UW CSE Applying to the Computer Science and Computer Engineering Majors

University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering

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Admission Requirements and Instructions

Admission to both majors is competitive. We have three pathways where students may enter the major.

Upper Division Admission: most common path for students who have completed all prerequisite courses.
Accelerated Admission: UW students who excel in the introductory programming courses
Direct Admission: Freshman who enter the UW and the CSE department immediately after High School

Upper Division Admission

Applicants who have satisfied the minimum requirements stated below are assured that their applications will be given thorough consideration by the Admissions Committee. However, the Department cannot offer admission to all applicants who meet these minimum qualifications.

Applicants must be enrolled at the UW or have an application on file with the UW Office of Admissions.

Course Equivalency Guide for Washington State Community Colleges.

Computer Science

Computer Science is offered through the College of Arts & Sciences. Students applying to the Computer Science Undergraduate Program must complete the following requirements prior to the deadline:

Math 124, 125 & 126;
At least 5 credits of natural science including one of the following:
- Physics 121,
- Chemistry 142 or 145,
- any approved science course that requires Physics 121 or Chemistry 142/145 as a prerequisite.
CSE 142 & 143;
Five credits of English composition.

Note: Regardless of AP credit, at least one calculus or post-calculus math course and one approved natural science course must be completed prior to applying to the department.

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering is an ABET-accredited program offered through the College of Engineering. Students applying to the Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program must complete the following requirements prior to the deadline:

Note: Regardless of AP credit, at least one calculus or post-calculus math course and one approved natural science course must be completed prior to applying to the department.

Application Deadlines:
Online Application
For students wishing to enter the program in Autumn Quarter: July 1st
For students wishing to enter the program starting in Spring Quarter: February 1st.

Accelerated Admission (Every Quarter, Current UW students only)

Intended as a fast track into the Computer Science & Engineering department for matriculated students who have excelled in the UW, CSE introductory courses.

Course requirements: CSE 142 or equivalent, CSE 143. At least five additional credits toward the Computer Science Upper Division Admission course requirements.
Other requirements: Completion of at least 15 credits at the UW. 3.00 cumulative GPA. Competitive applicants for Accelerated Admission typically have received a high grade in CSE 143 at the UW on their first attempt.

Accelerated Admission online application

The Accelerated Admission application opens between quarters, after grades have been posted. Decisions are made before the next quarter starts. If you have questions about Accelerated Admission, please contact an adviser.

Direct Admission (Autumn Quarter only)

The UW Department of Computer Science & Engineering enrolls up to 30% of its incoming class directly out of high school. Freshmen applicants to the University of Washington listing Computer Science or Computer Engineering as their intended major will automatically be considered. Competitive applicants will have taken or be taking calculus. Physics is the preferred high school laboratory science course.

Computer Science & Engineering
University of Washington
Box 352350
Seattle, WA 98195-2350
(206) 543-1695 voice, (206) 543-2969 FAX
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