Computer Sciences at SOAR

• Language: Java
• Prerequisite: Quantitative Reasoning A (can be satisfied with math placement or credit for a course that fulfills QR-A)
• Notes & Details: 
  • CS 200 assumes little to no programming background.
  • If seats are open, please make an open section work for your schedule, as getting off a waitlist is not guaranteed.

• Audience: Students enrolling in CS 200 with no programming background, students from groups underrepresented in computer science 
• Language: Java
• Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CS 200, must successfully enroll in 200 prior to enrolling in 304
• Notes & Details:
  • WES-CS is a small, interactive peer led study group where students can gain computing confidence.  WES-CS provides a supportive, collaborative environment where diverse groups of students can explore CS through small group problem-solving activities
  • Students can enroll for 0 or 1 credit
  • Students interested in enrolling should complete the WES-CS interest form

• Language: Java. It is expected that students know Java going into CS 300. Students are highly encouraged to speak with their instructor during the first week of class if they have any concerns about learning Java
• Prerequisite: CS 200, CS 220 or CS 301
• Notes & Details:
  • If seats are open, please make an open section work for your schedule, as getting off a waitlist is not guaranteed.

• Audience: Students enrolling in CS 300 who want more support in their first programming course at UW. Students from groups underrepresented in computer science or those who are concerned about the transition from their college to UW’s programming sequence are ideal students for this course
• Language: Java
• Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CS 300
• Notes & Details:
  • WES-CS is a small, interactive peer led study group where students can gain computing confidence.  WES-CS provides a supportive, collaborative environment where diverse groups of students can explore CS through small group problem-solving activities

Students interested in enrolling should complete the WES-CS interest form

• Language: Java. Students are highly encouraged to speak with their instructor during the first week of class if they have any concerns about learning Java
• Prerequisite: CS 300
• Notes & Details: Eligible freshmen can enroll, space permitting, or add themselves to the waitlist. Priority is given to incoming transfer students

• Language: Python
• Prerequisite: Quantitative Reasoning A (can be satisfied with math placement or credit for a course that fulfills QR-A)
• Notes & Details:
  • CS 220 assumes little to no programming background
  • If seats are open, please make an open section work for your schedule, as getting off a waitlist is not guaranteed.

• Language: Python
• Prerequisite: CS 220 or CS 300
• Notes & Details:
  • Eligible freshmen can enroll, space permitting, or add themselves to the waitlist. Priority is given to incoming transfer students

• If a student believes they have significant programming experience (ie. students who took an AP/IB class but not the test; students who took a course transferring in as CS electives; students who took programming courses in high school and are confident in their abilities), they can complete a self-assessment that would allow them to bypass CS 200.  
• Students interested in this option, should contact CS Advising at advising@cs.wisc.edu.

• The Computer Sciences major requires Calculus I (Math 221, 171-217, or 275) and Calculus II (Math 222 or 276)
• Computer Sciences requires two courses beyond Math 222. We recommend Linear Algebra (Math 340) and Stats for Engineers (Stats 324). Students double majoring with another math-based major, please review your other major’s requirements for math recommendations

• AP Computer Science Principles
  • Score of 4 or higher gives credit for CS 202 (note that CS 202: Introduction to Computation is taught infrequently)
  • Enroll in CS 200
• AP Computer Science A
  • Score of 3 or higher gives credit for CS 200
  • Enroll in CS 300
  • Note for students who took the exam in 2020: Units 8-10 (2D Arrays, Inheritance, and Recursion) were not covered in this year’s AP exam. Inheritance and Recursion are already topics covered in CS 300. 2D Arrays will be built into the beginning of CS 300 because of the changes to AP. Students who earned a 3 or higher should still enroll in CS 300 and are welcome to talk to the CS consultants if they have any concerns 

• IB Computer Studies (higher level only)
  • Score or 4 or higher gives credit for CS 200
  • Enroll in CS 300

• If you have a Computer Sciences course transferring in as electives, you can request that it be reviewed by the CS Department. More information, including the form to request a reevaluation, can be found here
• If you are not sure on which syllabi you should submit for review, you can speak to the CS Consultant. If you need help changing your schedule post-SOAR due to updated credit evaluations, please email advising@cs.wisc.edu for some assistance

• Course Access
  • AP/IB credits known but not posted to UW record (For AP scores, please send your unofficial score report)  
  • Issues enrolling in CS 200, 220, or 300
• Course Selection
  • CS 200 vs 300 – students with substantial programming experience but no college level credit can talk to a CS consultant to determine the best first course
  • Interested in Data Science and Computer Sciences and debating CS 200 or 220 as first course
  • Questions about WES-CS
• Transfer Credit
  • Questions about whether or not to submit a reevaluation request
  • Transfer credits not posted yet
• Anything else not covered on this page

• Email us at: advising@cs.wisc.edu. Please include your campus ID and any necessary screenshots. Emails are responded to within 24 hours (except weekends)
• If we aren’t able to answer your question via email, we will schedule an appointment with you using the Teams platform.