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 |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Introduction to Algorithms | ||
| Virtual Reality | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 certificate, L&S degree requirements and policy, and course selection. Information on academic advising for students interested or declared in the Computer Sciences certificate is posted on the Computer Sciences advising page.
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