How to Apply to or Visit the University of Oregon School of Computer and Data Sciences

Updated

The School of Computer and Data Sciences (SCDS) at the University of Oregon directs prospective students to two main actions on its site: Apply and Visit UO. Applications are handled through University of Oregon admissions rather than a separate SCDS application, and the site's main navigation is where you'll find program and admissions details. If you have questions specific to a visit or your application, contact the school directly.

Applying to SCDS

SCDS is a school within the University of Oregon, so you apply through the university's admissions process, not to the school separately. The homepage presents Apply as a primary call to action alongside Visit UO.

Before you apply, it helps to know which program you're targeting, since the application path depends on whether you're entering as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Undergraduate degrees

  • Computer Science — BS or BA
  • Math and Computer Science — BS or BA
  • Cybersecurity — BS
  • Data Science — BS or BA

Graduate degrees

  • Computer Science — MS
  • Computer Science — PhD
  • Cybersecurity — MS
  • Data Science — MS

The site groups these under Explore Undergraduate Programs and See Graduate Degrees, so use those sections to confirm requirements and deadlines before starting an application.

Visiting UO

The Visit UO call to action on the SCDS homepage is the entry point for arranging a campus visit. Because visits are coordinated at the university level, expect to go through UO's visit infrastructure rather than booking directly with the school.

If your interest is program-specific — for example, touring a lab or sitting in on a class — contact the school directly, since the site does not detail individual visit options.

What to check before you apply or visit

Question Where to look
Which degree fits my goals? Undergraduate and graduate program lists on the SCDS site
How do I submit an application? The Apply link, which routes to UO admissions
How do I schedule a campus visit? The Visit UO link
Program-specific questions Contact SCDS directly

Getting real-world experience as a student

If part of your decision is whether SCDS offers hands-on experience, the school states that learning happens everywhere — from internships and student leadership opportunities to capstones and operations centers. Students apply their knowledge in real-world settings to build confidence and prepare for what's next. That's relevant context if you're weighing the school against others, though specific internship placements and outcomes aren't detailed on the homepage.

Recent initiatives worth knowing about

The school's news highlights a few current directions:

  • SCDS has a seat in the Alliance for Data Science and AI, with Executive Director Beth Plale serving a three-year term on the board alongside eight other academic institutions.
  • The Department of Computer Science runs a Cybersecurity Teacher Training Workshop ("Training the Trainers") to grow interest in cybersecurity among Oregon high school students.
  • Two computer science professors received Fulbrights for research.

These give a sense of where the school is investing, which can inform questions you bring to a visit or admissions conversation.

Common sticking points

  • Assuming there's a separate SCDS application. There isn't — you apply through UO admissions.
  • Not deciding on a program first. The degree lists differ between undergraduate and graduate levels, and requirements follow from that choice.
  • Expecting visit details on the SCDS site. The Visit UO link is the starting point; specific arrangements go through the university.
  • Looking for tuition or deadline specifics here. The homepage doesn't publish pricing or dates, so confirm those through UO admissions.