Department of Computer Science

About the school

The Department of Computer Sciences of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) was established in 1960 as the Department of Numerical Analysis and renamed the Department of Computer Sciences in 1964. It is one of the US's oldest and most highly revered computer science programme providers, offering a dynamic environment for study, research, and professional growth. Today, UW-Madison’s Department of Computer Sciences is renowned worldwide for housing leading research groups in computer architecture, database systems, nonlinear optimisation, and distributed and grid computing, among others. Many students have achieved extraordinary career heights, given the department's vast resources, including academic excellence. Some names in the list of notable alumni include Maria Yuin (VP engineering, Salesforce), Max Lynch (co-founder, Iconic), Stephen Turner (founder and CTO, Pacific Biosciences), Adam Steltzner (leading NASA engineer), and Brewster Shaw (astronaut and former director, Space Shuttle Operations, NASA). Madison City, home to the University of Wisconsin, combines the cityscape with the campus environment while harmonising verdant landscapes with bustling urban districts. This unique geographical setting offers international students a picturesque backdrop for their academic journey and opportunities to leverage the city's thriving economy, enhancing their overall experience.

Where is the school located?

Life at the Department of Computer Science

The environment on campus makes international students feel at home, given the welcoming and multicultural setting. International students can foster personal and professional connections by joining student organisations, including the Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (SACM), where a group of computer science graduate students comes together for social activities, employer recruiting events, and networking opportunities. The campus offers fully-furnished apartments for graduate students in one and two-bedroom configurations equipped with all the modern amenities. For those seeking off-campus housing, various options are available within walking distance of the campus, including apartments, houses, rooms in private homes, privately owned residence halls, co-operatives, and boarding/rooming houses. Further, the campus offers multiple meal plans that can be used at dining markets, coffee shops, and convenience stores on the campus premises, along with registered dietitians and online tools to cater to students’ different dietary requirements. The campus also provides numerous recreational opportunities, such as intramural sports, sports clubs, ice skating, hockey, youth programmes, group fitness activities, personal training, swimming, athletic training, massage therapy, and more. Parking on campus is limited and available to students for a fee. Transportation options include the campus bus service, offering discounted employee bus passes, carpool and vanpool parking, and more.

Additional benefits of studying at the Department of Computer Science

Besides receiving world-class education at UW-Madison's Department of Computer Sciences, students also benefit from the opportunity to conduct research alongside faculty. Furthermore, they attend innovative classes specifically taught for students interested in launching software startup companies. The ardent campus competitions allow students to polish and pitch startup ideas, while programming competitions allow students to test their skills. The Google Developer Student Clubs, led by the university and supported by Google's developers, extend a peer-to-peer learning environment for students to develop personally and professionally while fostering eminent social change in the local community and elsewhere.

Admissions criteria

The Department of Computer Sciences at UW-Madison sets the minimum requirements for admissions into graduate programmes. Additional application requirements vary by programme.

International candidates applying for graduate programmes at the UW Madison’s Department of Computer Sciences must complete the online application form and attach the following supporting materials:

A personal statement/Statement of Purpose

Letter(s) of recommendation

Undergraduate transcripts (translated into English)

Graduate admissions test result (GMAT, GRE, LSAT): For specific programmes

Proof of proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS): If English is not your native language or if you did not receive your undergraduate education in English, you must take one of the specified tests listed below:

Minimum test scores required:

TOEFL (paper-based): 580 TOEFL iBT: 92 IELTS: 7.0 IELTS (indicator): 7.0

• Minimum scores/UG GPA required: 3.0

• Resume/CV: For specific programmes

• Proof of financial support

Please visit this link for details on the admission process or requirements by the Department, and refer to this page for individual programme requirements.

Estimated annual expenditure while pursuing graduate studies at UW-Madison’s Department of Computer Sciences:

Housing and meals Required course materials and educational supplies Transportation Personal expenses

Please consult the school’s website for detailed information and any updates to this information.

Job placements

The average starting salary of the professional master’s programme graduates at the Department of Computer Science is around $128,000. The department offers many career development resources to enhance the professional growth of its students.

The department organises the quintessential School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences Career Fair to allow students to explore career paths and make strong employer connections

The Industrial Affiliates Programme provides a platform for active exchange between organisations and Wisconsin CS students

RED Talks, an event series designed for academic and industry leaders to share their compelling work with students, offers insights into interdisciplinary and cutting-edge topics