Prospective Undergraduate Computer Sciences Students

Welcome to the Department of Computer Sciences!

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is renowned for its reputation, both as a research institution and for its collaborative environment. Students also choose Wisconsin because they know that graduating from a world-class university will help ensure a successful career.

Some of your first interactions with the department will be with Computer Sciences advisors. Our advisors are committed to helping our students find success and provide the following statement for prospective students.

Summer 2023

From May 19-August 11th, CS Student Service staff will be only available remotely on Fridays and can be reached by emailing advising@cs.wisc.edu.

Prospective Information Sessions

The CS Department offers informational sessions to prospective families approximately every other Friday from 9-10. Prospective students and families can sign up for sessions on the Visit Bucky site.

Computer Sciences Major Requirements

See the Guide for CS major and certificate requirements.

There is no application process for declaring the CS major; however, once a student meets the requirements listed in the Guide, they can declare the major online.

Advising

The CS Undergraduate Advisors provide advising resources for students once they have declared the CS major. We are also able to meet with undeclared students during selected times of the year.

We look forward to supporting you through your time in the Computer Sciences Department!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not a current UW student, but I plan to enroll/transfer soon. Can I still be advised by CS advisors?

Computer Science Undergraduate Advisors provide extensive advising resources to current UW-Madison students and transfer students.

If you are in the early stages of considering transferring to UW-Madison or have not yet started your first year on campus (a.k.a., freshman year), we encourage you to access advising through our excellent online resources (i.e., this website) and to email us at advising@cs.wisc.edu. Please also consider signing up for a Computer Science Informational Session through the UW Admissions Office.

You will have plenty of time to talk with us once you arrive on campus as a first year student. We look forward to supporting you in learning about and thinking through all your options!

How can I visit campus?

UW-Madison provides prospective students with a number of opportunities to visit campus and learn more. Choose the visit that matches your academic interests!

Where can I find information about applying to UW?

For specific applications and deadlines visit the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

What happens once I’m admitted?

There are several ways that students can learn more about campus and the Computer Sciences Department. Your UW Day is a full-day program designed to give admitted first year students all the information and campus perspective that you will want in order to make a final college selection. Students also interested in Computer Sciences can attend one of our prospective informational sessions. Please also consider signing up for a Computer Science Informational Session through the UW Admissions Office. SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) will be your first step as a UW-Madison student. During orientation, you will learn about campus life, degree requirements and how to register/enroll in courses. In addition, CS advisors will be at the Majors Fair to talk with you about any questions that you have.

Is Computer Sciences in the School of Computer, Data Science & Information Sciences (CDIS), the College of Letters & Science or the College of Engineering?

The Computer Sciences Department and its academic programs are in the College of Letters & Science. If you are applying to UW-Madison and have an interest in Computer Sciences, you will apply to the College of Letters & Science. The School of Computer, Data Science & Information Sciences (CDIS) is an administrative partnership among these three departments to strengthen collaboration and industry opportunities. CDIS is housed within the College of Letters and Sciences, and this does not change any major/degree requirements needed for Computer Sciences.

What is the difference between Computer Sciences and Computer Engineering?

Computer Sciences is the study and application of computation and programming theory. CS places a greater focus on software . Computer Scientists, for example, build the OS and apps that make the iPhone run.
Computer Engineering (CMPE) is the study and application of computers, computing, and computer-based systems. CMPE places a greater focus on hardware. Computer Engineers, for example, build the physical iPhone.
There is a lot of overlap between these two fields. Many students double major in CS and CMPE.

Have more specific questions regarding the Computer Sciences Major?

Check out the following site: Computer Sciences FAQ for Prospective Students.

Welcome to Campus!

Campus Information

From Bascom Hill to Picnic Point, we invite you to explore our campus, inside and out. Discover dinosaur bones and bug collections, art museums and athletic facilities. Tour our ice cream–making facility and enjoy a tasty treat. Let us know when you’re coming and we’ll plan the perfect visit. Ask us anything.

University Housing

We operate 19 residence halls across the UW–Madison campus, providing a home to over 7,400 undergraduate students. We also operate three apartment communities and seven dining locations around campus. We invite you to tour our facilities online.

University Health Services

University Health Services offers high-quality health care and wellness services that are culturally respectful, fiscally responsible, and developmentally appropriate to student needs. Our integrated care model promotes and protects the health of our campus community.