Major Advising Page: Computer Sciences
Computer sciences majors are creative, analytical problem-solvers. They study a wide range of disciplines: robotics, bioinformatics, networks, security, and more. Applications of computer sciences are found in all fields, from business to healthcare, and computer sciences majors work in education, government, finance, healthcare, nationally known companies, and small start-ups.
Computer science is a global field; throughout your career, you’ll get to work with individuals and companies from all over the world, with a diverse range of backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. A study abroad experience can open your mind to a new culture and language that will shape you into a global citizen.
Course considerations
Keep in mind that at least 15 credits of work in the major/department need to be completed on campus. Beyond that, there are no requirements for particular coursework you need to take here on campus versus abroad, and therefore, it is possible to graduate abroad.
Classes that computer science majors typically take abroad include:
- Breadth courses (Social Sciences, Humanities, Literature, Natural Sciences)
- Language courses
- Computer science courses, particularly in Software/Hardware, Applications, and Electives
If graduating in four years is very important, creating a four-year plan with your academic advisor can help.
Map your experience as a
computer sciences student
Computer science majors are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to plan their study abroad experience. Most UW students choose to go abroad in their junior or senior year. We recommend taking foundational coursework (listed as Basic Computer Sciences and Basic Calculus on your DARS report and in the Guide) at UW–Madison. There are great study abroad programs that offer popular advanced-level CS coursework.
Certificate students: Because there are fewer courses required for the certificate, there is more flexibility in when you go abroad. We recommend you take CS 300 at UW–Madison. Beyond that, a study abroad program can fit into any semester.
Freshman year
Freshman year is typically spent taking introductory programming courses and calculus. Start exploring potential programs you would be interested in and attend the annual Study Abroad Fair.
Sophomore year
During their second year, students are typically continuing their introductory programming sequence and taking classes like Math 240, Computer Science 252, and Computer Science 354. This is also a great time to meet with your advisor and map out a plan to fit study abroad into your 4-year plan.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to study abroad, as most of your pre-requisite computer science coursework is complete. There are numerous programs that will allow you to take various advanced-level CS courses. Make sure to keep in touch with your CS advisors while abroad to make plans for your next semester when you return.
Senior year
Is it possible to study abroad in the senior year? Definitely! This takes more careful planning to ensure you are meeting all graduation requirements, but it’s absolutely an option. Keep in mind that a lot of post-graduation recruitment in tech happens in the fall of your senior year. Going abroad in your senior year will mean doing most of this remotely.
Ask questions
- What classes should I take here at UW–Madison, both for the major and my degree?
- How do my other goals align with a study abroad experience (i.e., Honors in the Major, attending graduate school, etc.)?
- How much room do I have outside of my major and breadth requirements to take unique electives only offered abroad?
- What classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for — a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The Department of Computer Sciences has identified programs that offer Computer Sciences coursework, typically at the advanced level. These programs vary in length, course offerings, language of instruction, and cost. If you do not have specific major requirements you need to fulfill abroad, you have more flexibility in program choice.
In this section
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
Czech Republic
Denmark
- Aarhus University
- DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
- University of Copenhagen
England
Germany
Academic Year in Freiburg (year)
New Zealand
Singapore
South Korea
Sweden
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
Wales
Short-term programs
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
Sweden
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Internships that might be of interest to you include:
- Belgium: HELHa Electronics Research Internship
- Chile: GobLab Public Sector Algorithms & Data Science Research Assistant Internship
- Costa Rica: UCR Computational Medical Physics Laboratory Research Internship
- Tanzania: FIEN Foundation Internships (Web Development Internship option)
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Gabriel Sanchez (Wales)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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