Allen School Undergraduate Admissions
On the University of Washington’s main Seattle campus, the Allen School is where students learn to design, build, and innovate with technology that shapes the world.
The Allen School offers two undergraduate majors: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Engineering. These degrees focus on teaching students how to solve problems using technology by designing and building systems. In general, the Computer Science major is more flexible and focuses on software systems and applications, while Computer Engineering requires learning more about the underlying hardware and lower-level systems, which interact more closely with that hardware. Both majors include substantial coverage of artificial intelligence, the theory of computation, the impact of computing on society, and more. Either degree can be paired with another major or minor on campus!
Allen School students graduate prepared to pursue many different careers in technology. The most common path is a software engineering position in industry – and most of our alumni stay here in Washington. Each year our graduates take software engineering roles at companies of all sizes. While most students pursue roles at technology companies, including many startups, there are also exciting and challenging software engineering positions in other fields such as health, retail, finance, aerospace, and more. The skills you learn in a computing degree are widely applicable and there is no limit on what you can do after graduation!
Why the Allen School?
The Allen School offers a world-class education that prepares undergraduate students for careers in the technology industry and beyond! With dedicated faculty, a vibrant community including over 2,000 undergraduate students, state of the art facilities, close proximity to internship opportunities, and innovative, hands-on coursework, undergraduate students can expect a collaborative and supportive environment that prepares them to thrive in computing.
Learn more about opportunities and resources for Allen School undergraduate students:
- Allen School-Affiliated Student Organizations
- Allen School Faculty
- Career Preparation
- CSE Core Courses
- Degree Requirements
- Research Opportunities
- Study Abroad – Allen School Exchange Programs
- Teaching Assistantships
- Undergraduate Student Services
Undergraduate Admissions
Like many other UW majors, both Computer Science and Computer Engineering are capacity-constrained, meaning the number of interested students exceeds the number of students we are able to admit. Due to this high demand, students must apply for admission into the Allen School.
There are several admissions pathways into our majors, and the steps may vary depending on how a student applies. However, the application is the same for both majors in each pathway and there is no preference given to one major over the other. We recognize that students may not know exactly which major will be the right fit for them, so we allow students to switch between our Allen School majors as long as it does not significantly delay their graduation!
Admissions Pathways
This is our majority pathway, intended for students who are applying directly from high school or without completing any college coursework after graduating from high school. Students apply by listing either Computer Science or Computer Engineering as their first choice major on the UW first-year application. This pathway typically takes around 4 years to complete.
Our transfer pathway is intended for students who will be transferring from another college or university after completing prerequisites and other minimum academic requirements. Students must apply using both the UW transfer application and the Allen School’s departmental application. Priority is given to students who are transferring directly from a Washington State community or technical college. This pathway typically takes around 2 years to complete.
Learn more about transfer admissions
Running Start students who are dual enrolled while in high school should apply as first-year students
This pathway is intended for students who are interested in applying to the Allen School after enrolling at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, especially those who discover a passion for computing after enrolling. Students must complete minimum academic requirements before becoming eligible to apply through the Allen School’s departmental application. Current UW Admissions is competitive and there is no guarantee that a student will be able to enter an Allen School major after enrolling at the University of Washington. This pathway typically takes around 2-3 years to complete.
In total, the Allen School is able to admit around 630 new undergraduate students across our three pathways each year. Unfortunately, due to capacity constraints, the Allen School is not able to offer post-baccalaureate admissions for students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree.
Resources for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Allen School Resources
For resources related to a particular Allen School admissions pathway, please check out our Direct to Major, Transfer, or Current UW Student admissions pages. In addition, our Undergraduate Student Services Team student employees may be able to provide additional support to applicants:
Student Recruitment Representatives
This team works with prospective Direct to Major and transfer applicants, particularly focused on supporting students who may have limited access to college preparatory resources.
Peer Advisers
This team offers a variety of supportive options for students who are already enrolled at the UW’s Seattle campus and are interested in applying to an Allen School major through the current UW student admissions pathway.
University of Washington Resources
There are a number of resources offered by other UW offices and departments that may be helpful for prospective students who are working on their applications to the UW’s Seattle campus:
The UW Office of Admissions manages the first-year and transfer application processes and provides guidance for prospective UW undergraduate students.
The Multicultural Outreach & Recruitment (MOR) team, housed in the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, provides support for all first-year and transfer applicants who are seeking additional support. In particular, their resources may be most helpful for students from low-income, first-generation college student, underrepresented, or foster care backgrounds.
The residency office helps students understand their residency category and the criteria needed to prove Washington residency for admissions & tuition purposes, if applicable.
International Student Services (ISS) supports international students attending UW on F-1 or J-1 visas with immigration advising and related resources. International students can also receive admissions support by emailing intladm@uw.edu!
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers information and support for applying for financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Don’t forget to submit FAFSA or WASFA by the UW’s priority deadline!
Other Computing-Related Opportunities
There are many other computing-related majors at the University of Washington besides Computer Science and Computer Engineering. To learn more, you can visit the UW Majors Website and sort by “computing” under areas of interest! In addition, the Allen School has an extensive list of Non-Major Options available for students studying a different UW major with an interest in computing.
Outside of the UW, many other colleges & universities in Washington state offer computing-related programs.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206-543-6450 / V, 206-685-7264 (FAX), or e-mail at dso@uw.edu.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The University of Washington prohibits discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Civil Rights Compliance Office. Read the full nondiscrimination statement.