The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is at the forefront of technological innovation, preparing students to design, analyze, and improve the systems that power modern life. With a curriculum grounded in mathematics, physics, and computing, students gain a strong technical foundation while exploring specialized areas such as artificial intelligence, embedded systems, semiconductor engineering, and renewable energy. Hands-on learning is a key component, with lab courses, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary electives allowing students to develop both technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Program Overview
The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering invites international students to take courses with our top faculty. Students may choose a variety of courses to meet their interests and develop new skills.
After their first year as a non-degree visiting student, VISP students have the option to apply to continue their studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering MS programs including Professional MS, and Machine Learning and Data Science MS. Those intending to apply may be able to meet some of the Electrical and Computer Engineering MS course requirements as a VISP student. However, admission to the graduate program is a separate admissions process and is not to be considered a guaranteed element of the VISP thematic track program offering. Questions regarding admission to the graduate program should be addressed to Dan Imaizumi Krieger.
Student Support
From the time you apply to the end of your stay, the VISP staff will be there to assist you. As a VISP participant you have full access to all academic and student support services, such as libraries, computer labs, clubs, and sports facilities; the opportunity to participate in VISP sponsored social and cultural events; and upon completion you will receive an official UW-Madison transcript.
VISP students will also be connected to an academic advisor within the ECE department who can be their point of contact for academic resources, enrollment support, and concerns regarding student life on-campus. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, you are always able to reach out to the advisor for assistance.
Program Eligibility
This Thematic Track admits students at the Undergraduate level. Participants must meet the VISP eligibility criteria for admission into this program. Applicants to this Thematic Track must also have completed the following coursework:
- Circuit Analysis (ECE 230 or equiv.)
- Introductory Programming Course (CS 300 or equiv.)
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics (ECE 331 or equiv.)
- Digital System Fundamentals (ECE 352 or equiv.) OR Signals and Systems (ECE 330 or equiv.)
- Machine Organization and Programming (ECE 354 or equiv.) OR Introduction to Electronic Circuits (ECE 340 or equiv.)
Course descriptions can be found on the ECE Guide page.
Available Terms
Participants must start in the fall term and stay for an academic year.
Academics & Course Offerings
Thematic Track participants will work with ECE faculty and staff on their course selection and program plan. Questions about course enrollment or offerings can be directed to VISP@ece.wisc.edu.
Cost of Attendance
Estimated cost of attendance information is available on the VISP website.
Application Deadline & Instructions
Application deadline is March 15 for the following academic year. Applications may be accepted after this date on a space-available basis. Submit your VISP application and in your essay please include: “I am applying for the Electrical & Computer Engineering VISP track.”
Questions? Please contact the VISP coordinators.