Computer Science (BA) BA
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
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.
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
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.”

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
- wisnowsk@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5368
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 386
- Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
- Students with last names A-E
- brandonc@uwm.edu
- 414-251-9253
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E386
- Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
- Students with last names beginning F-L
- Prospective Transfer Student Liaison
- currentt@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2203
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E385B
- Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
- Students with last names beginning S-Z
- Prospective Student Liaison
- klumpp@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5193
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E385C
Tutoring
- Retention Coordinator, Tutoring
- Student Support Center Coordinator
- Freshmen Orientation Instructor
- Ander675@uwm.edu
- 414-229-3882
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 386B
Computer Science Faculty
- Professor, Computer Science
- boyland@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6986
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E364
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- ccheng@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5170
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1261
- Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
- Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Affiliate Associate Professor, Computer Science
- dabaghme@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7573
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- katerj@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4264
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E333
- Professor, Computer Science
- nkouklin@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4679
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1287
- Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- lawc@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6203
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1219
- Associate Professor, Health Informatics & Administration
- Affiliate Professor, Computer Science
- Graduate Program Director, Health Care Informatics
- jakeluo@uwm.edu
- 414-229-7333
- Northwest Quadrant B 6469
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- mali@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6762
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1245
- Professor, Computer Science
- Department Chair, Computer Science
- mcroy@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6695
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1275
- Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
- nipua@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8229
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences Building E875
- Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
- nowrin@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5224
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 817
- Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
- Professor and Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering
- Affiliate Professor, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering
- Switzer Research Distinguished Fellow
- rahmanmh@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8406
- University Services & Research Building (USRB) 201D
- Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
- Web Development Certificate Coordinator
- rock@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4994
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E307
- Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
- rds@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2796
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E386F
- Assistant Professor, Computer Science
- jeraldlt@uwm.edu
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 990D
- Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- wwang@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2247
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1285
- Professor, Computer Science
- Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Director, Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- yuz@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2960
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1005
- Assistant Professor, Computer Science
- zhenzeng@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7986
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1225
- Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Professor, Computer Science
- junzhang@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4246
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1207
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- tzhao@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5682
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1145

























