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The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science at UWM is your pathway to become a versatile, adaptive problem-solver—ready for the future of work and prepared to lead in whatever field you choose.

Build tech skills. Pair them with your passions. Shape the future.

If you want a computer science degree that’s flexible, practical, and connected to real-world opportunity, UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science is the place to start.

A Flexible Degree That Works the Way You Think

The BA program lets you combine computer science with another major or minors—without adding extra years to your degree. Whether you’re drawn to entrepreneurship, digital arts, public health, UX design, or data-driven research, you can tailor your education to fit your goals.

A Strong Computer Science Core

You’ll gain the same essential CS foundation employers expect: programming, algorithms, data structures, systems, databases, and security. Then you’ll customize your path with electives in areas like AI, machine learning, mobile development, cybersecurity, graphics, and more.

Access to Milwaukee’s Tech-Driven Opportunities

UWM sits in the heart of Wisconsin’s largest and fastest-growing job market. Our students intern and co-op at companies like Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee Tool, Amazon and other regional and national employers. Many turn those internships into full-time job offers before graduating.

A Collaborative Learning Community

You’ll learn from accomplished faculty in UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science while enjoying small class sizes, a supportive environment, and hands-on learning from day one. You’ll code, build, experiment, and solve problems that matter.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

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Graduating with BA in CS offers key career advantages:

  • Strong employability: Many companies and industries need software developers, IT specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals — not just “tech firms.”
  • Flexibility and mobility: With computing becoming essential across sectors (healthcare, finance, environmental science, business, media, etc.), graduates can often pivot into non-traditional “tech” roles depending on their interests.
Students majoring in Computer Science gathered around a two laptop computer.
Northwestern Mutual employees UWM computer science students on capstone projects. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)

What to Expect

As a BA in Computer Science major you will cover the core of the discipline including:

  • Programming
  • Theory & algorithms
  • Social & ethical issues
  • Computer architecture

You choose electives to broaden your knowledge or specialize in one of these areas:

  • Artificial intelligence, data mining & machine learning
  • Computer graphics & human-computer interfaces
  • Computer networks & operating systems
  • Computer security & information security systems
  • Databases & information systems
  • Programming languages & compilers

Along the way you will take courses from your complementary major or minor.

UWM Computer Science laptop requirement

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Pairing Computer Science with other interests

Students who elect to earn two majors might couple their Computer Science studies with a BS in Public Health, a BS in Freshwater Science or a BA in Animation, to name just a few.

Those who elect to couple their BA in Computer Science with two minors or certificates have dozens of options including programs in crime analysis, biology, environmental studies, education, the arts, nutrition, political science, psychology and urban studies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with double majors are better protected against economic downturns; this is especially true for unrelated double majors.

In all cases, your advisor will help you choose the academic path that best matches your interests.

Honors

You will be eligible for these honors in the major during your studies and upon completing your degree.

Students at UWM have many opportunities to earn honors recognition.

Get hands-on learning for your BA in CS

UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science BA in CS program provides many opportunities to pair classroom learning with hands-on experiences outside the classroom. The college’s location in Wisconsin’s largest city, with a broad network of industry partnerships, gives you easy access to well-paid internships and co-ops, as well as other important opportunities to enhance your resume. 

Did you know? 

  • $76,000 average starting salary
  • Students often earn more than $8,000 in full-time, work-related internships in summer.
  • SOURCE: UWM First Destination Survey for the College of Engineering & Applied Science, 2023-2024

“Computer science experience has been an advantage in financial technology. Now it’s becoming more useful in investment management as cybersecurity becomes a bigger concern among financial institutions and professionals, and as electronic-born investments such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens become more mainstream.”


Reid PezewskiBA Computer Science + BBA Finance
Internships & Co-ops

You’ll have many hands-on opportunities to develop your skills and determine what type of career experience you would like after graduation, with opportunities to earn a significant paycheck in nearby internships and co-ops over summer breaks and even during the academic year.ear.

Here are some of the businesses where our computer science students have had internships, co-ops or launched their careers:

  • Amazon
  • Baird
  • Blue Yonder
  • Direct Supply
  • FIS
  • GE Healthcare
  • Johnson Controls
  • Kohl’s
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Rockwell Automation
Capstones/Senior Design Projects

In your senior year, you’ll team up with other students to complete a Capstone Project, during which you’ll use what you’ve learned in class to complete an experience similar to a real-world employer project. Past students have created online games, apps, management software and more.

View senior design projects here.

Student Organizations

CS Connect

The mission of CS Connect is to help Computer Science students gain a practical understanding of how to further their career goals in computing.

Robotics Association at UWM

Members design, build, test, program and compete in robotic competitions against universities from around the world.

For full descriptions and contact information of all engineering and computer science related student organizations and clubs, click here.

Resource Rooms & Teaching Labs

Connected Systems Institute

This lab works with students, faculty and private sector partners to help ensure that industry has the talent it needs to benefit fully from Industrial Internet of Things connectivity.

UWM students have a wealth of additional resources available to them within the College of Engineering & Applied Science. From computer labs and tutoring resources to teaching labs and spaces to create or collaborate. Details here.

Research Opportunities

As a top tier R1 research university, our students have the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in leading-edge research in areas such as:

  • Object-oriented programming
  • Cryptography
  • Computational robotics
  • Intelligent dialog systems
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Extensible languages

It’s not just graduate students who have the opportunity to work with our renowned faculty on research. A benefit of attending a top tier R1 research university is the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research and to participate in the Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program. The SURF program helps you to improve your professional preparation through research by closely working with our faculty to explore, discover, and transform ideas into reality. SURF students also receive funding for their efforts.

Graduate and undergraduate students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Poster Competition, providing them with excellent opportunities to share their work with judges from industry.

Student Startup Challenge

Directed by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, the UWM Student Startup Challenge is an optional, co-curricular program that fosters our students’ innovative and entrepreneurial ideas. You can work alone or as part of a team as you gain the skills that come from entrepreneurial experience.

A group of 20 young women who major in computer science standing in front of a banner and looking at the camera.
This group of students majoring in computer science and two teaching faculty attended the national Grace Hopper Celebration in Chicago, the world’s largest gathering of women technologists.

We’re here to Help

Our dedicated Center for Student Experience & Talent (SET) works with our students to prepare them for a career after graduation.

What you’ll do

Technology touches everything. With a BA in CS, you can launch a career in:

  • Software or web development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data analytics
  • UX/UI design
  • Digital media
  • Healthcare informatics
  • Finance/fintech
  • Environmental and geospatial tech
  • Consulting and entrepreneurship

If you want a tech career that isn’t limited to traditional engineering roles, this degree gives you the space and skills to build it.

Advising

  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names M-R
  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names A-E
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning F-L
  • Prospective Transfer Student Liaison
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning S-Z
  • Prospective Student Liaison

Tutoring

  • Retention Coordinator, Tutoring
  • Student Support Center Coordinator
  • Freshmen Orientation Instructor

Computer Science Faculty

  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
  • Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
  • Affiliate Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Health Informatics & Administration
  • Affiliate Professor, Computer Science
  • Graduate Program Director, Health Care Informatics
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Department Chair, Computer Science
  • Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
  • Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
  • Professor and Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering
  • Affiliate Professor, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering
  • Switzer Research Distinguished Fellow
  • Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
  • Web Development Certificate Coordinator
  • Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
  • Assistant Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Biomedical Engineering
  • Director, Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
  • Assistant Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science

Contact
Computer Science
Contact Info: ceas-cs@uwm.edu

Street Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
3200 North Cramer Street
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 784
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0784