University of Wisconsin Madison College of Engineering

 

Future undergraduate students

 

Off-campus transfers 

 

Applicants who apply to the College of Engineering (COE) are considered for admission only to the COE. Engineering applicants must meet two sets of expectations:

 

1. UW-Madison transfer admission requirements

2. Additional requirements set by the COE

 

UW-Madison — Minimum transfer requirements

 

Applicants must meet the UW-Madison transfer admission expectations below.

 

  • 24 transferable semester credits (excluding AP and other test credits)
  • Algebra (one year high school or equivalent)
  • Plane geometry (one year high school or equivalent; must be regular college track)
  • College preparatory math (one year high school or a college-level course)
  • Single foreign language (two high school years or two college semesters)

 

For more details, see www.admissions.wisc.edu/transfer/requirements.php.

 

College of Engineering — Minimum transfer requirements

 

 

Multiple factors are considered in the application review, including grade trends and patterns, activities/work/military or other experience, letters of recommendation, and the personal statement. Academic preparation, however, must have priority to help ensure a successful transition to engineering studies.

Admission to engineering degree-granting programs is competitive. A strong match between the individual student and his or her program or discipline of interest is desired. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the minimum requirements below by the time of transfer.

 

  • Communication "A" General Education Requirement (English 100 composition or equivalent)
  • Introduction to Engineering course: Strongly recommended but not required for transfer students.
  • Physics: either EMA 201 (statics) or Physics 201 (calculus-based physics with lab, mechanics and heat) or equivalent
  • Chemistry: Either Chemistry 109 (accelerated chemistry with lab) or Chemistry 103-104 (two semesters of general chemistry with lab) or equivalent
  • Calculus: Math 221 and 222 (first and second semester calculus) or equivalent
  • Math/Science Grade Point Average (GPA): Minimum 2.5 GPA, preferably higher, in at least 17 credits that include the courses in #3, #4, and #5 above. Any additional courses taken in high-level mathematics, chemistry, physics, statics, computer science, and statistics (excluding seminars and independent study courses) will be included in the math/science GPA calculation. Grades for engineering courses if taken will be considered in the overall application review.
  • Cumulative GPA: The cumulative transfer GPA required for most engineering programs is usually a 3.0 minimum, which parallels the GPA expectation for transfer admission to UW-Madison.
  • Admission also depends upon the degree program capacity. When capacity is limited, the GPA requirements above can be higher. Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Engineering Physics regularly have higher GPA admission requirements.

 

Note: Students who will not meet the aforementioned course requirements by the time of transfer should remain at their current campus to do so, or should apply instead for admission to UW-Madison College of Letters and Science (L&S) with major undecided. If admitted to L&S, they will be assigned an L&S advisor, may also consult with an engineering advisor, may take courses as needed to qualify for engineering, and when ready may apply to transfer to their program of interest.

 

GPA Calculation: COE computes the GPA for course work in accordance with UW-Madison’s grading practices and will include grades for all transferable courses, including repeated courses.

 

COE Grade Policy: Courses must have at least C final grades (2.0/4.0 scale) for credits to transfer for engineering degree credit.

 

Course Credit Transfer: For equivalencies, please consult:

 

UW Transfer Information System (TIS) for courses offered by UW System campuses, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, UW-Colleges Online, and UW-Extension

Transfer Equivalency Database (TED) for courses at selected Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin campuses

UW-Madison transfer credit policy

 

Application

 

   Check deadlines for transfer applications »

 

Before you apply, spend time exploring the various engineering degree programs. When you apply, you must specify your program of choice. Your application will be reviewed with your chosen program in mind.

 

   Check the list of College of Engineering degree programs »

 

If you are undecided on an engineering program, contact the Engineering Transfer Coordinator in the Engineering General Resources office to discuss your options. Use the contact information at left.

 

Apply by submitting an online application »

 

1. Specify the College of Engineering as your intended college.

2. Specify your intended engineering major.

 

Also submit your transcripts and exam scores to the Office of Admissions:

 

1. Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended - official high school transcript

2. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other exam scores, if any

 

Strengthen your application. The COE looks for a strong match between the individual student and engineering studies here:

 

In the application statement, please explain your interests, related experiences and/or goals, and why you want to transfer here for engineering. You can also explain circumstances that may have affected your academic record.

 

Recommended: at least one letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to engineering being a good academic and/or professional direction for you to pursue.

 

Transfer advising

Consult the Transfer Admissions Coordinator in the Engineering General Resources office.

 

Transfer transition program

Visit http://transfer.wisc.edu/ for information about people and resources to help you make the most of your Wisconsin experience.