Computer Science & Computer Engineering

Academic Programs

We offer undergraduate programs in both Computer Science and Computer Engineering. We also offer an excellent graduate program in Software Engineering.

Computer Science

Computer Science majors learn how to control computers through the study of programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and operating systems. Students are then able to solve deep problems in healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, computer vision, computational biology, database systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and networking.

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineers learn how to design computational hardware systems and how to control these systems through software. Computer Engineering is a discipline that spans the gap between Electrical Engineering (hardware design) and Computer Science (software design).

Software Engineering

Software engineers are computer science professionals who learn how to manage the development of large software systems. Software Engineers know how to speak with non-technical clients to determine their needs, they know how to manage both small and large development teams to create software systems, and they know how to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects statistics about careers across all disciplines in the U.S. labor force. They state that ... employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.

Our graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate and command some of the highest salaries across all majors at UWL. This is backed up by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that reports the median annual wage for this group was $97,430 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

Undergraduate Admissions

New and transfer students should contact the UWL Admissions Office for details on the admissions process and requirements. The Computer Science department belongs to the College of Science and Health. There is at this time no separate admissions to Computer Science programs. Students in the college simply declare a major or minor in Computer Science.

The Computer Science major does not presume prior experience in computer science. Mathematics placement at the precalculus level (UWL MTH 151) is important for beginning the major in the first semester. For specific questions regarding the various undergraduate programs please contact the department at compsci@uwlax.edu.

Graduate Admissions

New graduate students should also contact the UWL Admissions Office regarding the admissions process. While the application process proceeds through the Admissions Office it is the CS Department that makes the admissions decision. For specific questions regarding the graduate program, its prerequisites and requirements, please contact the department at compsci@uwlax.edu.

Department Contacts

Administrative Assistant
Tonya Peterson
608-785-6805
Wing 221
compsci@uwlax.edu
Chair
Dr. Kenny Hunt
608-785-6822
Wing 225
khunt@uwlax.edu
MSE Director
Dr. Mao Zheng
608-785-6808
Wing 217
mzheng@uwlax.edu