Admission requirements

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Computer Engineering and Systems embodies the science and engineering of design, construction, implementation and maintenance of both the hardware and software elements of computing systems and systems containing embedded computers. When planning your academic career, we encourage students to use one of our planning grids:

Prerequisites

Students are encouraged but not required to complete as many of these prerequisites as possible before applying to the Computer Engineering and Systems program. For transfer students, please use the UW Equivalency Guide to determine how your courses will transfer. 

  • Calculus I (TMATH 124); Calculus II (TMATH 125); Calculus III (TMATH 126)
  • Differential Equations (TMATH 307)
  • Matrix Algebra (TMATH 308)
  • Physics I (TESC 121); Physics II (TESC 122); Physics III (TESC 123)
  • 5 additional credits of a lab-based science: Chemistry I (TESC 142) or Biology I (TESC 161)*
  • Object-Oriented Programming I (TCSS 142) and Object-Oriented Programming II (TCSS 143)
  • Electrical Circuits (TCES 215)

*If the physics series is completed at UWT, no additional lab science is required.

General university requirements

Students must complete the general university requirements listed below before applying.

  • 5 credits of freshman composition (English 101 or equivalent)
  • 5 credits of intermediate algebra (Math 99 or equivalent) or higher level math course

Students are encouraged but not required to complete as many of the following general university requirements as possible before transferring to UW Tacoma. 

  • Foreign language: Two years of the same language in high school or 10 credits of one foreign language at the college level**
  • Writing: 5 credits of advanced composition or technical writing
  • Individuals and Societies (Social Science) [I]: 10 credits
  • Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (Humanities) [V]: 10 credits

    Note: College-level foreign language does not count towards VLPA.

** Completion of this general university requirement is encouraged, but not required prior to admission.

Academic performance

All applicants should have:

  • A cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 in all college coursework*
  • A GPA of at least a 2.5 in all college math, science, computer science or engineering coursework

Students with previous baccalaureate degrees or extensive work experience should meet with an adviser to discuss options.

*If you do not meet the GPA requirements, please contact an academic adviser.

Selection criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Completion of all prerequisite courses
  • Overall previous academic performance
  • Goal statement
  • Demonstrated aptitude and strong interest in computer engineering

Applicants to the Computer Engineering and Systems program are encouraged, but not required, to complete either an associate degree from a community college or the first two years of study at a four-year institution. All qualified applicants are considered for admission to the Computer Engineering and Systems program.