Program Prerequisites

Students desiring to be admitted into the MSE program must have taken courses on the following topics or must have knowledge in these areas (evidence or supporting materials required):

• A modern programming language such as C, C++, C#, Java (UW-L equivalents: C-S 220 or C-S 224)
• Data Structures and Algorithms that includes abstract data types such as List, Stack, Queue, Tree and Graph (UW-L equivalent: C-S 340)
• Discrete Mathematics that includes topics on Set Theory, Predicate Logic, Functions and Relations (UW-L equivalent: MTH 225)

Students who lack any of these prerequisites must take additional courses (not counted for credit towards the MSE program) to meet the program prerequisites requirement. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.85 / 4.0 is required in these courses.

Admission Requirements

The student must have a bachelor’s degree in any other discipline with an overall GPA of at least 2.85 / 4.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 / 4.0 in the last half of all undergraduate work, and must at least have 2 years of working experience in software development. In this case, the student must provide at least 2 references from the work place; the referees should be able to comment on the knowledge and skills of the student in software development. References can be submitted to the Computer Science Department directly or to the Admission Office with your graduate application materials.

The student must have a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or an equivalent major, with an overall undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.85 / 4.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 / 4.0 in the last half of all undergraduate work or a GPA of at least 3.0 / 4.0 for no fewer than 12 semester credits of graduate study at another accredited graduate institution.

How to Apply

U.S. Residents: Complete the online graduate application form which is available at http://apply.wisconsin.edu/.

All questions regarding the university application should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions, or (608) 785-8939.

International Students: Complete and Submit all required applications that are listed on the Office of International Education website.

All questions related to the international admissions process should be directed to their office at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (608) 785-8016.

** The Office of International Education and the MSE program may have different deadlines for application materials. Please follow the earliest deadlines. **

An application packet should consist of the following:

a) a completed UW-L Application for Graduate Admission (or all application materials required from the Office of International Education)
b) official transcripts of all undergraduate/graduate coursework completed
c) two recommendation letters from the work place if undergraduate degree is in another discipline
d) letter of intent for those individuals seeking financial assistantships
e) non-refundable fee listed on UW-L application

Questions pertaining to the MSE program should be directed to Kasi Periyasamy,MSE Program Director,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (608) 785-6823 or the CS Department at (608) 785-6805.

GRE scores are not required at this time; however, it is strongly recommended that the student submit GRE score along with the application. Do not send your application or transcripts to the academic department or program director.

The Admissions Office or the Office of International Education will forward graduate application materials to the Computer Science Department for acceptance or denial to the MSE program. Once a decision has been made, the materials will be returned to the originating office who will send a letter indicating the MSE admissions committee decision.