Preparing for a Career with Computers

Everyone needs basic computer skills to function in today's job market. These basic skills include the ability to use common application programs such as word-processors, spreadsheets, database programs, and presentation software. Additionally, use of email and familiarity with the internet are becoming basic requirements for most jobs. Because computer use is widespread in courses at the UW, you will develop some of these skills in almost any major. There are also many opportunities to further develop your computer skills while you finish a bachelor's degree. See Computer Skills for more information.

UW has several majors that can prepare you for careers in computer software and hardware design and computer systems management. For all programs, to determine which courses at your community college are equivalent to the prerequisites courses, check Course Equivalencies for Washington Community Colleges.

Computer Engineering and Computer Science

The Computer Science department offers two undergraduate degrees: a B.S. in computer engineering and a B.S. in computer science. These degree programs have much in common in that they share a common core of fundamental courses both in the prerequisites for admission as well as the 300-level courses in the department.

CompE students must satisfy the College of Engineering general education requirements; CS students must satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements. (For a comparision, see the chart General Education and Basic Skills Requirements of UW Schools and Colleges.)

CompE students take substantially more courses in computer hardware and electrical engineering than do CS students. The CompE major is appropriate for students interested in building systems that include both custom hardware and software components, who have a strong interest in electrical engineering, or who want an Engineering degree. The CS major is appropriate for students interested in software systems. The flexibility of the CS major also allows students to double major or complete a minor.

Admission to both the CS and CompE degree programs is competitive; the grade-point averages of admitted students, especially their grades in CSE 142, 143, are generally well above 3.0. If you plan to apply to either major you should take the prerequisite courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, and computer programming in your freshman and sophomore years. Few colleges offer a course that transfers as CSE 143, so that course generally must be completed at the UW, after you transfer.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers design, produce, and operate devices and systems that use electric and electromagnetic energy. The program of study for electrical engineering includes areas such as power systems, communication systems, electronics, control systems, optics & 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.

As with computer engineering, you must take courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, and engineering sciences before applying to the electrical engineering department. Since application is usually made by the end of your sophomore year, or early in your junior year, you are expected to complete the prerequisites in your freshman and sophomore years. Electrical engineering is a competitive program; the grade-point averages of admitted students are generally above 3.0.

Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences

The ACMS undergraduate program offers seven pathways combining higher math courses with courses in computer science, probability and statistics, modeling, and/or applied math. All students complete a year of physics and the two-quarter computer science introductory sequence. Students who select the discrete mathematics and algorithms pathway also complete a four-quarter computer science sequence.

A 2.5 minimum GPA in prerequisite courses is required; admission is competitive, but at present students who meet the minimum GPA are usually admitted. As with the majors above, it is important to take the calculus and physics in your freshman and sophomore years. If your community college offers them, you should also take differential equations, linear algebra, and advanced calculus.

Business: Information Systems

The School of Business offers within the undergraduate business degree an option in information systems, which deals with the use of information technologies in businesses and organizations. The grade-point averages of students admitted to the business major are usually above 3.0 (factors in addition to GPA are considered). There are a number of prerequisite courses, which are usually available at all Washington community colleges and should be completed in your freshman and sophomore years.

Students indicate their interest in the information systems option at the time they apply to the business major. Admission to the IS option is competitive and based on the same factors as admission to the business major.

Programs at the Bothell and Tacoma campuses

The UW Bothell and Tacoma campuses offer a major in computing and software systems for students interested in a career in applications programming and systems analysis. Both campuses also offer an option within the business major for students interested in a career in systems analysis or information resource management.

For more information

If you're in the Seattle area, most of the programs listed above offer information sessions.