Regardless of your major, you can enhance your career with a background in computer sciences. The computer sciences certificate is designed to deepen and validate your computing savvy for your future career prospects and/or graduate school. Compared to a major in computer sciences, the certificate requires fewer courses and offers more flexibility in course selection.
How to Get in
All undergraduate, degree-seeking students are eligible to declare the computer sciences certificate, except for students majoring in Computer Sciences or Computer Engineering.
Declaration Requirements
To declare the computer sciences certificate, students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of COMP SCI 300
- Grade of BC or higher in one of these introductory programming course, taken at UW-Madison: COMP SCI 300, COMP SCI/E C E 354 or COMP SCI 400
Students having difficulties meeting the above requirements should schedule a meeting with a computer sciences advisor to discuss alternatives.
For instructions on declaring the certificate, see the Department of Computer Sciences website.
Requirements
Five courses and at least 14 credits from: 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
| Two courses numbered 400-679: | 6-8 | |
| Programming III | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Computer Vision | ||
| Medical Image Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Building User Interfaces | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Introduction to Algorithms | ||
| Virtual Reality | ||
| Tools and Environments for Optimization | ||
| Introduction to Computer Networks | ||
| Introduction to Information Security | ||
| Undergraduate Elective Topics in Computing | ||
| Two additional courses, chosen from courses numbered 400-679 (above) or these: | 5-8 | |
| Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Computer Engineering | ||
| Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Digital System Fundamentals | ||
| Problem Solving Using Computers | ||
| Data Science Programming II | ||
| Machine Organization and Programming | ||
| Total Credits | 14 | |
- 1
Courses taken Pass/Fail do not meet requirements of the Certificate.
Residence and Quality of Work
- At least 7 Certificate credits must be completed in Residence
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on all COMP SCI and Certificate courses
Undergraduate/Special Student Certificate
This certificate is intended to be completed in the context of an undergraduate degree and for those seeking this certificate that is preferred. For students who have substantially completed this certificate at UW–Madison and may need one or two courses to complete the certificate, they may do so immediately after completion of the bachelor’s degree by enrolling in the course as a University Special (nondegree) student. The certificate must be completed within a year of completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students should keep in mind that University Special students have the last registration priority and that may limit availability of desired courses. Financial aid is not available when enrolled as a University Special student to complete an undergraduate certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and apply the core principles of Computing (abstractions and algorithms) to solve real-world problems.
- 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.
- Design, implement, and evaluate software in multiple programming paradigms and languages.
- Can solve problems by applying a broad toolbox of knowledge and techniques.
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.
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.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives