Computing-Related Majors

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Many students enter the UW with an interest in computers. There are a variety of ways you can gain an understanding of how computers work, and several majors other than Computer Science and Computer Engineering can prepare you for employment in a field where computers are used.

For example, any engineering, science, or technical major integrates computing since computers are powerful tools for computation, design, modeling, and data manipulation. Or any major plus some computer coursework can satisfy a computing interest. For example, UW CSE offers a series of non-majors courses.

Below are specific suggestions of related major areas at the UW campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma and at other Washington state colleges and universities.

UW, Seattle Campus

  • Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences.  ACMS is an inter-departmental program that combines higher math, computer science, probability and statistics, modeling, and applied math. Mathematics is used in a fundamental way in most fields of science and engineering, and its use is rapidly expanding in the social sciences and humanities, as well. Recent increases in computing power have made mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and statistical analysis more important than ever. This degree offers several pathways, combining higher math courses with courses in computer science, probability and statistics, modeling, and/or applied math.

  • The Information School. This UW school offers a Bachelor of Science in Informatics. A degree in Informatics prepares students for a wide range of endeavors in the information field, including information management and technology, research and information services, interactive system design, human-computer interaction, and information science. Students will be qualified for jobs in the information and technology industry and in business, public service, and the various related professions.

  • Human-Centered Design and Engineering. The Department of Human-Centered Design and Engineering (formerly Technical Communication) offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs that encompass the design, creation, and testing of all kinds of print, online documents, and user interfaces. Special strengths of the department include: user interface design, software documentation, Web design, science writing, usability testing, and the management of information within organizations.

  • DXARTS. The Digital Arts and Experimental Media program creates opportunities for artists to pursue lines of inquiry within the scientific, technical and creative realms while discovering and documenting new areas of knowledge and practice in this emerging field. This inherently interdisciplinary curriculum requires all students to diversify their artistic practice across four major content areas (sound, video, 3D, and sensing and control systems) as well as compliment their study with relevant upper-division coursework selected from related fields (computer science, music, drama, dance, art, engineering, architecture, cinema studies, etc.). Students are positioned to pursue original creative and technical research.

  • Electrical Engineering. Electrical Engineers design, produce, and operate devices and systems that use electric and electromagnetic energy. The Electrical Engineering program includes areas such as power systems, communication systems, electronics, control systems, optics and acoustics, and computers. While all Electrical Engineering students must take courses that cover the full breadth of the discipline, it is possible to do an emphasis in computer architecture and hardware design.

  • Geographic Information Systems.  The Geography department at the UW offers a Geography degree with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A GIS degree gives its majors an understanding of the development, sources, and uses of geographic information. The GIS curriculum focuses on geographic system analysis, map sources and map error, urban transportation GIs analysis, and natural resources and environmental analysis.

  • Health Information Administration. Offered through the Evening Degree program, H.I.A. focuses on the collection, organization, use and evaluation of healthcare data to support direct care and disease prevention, planning, outcome evaluation, research, and reimbursement, etc. The program prepares students for the Registered Health Information Administrator (R.H.I.A.) exam.

  • Visual Communication Design. Visual Communications Design addresses communication in the corporate, institutional and municipal sectors. The program emphasizes visual problem solving, organizational skills and information theory. The curriculum includes all phases of typography, information design, design systems, exhibition design, packaging publications design, photography, new media, and visual methods and processes.

  • UW Computing & Communications, Catalyst, and the ASUW Experimental College all offer training courses in computing areas, including HTML, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Desktop Publishing, etc.

  • UW Extension offers certificate programs in many computer-related areas as well as evening courses for credit and noncredit.

 UW Bothell and Tacoma Campuses

Other Computing-Related Programs in Washington State

If you are NOT a current UW student and want to take courses as a non-degree student, please review the information concerning Non-matriculated Enrollment and contact UW Educational Outreach for non-degree enrollment.
 

 

Last changed Tue, 2013-07-23 14:33