probability or Statistics3COMP SCI Applications3
COMP SCI 368 (Optional Programming Course)1Literature Breadth3
Humanities Breadth3Biological Science Breadth3
Social Science Breadth3Elective3
Elective 3 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMP SCI Software/Hardware3-4COMP SCI Elective3
COMP SCI Elective3Physical Science Breadth3
Humanities Breadth3Literature Breadth3
Social Science Breadth3Social Science Breadth3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 120

Advising and Careers

Advising

The undergraduate coordinators in the Department of Computer Sciences are ready to help students with questions about the major, L&S degree requirements and policy, and course selection. Information on academic advising for students interested or declared in the computer sciences major is posted on the Computer Sciences advising page

Careers

Demand for those with a computer sciences education is exceptionally strong. According to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of growth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) occupations through 2020 will occur within computing fields.

Computer sciences majors are encouraged to begin working on their career exploration and preparation soon after arriving on campus to explore different career paths, participate in co-ops or summer internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and network with professionals in the field.

Department of Computer Sciences: the department hosts one major career fair per year, in the fall, as well as other opportunities to connect with employers, such as technical talks and information sessions.

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science: SuccessWorks offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, and offers individual career advising appointments for L&S students.

Engineering Career Services (ECS): ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, and hosts workshops on the job search. 

L&S Career Resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.

People

Visit the CS website to view our department faculty and staff.

Resources and Scholarships

Visit Scholarships@UW-Madison to find UW–Madison scholarships and apply online.

Visit the scholarships page on the Department of Computer Sciences website for a compendium of opportunities available to students studying computer sciences.