As a computer engineering major, you will learn how to design and manufacture computer hardware using the latest semiconductor chip technologies, which form the foundation of everything from automobiles to household appliances to defense systems. In addition, you will learn how to design and analyze systems that process, store and convey digital information, and to develop efficient software for them. Examples of systems that computer engineering majors explore include wearable devices, mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablets, personal computers, servers deployed in the cloud, and many types of embedded systems. You can also specialize in emerging technologies such as semiconductor engineering or machine learning and data science and earn a named option on your transcript.
How to Get in
Admission to the College as a First-Year Student
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. (https://engineering.wisc.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cross-campus-students/) |
| Application restrictions |
|
| Credits required to get in | 24 graded credits completed at UW-Madison, including at least one full-time (12 credit) semester. English as a Second Language course credits count toward the 24 credit minimum. |
| Courses required to get in | Engr Comm 1 (Comm A) requirement taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. If the Comm A requirement has been satisfied through placement test, AP/IB, or transfer credit, then a liberal studies course of at least 3 credits (breadth designation of Humanities, Literature, or Social Sciences) must be taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. Math course sequence through MATH 222. Four foundational courses completed on a graded basis at UW-Madison, as defined in the Foundational Courses List below. |
Foundational courses list
Four Foundational Courses must be completed at UW-Madison as defined in 1. and 2.
1. Math Foundation
A minimum of two math courses numbered 221 or higher; one math course 300 level or higher; or calculus sequence completed through MATH 234. Excludes MATH 228, MATH/HIST SCI 473, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
2. Engineering Foundation
A minimum of two courses as defined below:
Chemical Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher
(ii) one course must be PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
If the above two course requirements are completed with transfer or test credit, select from additional engineering foundation courses in (ii) below.
Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher OR PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
(ii) one other engineering foundation course from the following subject codes:
- Chemistry
- E M A 201, E M A 202, E M A 303
- PHYSICS 201 or higher
- Statistics, calculus-based
- COMP SCI 200, COMP SCI 220, COMP SCI 300 or higher, excluding COMP SCI 304
- excludes special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses
3. Additional foundational course options, if applicable
If the math and engineering foundational courses for the degree program are complete, then degree program engineering courses 200 level or higher can be taken to complete the Four Foundational Courses requirement. Excludes EPD, InterEGR, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
Additional considerations
Cross-campus admission is selective. The admissions committee considers applicants’ grades/grade trends, academic rigor, and personal statement. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
| Semester | Deadline to apply | Decision notification timeline |
|---|---|---|
| To apply for a fall start | Mid May | Late June |
| To apply for a spring start | Late December/Early January | Late January |
| To apply for a summer start | This program does not accept applications to start in the summer. |
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major.
The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
| Communication | All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning. |
| Humanities or Literature | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Social Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Natural Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations. |
| Ethnic Studies | All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement. |
Computer Engineering, BS Curriculum
This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.
Summary of Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 19 | |
| Science | 20-21 | |
| Computer Engineering Core | 33 | |
| Computer Engineering Advanced Electives | 16 | |
| Professional Electives | 9 | |
| Communication Skills | 6 | |
| Liberal Studies Electives | 15 | |
| Free Elective | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 1 | 4 |
| MATH/COMP SCI 240 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| or MATH/COMP SCI/STAT 475 | Introduction to Combinatorics | |
| Probability/Statistics Elective (select one) | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | ||
| Introduction to the Theory of Probability | ||
| Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
| COMP SCI 400 | Programming III | 3 |
| PHYSICS 201 | General Physics 1 | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 207 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 247 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 248 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Total Credits | 20-21 | |
Computer Engineering Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 203 | Signals, Information, and Computation | 3 |
| E C E 210 | Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| E C E 222 | Electrodynamics I | 4 |
| E C E 230 | Circuit Analysis | 4 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 252 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
| E C E 270 | Circuits Laboratory I | 1 |
| E C E 315 | Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory | 1 |
| E C E 340 | Electronic Circuits I | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 352 | Digital System Fundamentals | 3 |
| E C E 353 | Introduction to Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 354 | Machine Organization and Programming | 3 |
| E C E 551 | Digital System Design and Synthesis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Computer Engineering Advanced Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Circuits Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Electronic Circuits II | ||
| Applied Communications Systems | ||
| Analog MOS Integrated Circuit Design | ||
| Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems | ||
| Integrated Circuit Design | ||
| Digital Circuits and Components | ||
| Systems Software Elective 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Software Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers | ||
| Introduction to Operating Systems | ||
| Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation | ||
| Capstone Design | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Embedded Microprocessor System Design | ||
| Mobile Computing Laboratory 2 | ||
| Capstone Design in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Digital Engineering Laboratory | ||
| CMPE Elective I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication Networks | ||
| Introduction to Computer Architecture | ||
| Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems | ||
| Design Automation of Digital Systems | ||
| CMPE Elective II | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Select from COMP SCI 400 - COMP SCI 699 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
If a 4-credit course is taken, one credit may be used toward satisfying the professional elective and free elective requirement.
- 2
E C E 454 Mobile Computing Laboratory and COMP SCI 407 Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications cannot both be taken for degree credit.
Professional Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses to be taken in an area of professional interest. The following courses are acceptable as professional electives if the courses are not used to meet any other degree requirements. | 9 | |
| Cooperative Education Program (One co-op credit can count towards professional electives.) | ||
| Data Science & Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Electronics | ||
| Electrodynamics II | ||
| Signals and Systems | ||
| Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
| Feedback Control Systems | ||
| State Space Systems Analysis | ||
| Microelectronic Devices | ||
| Electronic Circuits II (may be used if not already used as an Electronic Circuits Advanced Elective) | ||
| Electromechanical Energy Conversion | ||
| Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems | ||
E C E courses numbered 370 and higher | ||
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
| Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1 | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra 1 | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Algebra and Optimization | ||
MATH courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
STAT courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
Any biological sciences course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level | ||
Any physical science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level | ||
Any natural science course that is designated as advanced level, except that math, computer sciences, and statistics courses must follow the above criteria | ||
Engineering courses numbered 300 and higher that are not E C E or cross-listed with E C E | ||
Up to six credits of Professional Electives can be taken from School of Business classes numbered 300 and higher. | ||
| Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Making Digital Lighting Controls) | ||
- 1
Students may only earn degree credit for MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, not both.
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Engr Comm 1 | ||
| INTEREGR 156 | Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers | 3 |
| or ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or COM ARTS 181 | Elements of Speech-Honors Course | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| Engr Comm 2 | ||
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Liberal Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Liberal Studies Electives Requirements | ||
| Complete requirements | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Honors in Research Program
Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honors in Research designation in their transcript. The Honors in Research program gives an undergraduate the opportunity to participate in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. It is expected that the student will be actively involved in research that could lead to new knowledge. The project can be independent or a component of a larger team effort.
Admission Requirements include:
- Complete at least one semester on the UW-Madison campus,
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5,
- Major in Computer Engineering (CMPE) or Electrical Engineering (EE),
- Identify an ECE faculty advisor who is willing to supervise the research project.
Students admitted to the program should register for one to three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research. A thesis worth three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research is required. The thesis is a written document that details the objectives of the project, the methods used to carry out the research, and the results of the research activity. The thesis must be approved by the faculty advisor and the student is encouraged to present a seminar.
The “Honors in Research” designation will be awarded to graduates who:
- Complete either the CMPE or EE degree requirements.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 at graduation.
- Complete a total of at least six credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research.
- Receive a final grade of at least B in E C E 489 Honors in Research.
Named Option
Learning Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Four-Year Plan
Sample Four-Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 252 | 3 | PHYSICS 201 | 5 |
or Engr Comm 1 | E C E 210 | 2 | |
| CHEM 103, 104, or 109 | 4-5 | Engr Comm 1 or | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E C E 203 | 3 | MATH/COMP SCI 240 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 352 | 3 | E C E 222 | 4 |
| MATH 234 | 4 | E C E 230 | 4 |
| PHYSICS 202 | 5 | E C E 270 | 1 |
| COMP SCI 300 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E C E 353 | 3 | E C E 315 | 1 |
| E C E 340 | 3 | E C E 551 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 354 | 3 | Circuits Elective | 3 |
| COMP SCI 400 | 3 | Probability and Statistics Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | INTEREGR 397 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E C E 453, 454, 455, or 554 | 4 | COMP SCI/E C E 506, 536, 537, or 564 | 3 |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 3 | Computer Engineering Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 2 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation.
Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.
When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UW–Madison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs.
Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment.
ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communication, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Within the first few years after graduation, our graduates should be engaged in activities such as:
- Employment in industry, government, academia, or non-profit using their degree knowledge or skills for professional functions such as teaching, research and development, quality control, technical marketing, intellectual property management, or sales. Graduates may eventually reach a leadership position supervising others.
- Continuing education through self-study or short courses and workshops through their employer, local or online educational institutions, or attendance at professional events such as conferences.
- Taking a principal role in starting a new business or product line.
- Pursuing a postgraduate degree.
Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)