Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Launch
A smart start to your academic career!
July 27 – August 23, 2026
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UW-Madison offers a Summer Launch program for admitted, first-year, engineering students who are interested in experiencing campus life prior to the fall semester start. Summer Launch students get to live in campus housing, join other incoming engineering students for fun, social activities, and take a two-credit introductory ECE design class in a state-of-the-art lab. Plus, there is an informative one-credit The Wisconsin Experience seminar which is required for international students and optional, but recommended, for domestic students in the program.
Join us for this unique opportunity for hands-on discovery and exploration of UW-ECE. What a great way to make new friends, and get a jump start on your UW-Madison engineering career!
What is Summer Launch?
The UW-Madison College of Engineering offers two Summer Launch programs, one for Electrical and Computer Engineering and one for Mechanical Engineering.
Click the link below to read about the 2021 ECE Summer Launch students who became great friends. Here they are on graduation day in May 2025!
ECE Summer Launch gives students a jump start on life as a Badger
Here they are on graduation day in May 2025!
What Course Will I Take?
During ECE Summer Launch, you will be enrolled in ECE 210: Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering, a two-credit course required for both Electrical and Computer Engineering majors. You and your classmates will participate in lab sections in the technology rich, James Thompson Electronics Design Studio and will complete the same coursework as you would for a fall or spring semester class.
ECE 210 presents an introduction to electrical and electronic devices, circuits and systems, including software and hardware, focusing on a real-world project. During the course, you will begin to develop important skills for your engineering career. Not only is ECE 210 a required course for both electrical and computer engineering students, it may also satisfy design credits for other majors. Completing required design credits early, may give you additional flexibility in your course progression.
In addition to ECE 210, students can get support with their transition to UW-Madison with CP 125: The Wisconsin Experience Seminar. This small, interactive course is designed to help students transition successfully to academic and student life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Students will explore campus resources and opportunities; their skills, identity, interests, and goals; and the history and purpose of UW–Madison to help them make the most of their Wisconsin experience. This seminar is required for international students and optional, but recommended, for domestic students in the program.
How Do I Apply?
First-year students who have accepted fall admission in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison are eligible to apply to participate, regardless of which type of engineering they plan to study. The program application window is closed for 2026 and will open again in Spring 2027.
Students are notified about the status of their application within two weeks of applying.
Successful applicants will be required to submit their final high school transcript to UW-Madison Admissions.
| Wisconsin Resident | Minnesota Resident | US Resident Not from WI or MN | International Student | |||
| Tuition & fees (2 credits) 2026 | $1,295.84 | $1,739.62 | $3,964.54 | N/A** | ||
| Tuition & fees (3 credits) 2026 | $1,932.28 | $2,597.95 | $5,935.33 | $6,060.34 | ||
| Estimated dining costs | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 | ||
| Housing – Summer 2026 | $1,932.28 | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,120 |
**International Student Requirements: International students are required to enroll in CP 125 The Wisconsin Experience Seminar in addition to ECE 210. CP 125 is optional, but recommended, for domestic students.
Housing: Summer Launch students will live in a double room in Waters Hall. The move-in date for Summer Launch is Saturday, July 25th, and the transition from summer housing to fall semester housing will take place on Thursday, August 13th. Summer Launch students who wish to live in University Housing are required to have contracts with University Housing for the Academic Year 2026-27.
Dining: Students and families should plan to spend approximately $500 on dining costs. Funds may be added to the student’s WisCard and used at university dining halls. University dining halls also take personal credit and debit cards.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Students can indicate on their program application if they would like to be considered for summer financial aid. Students who want to be considered for aid will be required to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. More information on this is included in the program application.”
Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota students must be approved for reciprocity for the Summer term to pay at the Minnesota rate. Since Summer is the last term of the academic year, students must submit a reciprocity application for the academic year prior to their Fall enrollment. For example, if you applied to start as a Freshman in Fall 2026, and you want to enroll in Summer 2026 courses, you will need to apply for reciprocity for the 2025-2026 academic year – even if you have already completed a Minnesota Reciprocity application for the 2026-2027 academic year. You can apply for Minnesota Reciprocity here.
Can I attend Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Launch if I am not majoring in Electrical or Computer Engineering? Absolutely! The ECE Summer Launch program is designed for students interested in exploring the fields of electrical or computer engineering. The course in this program may satisfy Introduction to Engineering requirements for other engineering majors as well. Contact us via email to determine if the ECE Summer Launch program is a good fit for you.
How will I find out if I’m accepted? You will be notified at the email address provided on your application, so please provide an email address that you check regularly. You will hear from us within two weeks after we receive your application.
Is placement testing included in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Launch program? No, placement testing is not included in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Launch program. Participants will need to complete any placement testing before they attend the program.
Do I need a certain math placement to participate in the program? To take ECE 210, you must demonstrate advanced math competence, by having completed algebra or trigonometry, or achieving a suitable placement score. Please contact us via email if you have any concerns about your mathematical preparation for the program.
Where will I live in Madison? Summer Launch students will stay in double rooms in Waters Residence Hall. University housing move-in for Summer Launch will take place on Saturday, July 25. Students will later transition to their fall housing assignments on August 13th. Students may choose to commute to campus during the program.
Can I eat in the dining halls? Yes! A very convenient option is to use your new campus ID (WisCard), which can be loaded with funds to buy food in the campus dining halls. If you have not attended SOAR and received your WisCard before Summer Launch, you should pick one up on Monday, July 27. Dining halls also take personal credit and debit cards, but do not accept cash.
Can I work, take another course, or attend SOAR while enrolled in Electrical and Computer Engineering Summer Launch? No, this program is considered a full-time, academic commitment. The ECE Summer Launch program is fast-paced and will require a significant time commitment every day. In addition to spending time in lecture, discussion, and lab, you will have homework to complete outside of class.
Does ECE 210 require lab equipment? Yes, equipment totaling $350/student is provided free-of-charge! When ECE students enroll in the required course, ECE 210: Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering, generous donations from alumni and supporters are used to gift every ECE student with a lab kit that will serve them for the rest of their undergraduate experience. Each kit includes a USB-powered multi-function test/measurement instrument, microcontroller, multimeter, and supplies for circuit building such as LED’s, sensors, actuator, wires, and a breadboard.
Questions about ECE Summer Launch?
Please contact us via email at ECESummerLaunch@wisc.edu.
Wish to learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UW-Madison?
Visit our Website
