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Software Engineering

Accelerated graduate programs

Complete your undergraduate and master's degrees in just 5 years! 

Completing an accelerated graduate program in Computer Science and Software Engineering is a great opportunity for highly motivated students.

An accelerated graduate program enables students to complete two degrees: a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, and a Master of Software Engineering (MSE) from UW-La Crosse. Some classes count towards both degrees.

Our accelerated graduate program students spend less time in school and pay less tuition, because they are completing in five years what would typically take six years if the degrees were completed separately.

Check out the advising information linked below to see how the program works for three different emphasis areas: general Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. 

  • Undergraduate applicants to UWL may request admission to an accelerated graduate program. Current students may declare an accelerated graduate program major any time prior to completing seventy-five undergraduate credits. A 2.85 GPA is required.
  • Your program advisor may be changed when you declare an accelerated graduate program major.
  • Award of the BS degree will occur when you complete 120 credits, the CS major requirements, the CSH college requirements, and the general university requirements.
  • Contact MSE Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng for more information!

Refer to the sample degree plans found in the catalog for course sequencing for all computer science accelerated graduate programs.

Summary of steps and things to know about pursuing the accelerated graduate program in CS + MSE.
When? What? Special notes
Prior to completing 75 credits Declare your accelerated graduate program major in CS + MSE.  You will need to have and to maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum to declare the major, to remain in the major, and to stay in good academic standing as a graduate student. 
Spring of junior year Register for your first graduate course(s) for the following term.  If WINGS does not allow you to register for a graduate-level course, contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng.
Fall of senior year Take CS 540, CS 745, and one MSE elective course. You will pay undergraduate tuition this semester. 
Fall of senior year Prioritize the completion of required undergraduate courses and get ready for transition to graduate student status. Please be aware, there are no Pell grant awards for graduate students, and other aspects of your Financial aid award will also be impacted when you become a graduate student. Please review the MSE program Financial aid information and reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.
Fall of senior year Apply to MSE graduate program.   See MSE program Application process webpage.
Spring of senior year Take CS 555 and complete any remaining undergraduate required courses. You will pay graduate tuition this semester.
5th year Complete the rest of your MSE program requirements.  You will pay graduate tuition this year.

Individual student schedules will vary. Please work closely with Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng to develop your personalized plan. 

Summary of steps and things to know about pursuing the accelerated graduate program in CS: CYB + MSE.
When? What? Special notes
Prior to completing 75 credits Declare your accelerated graduate program major in CS: Cybersecurity + MSE.  You will need to have and to maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum to declare the major, to remain in the major, and to stay in good academic standing as a graduate student. 
Fall of junior year Register for your first graduate course(s) for the following term.  If WINGS does not allow you to register for a graduate-level course, contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng.
Spring of junior year Take CS 555 or 556. You will pay undergraduate tuition this semester. 
Fall of senior year Take CS 540 and CS 745. You will pay undergraduate tuition this semester. 
Fall of senior year Prioritize the completion of required undergraduate courses and get ready for transition to graduate student status.  Please be aware, there are no Pell grant awards for graduate students, and other aspects of your Financial aid award will also be impacted when you become a graduate student. Please review the MSE program Financial aid information and reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.
Fall of senior year Apply to MSE graduate program. See MSE program Application process webpage.
Spring of senior year Take CS 555 or 556 and complete any remaining undergraduate courses. You will pay graduate tuition this semester.
5th year Complete the rest of your MSE program requirements You will pay graduate tuition this year.

Individual student schedules will vary. Please work closely with Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng to develop your personalized plan. 

Summary of steps and things to know about pursuing the accelerated graduate program in CS:AI + MSE.
When? What? Special notes
Prior to completing 75 credits Declare your accelerated graduate program major in CS:Artificial Intelligence + MSE.  You will need to have and to maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum to declare the major, to remain in the major, and to stay in good academic standing as a graduate student. 
Spring of junior year Register for your first graduate course(s) for the following term.  If WINGS does not allow you to register for a graduate-level course, contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng.
Fall of senior year Take CS 540, CS 552 or 557, and CS 745. You will pay undergraduate tuition this semester. 
Fall of senior year Prioritize the completion of required undergraduate courses and get ready for transition to graduate student status.  Please be aware, there are no Pell grant awards for graduate students, and other aspects of your Financial aid award will also be impacted when you become a graduate student. Please review the MSE program Financial aid information and reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.
Fall of senior year Apply to MSE graduate program. See MSE program Application process webpage.
Spring of senior year Take CS 555 and complete any remaining undergraduate required courses. You will pay graduate tuition this semester.
5th year Complete the rest of your MSE program requirements You will pay graduate tuition this year.

Individual student schedules will vary. Please work closely with Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng to develop your personalized plan. 

Refer to the degree requirements found in the catalog for all computer science accelerated graduate programs.