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Software Engineering

Dual degree

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

Completing a dual degree program in Computer Science and Software Engineering is a great opportunity for highly motivated students.

A dual degree 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 dual degree 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.

  • Undergraduate applicants to UWL may request admission to a dual degree program. Current students may declare a dual degree major any time prior to completing seventy-five undergraduate credits. A 3.0 GPA is required.
  • Your program advisor may be changed when you declare a dual degree major.
  • In order to remain in the program, students must maintain a 3.00 GPA.
  • 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!

Degree plans

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

Advising overview (CLICK HERE!)

CS - MSE Dual Degree program

When? What? Special notes
Prior to completing 75 credits Declare your dual degree 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. 
Prior to spring of junior year Apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng will provide instructions.
Spring of junior year Take CS 555 You will pay undergraduate tuition this semester.
Fall of senior year Take CS 741 and CS 743 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 as a regular graduate student applicant.  

See MSE program Application process webpage.
Spring of senior year Take CS 746 and 3-6  additional graduate-level MSE electives, 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.

Advising overview (CLICK HERE!)

CS: Cybersecurity - MSE Dual Degree program

When? What? Special notes
Prior to completing 75 credits Declare your dual degree 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. 
Prior to fall of senior year Apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student Graduate Program Director Dr. Mao Zheng will provide instructions.
Fall of senior year Take CS 741 and CS 743 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 as a regular graduate student applicant

See MSE program Application process webpage.
Spring of senior year Take CS 555, CS 746 and 3-6 additional graduate-level MSE electives, and complete the rest of your 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.

Dual degree requirements

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