Undergraduate Education
About Our Undergraduate Program
The Allen School serves over 2,300 undergraduates across our two majors — and thousands more across the UW campus through our introductory and non-major courses.
The Allen School offers a rigorous and engaging undergraduate curriculum that prepares our students to build successful careers and make an impact, wherever their degree takes them next. Our undergraduates benefit from the ability to collaborate with and learn from not only our world-class faculty, but also partners across the campus and from within the region’s thriving technology sector. Along the way, our students have a variety of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, serve their communities and make the most of their Husky Experience. The Allen School also serves as an entry point for students across the UW campus to explore the world of computing with courses designed to enable all students, regardless of major, to develop computational thinking and hands-on programming skills.
Explore Our Undergraduate Program
Admissions
The Allen School offers multiple pathways into our majors, including freshman direct-to-major, transfer, and current UW students who discover a passion for computing.
Student Services
Our Student Services team provides accurate, compassionate guidance to students so they can make the most informed decision about their academic path.
Degree Planning
Students in the Allen School take a mix of required and elective courses designed to provide a well-rounded foundation while allowing for exploration based on their interests.
Non-Major Options
We offer a wide range of courses that are designed to enable students from across the UW campus, regardless of major, to explore the world of computing.
Student Resources
For students needing assistance with a computing issue, a legal question, or other academic or personal concern, the Allen School and UW has resources that can help.
Student Life
From hands-on research, to study abroad, to student groups — and more! — students can enhance their time in the Allen School outside the classroom in a variety of ways.
Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
The Allen School offers two undergraduate majors: the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS) and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (CE). The CS degree is awarded through the College of Arts and Sciences. Compared with CE, it has broader liberal arts and general education requirements and offers more flexibility in its upper-division requirements. The CE degree is awarded through the College of Engineering and is accredited by ABET. CE’s requirements place relatively greater emphasis on math and science, as well as computing hardware.
Students in both majors have some flexibility to tailor their course of study to their specific interests, and both degrees are appropriate for most employment opportunities. Review our detailed degree requirements to learn more about both programs.
Student Services
Undergraduate Advising
The Allen School Advising team strives to provide relationship-focused advising and holistic support to solve problems, navigate barriers, & empower Allen School students in their journey through higher education.
Diversity & Access
The Diversity & Access team aims to attract & educate the next generation of computer scientists and engineers who reflect the many dimensions of diversity in Washington State and the diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences of technology users globally.
Administrative Support
Our Program Operations Specialist serves as the primary individual responsible for curriculum management and coordination of filling more than 300 teaching assistant (TA) positions per quarter.