Future Students
Everyone’s path to the Allen School is unique. This page was designed to help guide you on your journey.
This page contains comprehensive information about the different admission pathways, the degrees we offer, and other resources to help you on your journey to becoming a future Allen School student.
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Undergraduate Education
The Allen School offers two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Engineering. Students can enter these programs directly after high school or after around two years of coursework as UW students or transfer students. Note: the Allen School does not offer post-baccalaureate admissions.
Admission Pathways
Most students enter through our Direct to Major Admission pathway from high school, but there are a few different pathways.
Direct to Major (DTM) Admissions
All UW-Seattle first-year student applicants who meet UW admissions criteria and who list Computer Science OR Computer Engineering as their first-choice major on their application are considered for DTM to the Allen School. The UW Office of Admissions offers DTM admission based on a holistic review that includes established criteria and selection guidelines developed in partnership with the Allen School. Fifty percent of students enter the Allen School through this pathway.
Transfer Admissions
Transfer applicants are students who are currently or were previously enrolled at a college other than UW after high school. Running Start students are not considered transfer students and should apply as first-year applicants. Priority is given to students who are coming directly from a Washington State community or technical college. Twenty percent of students enter the Allen School through this pathway.
Current UW Student Admissions
This pathway is intended for students who are currently enrolled at UW. Thirty percent of students enter the Allen School through this pathway.
Explore the Allen School
The Allen School Experience
There are many ways to learn more about the Allen School community and the student experience inside and outside the classroom. We’ve listed a few way below and invite you to explore them all!
Attend an Information Session
The Allen School offers separate information sessions for prospective first-year student and prospective transfer students. In these sessions, you will learn about the Allen School community and student experience, internships and careers, and the application process.
Learn more about our Information Sessions
The Student Experience from our Current Students
Learn more about the student experience from one of our Allen School Student Recruitment Reps who are current UW students studying Computer Science or Engineering! You can schedule an appointment to meet with them 1:1 on our ambassador page.
Learn about Allen School Student Recruitment Representatives
Watch our Building Tour video
Take a tour with the Allen School Ambassadors of our two buildings: the Paul G. Allen Center and the Bill & Melinda Gates Center. You’ll see our spaces, learn what they are used for, and get a glimpse of the Allen School student life.
Watch the video tour with our Ambassadors on YouTube!
Contact a Recruiter or Adviser
You can direct any admissions or academic planning questions to outreach@cs.washington.edu. These emails are sorted and directed to the appropriate recruiter or adviser to best answer your questions.
Email outreach@cs.washington.edu
Other K-12 Programs
The Allen School has many opportunities for K-12 students to explore computing, including summer programs and courses. These opportunities range from mentorship programs to panels to hands-on projects.
Learn more about our K-12 outreach programs
Graduate Education
Our advanced degrees are intended for students who have already completed a Bachelor’s Degree. This includes our combined B.S./M.S. program for students who complete their Bachelor’s in the Allen School and wish to continue into their Master’s degree, our Professional Master’s program designed for full-time professionals interested in growing their skills, and our research intensive full-time Ph.D. program.
Prospective Graduate Student Information
The Allen School provides students pursuing an advanced degree in computer science with robust educational and professional growth opportunities within a thriving scholarly community.
B.S./M.S. Program
The Allen School offers a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree. Admissions to the B.S./M.S. program is only open to current UW-Seattle computer science and computer engineering majors.
Full-time Ph.D. Program
The Allen School’s full-time Ph.D. program is a research-intensive program in which students earn their Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Consistently ranked among the top computer science and engineering graduate programs in the nation, we offer a collegial and supportive learning environment, research opportunities of the highest quality, and the chance to collaborate with entrepreneurial faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields.
Professional Masters Program
The Professional Master’s Program (PMP) is a part-time, evening degree program designed for Seattle-area software professionals who are interested in continuing on their career paths while acquiring critical skills to move them into positions and projects of greater responsibility and impact. The all-coursework curriculum offers a broad-spectrum, industry-focused plan of study covering a multitude of engineering insights and practical development tools. The PMP is the only standalone MS in Computer Science offered by the Allen School; a full-time standalone MS program is not available.
Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods
The Graduate Certificate in Modern Artificial Intelligence Methods is an evening program designed to help working professionals and recent graduates to build expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning and to apply the latest tools in their current industry. Courses are geared toward those with a STEM or business background, but without a CS degree, and are delivered in person on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Students are able to stack this certificate with another qualified certificate to earn a master’s degree.
Additional Campus Resources
Additional Information
From applying for financial aid, to admissions information, support for students with disabilities, and much more; we have provided you list additional helpful resources below.
The UW Office of Admissions
The UW Office of Admissions is a great resource for prospective students! In addition to academic and application information, they provide tours (including virtual tours), information sessions, cost and financial aid support, and admissions counseling.
Student Financial Aid
Student Financial Aid seeks to provide educational access and opportunity for all students. They promote participation in higher education by providing assistance to help bridge the gap between the cost of attending the University and the family’s own resources. Visit their website for information about submitting the FAFSA/WASFA, scholarship information, loans, and other financial assistance.
The Office of Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment
Students from underrepresented backgrounds can receive individualized support and advice on their application by setting up an appointment with a counselor in the Office of Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment. This office supports historically underrepresented students of color (African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian) as well as students who have been historically disenfranchised from higher education.
Office of Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment
International Student Services
Prospective international students can use this resource to help with navigating university policies, immigration policies, and visa status. They also provide educational tools, including workshops and tutorials, designed for international students.
International Student Services
Disability Resources for Students
Disability Resources for Students (DRS) recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and our campus community. DRS staff work with admitted University of Washington (UW) students to ensure equal access to UW academic programs and services. Newly enrolled students with disabilities should visit this website to begin their accommodation application as early as possible to ensure that accommodations are in place by the beginning of their first term of enrollment.