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.
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.
On This PageAll 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.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science 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 the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
| Requirements | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| LS Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | 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 | Complete both: • 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 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.
Students must complete a minimum of 48 total credits as detailed below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP SCI/MATH 240 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E 252 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E 354 | Machine Organization and Programming | 3 |
| COMP SCI 400 | Programming III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one: | ||
| MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | 5 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one: | ||
| STAT/MATH 309 | Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 311 | Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 324 | Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| MATH 331 | Introductory Probability | 3 |
| STAT 333 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 340 | Data Science Modeling II | 4 |
| STAT 371 | Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | 3 |
| STAT/MATH 431 | Introduction to the Theory of Probability | 3 |
| MATH 531 | Probability Theory | 3 |
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:
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.
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 through 699 count as Upper Level.
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.
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMP SCI 200 | 3 | COMP SCI 300 | 3 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| Communications Part A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| First-Semester Language | 4 | Second Semester Language | 4 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMP SCI 400 | 3 | COMP SCI/E C E 354 | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E 252 | 3 | COMP SCI/MATH 240 | 3 |
| Linear Algebra | 3 | INTER-LS 210 (Optional Career Development Course) | 1 |
| Third Semester Language | 4 | Communication Part B | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Fourth Semester Language | 4 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMP SCI Theory (COMP SCI 577 recommended) | 3-4 | COMP SCI Software/Hardware | 3-4 |
| Probability or Statistics | 3 | COMP SCI Applications | 3 |
| COMP SCI 368 (Optional Programming Course) | 1 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMP SCI Software/Hardware | 3-4 | COMP SCI Elective | 3 |
| COMP SCI Elective | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
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.
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.
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.
Visit the CS website to view our department faculty and staff.
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.
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