Our graduates discover the field of computer science helps open 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. Computer science is a rich, collaborative, and varied field that you will find challenging, no matter where your individual interests lie.
And there is more to computer science 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 computer science 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 requirements:
- Credit for COMP SCI 300 and MATH 222
- Grade of BC or higher in one of these introductory programming courses, taken at UW-Madison: COMP SCI 300, COMP SCI/E C E 354 or COMP SCI 400
- 2.250 GPA or higher among major declaration eligible coursework1
- 1
For purposes of computer sciences major declaration requirements, GPA calculation includes:
- UW-Madison courses only
- All attempts up to the first passed attempt of a course. A passed attempt is a grade of D or higher.
- All eligible major declaration coursework completed at the time of submitting a major declaration request.
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.
It is advisable to submit a Computer Sciences major declaration request as soon as a student meets all three declaration requirements.
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 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 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. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
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
Foundational Math Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Students must complete a minimum of 39 total credits as detailed below.
Basic Computer Sciences
| 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 | |
Additional Mathematics
Linear Algebra
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one: | ||
| MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 345 | Linear Algebra and Optimization | 4 |
| MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | 5 |
Probability or Statistics
| 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 | Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering | 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 |
Advanced Computer Science Courses1
Theory of Computer Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Algorithms | ||
| Introduction to Theory of Computing | ||
Software & Hardware
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two: | 6-8 | |
| Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers | ||
or COMP SCI 538 | 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 | ||
| Parallel & Throughput- Optimized Programming | ||
| Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation | ||
| Data Management for Data Science | ||
| Introduction to Computer Networks | ||
| Introduction to Information Security | ||
Applications
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | ||
| Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Optimization | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Theory & Algorithms for Data Science | ||
| Computer Graphics | ||
| Introduction to Data Visualization | ||
| Introduction to Computer Vision | ||
| Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Building User Interfaces | ||
Electives1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Algorithmic Game Theory & Learning | ||
| Introduction to Computer Architecture | ||
| Parallel & Throughput- Optimized Programming | ||
| Computer Graphics | ||
| Probability and Information Theory in Machine Learning | ||
| Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation | ||
| Introduction to Data Visualization | ||
| Introduction to Computer Vision | ||
| Biomedical Image Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Building User Interfaces | ||
| Data Management for Data Science | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Introduction to Algorithms | ||
| Virtual Reality | ||
| Intelligent Robotics | ||
| Computer Sciences Capstone | ||
| 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.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and apply the core principles of Computing (abstractions and algorithms) to solve real-world problems.
- Describe and apply the theoretical foundations of Computer Science (e.g., complexity analysis) in practical settings.
- Demonstrate knowledge of key elements of computer systems, e.g., hardware, operating systems, networks.
- 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.
- Develop a substantial piece of software, and recognize the challenges of designing and developing software.
- Exhibit technical (designing, implementing, and testing) and teamwork (communication, collaboration, and professional practice) skills in order to develop solutions as a computer science practitioner.
- 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||
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 students 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.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
Visit the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub 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.