How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Arizona: Declare the B.S. or B.A. on Entry, Complete Six Foundational Courses, Then Earn Advanced Standing, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At the University of Arizona in Tucson, undergraduate computer science is offered by the Department of Computer Science, with a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Computer Science; the department has also launched a B.S. in Artificial Intelligence. Here is what you need to know, based on the university’s official information, for students at high schools in China (including A-level, IB and AP students), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. Admission: declare the major, then earn Advanced Standing

• Declare on entry: the department says all students planning a computer science degree at UA, including transfers, declare the Computer Science major (B.S. or B.A.).
• Foundational courses first: students take a series of 100/200-level foundational courses. Their records are then evaluated, and those who qualify receive Advanced Standing. Major core courses and most upper-division CSC electives are limited to students with Advanced Standing.
• Programming background: introductory courses serve all levels, and no computer science background is required before entry. CSC 110 is open to any student who meets the prerequisite, regardless of major.
• Current UA students in other majors declare Computer Science by viewing the online Major Declaration Workshop and following the instructions on its last slide.

2. Foundational courses and Advanced Standing (students entering the major from fall 2025)

Six foundational courses, intended for three consecutive semesters:

• semester 1: CSC 110 Introduction to Computer Programming I (requires a C or higher in MATH 112 or higher math);
• semester 2: CSC 120 Introduction to Computer Programming II, CSC 144 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science I, and CSC 180 (currently offered as CSC 196, spring only);
• semester 3: CSC 210 Software Development and CSC 244 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science II.

Requirements for Advanced Standing:

• all six foundational courses completed;
• a cumulative UA GPA of 2.4 or higher;
• no best-attempt grade below C in CSC 120, 210 and 244, with an average of B across the three;
• a 2.0 GPA across all CSC attempts at UA;
• at least two programming courses (such as CSC 110, 120, 210 or 252) completed at UA.

The department says no petitions are considered for exceptions to the Advanced Standing criteria. A student who has attempted a UA CSC course may not use an equivalent transfer course to meet foundational or Advanced Standing requirements. Each CSC course may be attempted three times; more needs Petition Committee approval.

3. B.S. versus B.A. (from fall 2025)

• B.S.: 54 major units (30 upper-division): 21 foundational, 15 core (CSC 252, 335, 345, 352, 380), one Paradigms, one Theory & Writing and one Systems elective (9 units), and 9 units of upper-division electives. It also requires Calculus II or Linear Algebra, two 4-unit lab science courses, and second-semester language proficiency. A minor is optional.
• B.A.: the page gives 48 major units (24 upper-division): foundational courses (the same six, listed as 18 units), 15 core units and 12 units of upper-division electives; a minor is required and language proficiency must reach the fourth semester. The listed parts add up to 45, not 48, and the B.S. page lists the same six foundational courses as 21 units. Check your advisement report.
• Math requirement, stated two ways: the B.A. page and the comparison table say Calculus I for the B.A.; the prospective students page says College Algebra for the B.A. and up to Calculus II for the B.S. Both are listed here; follow the rules for your entry year.
• Both degrees require 120 units (42 upper-division). The department says the B.A. has fewer CS courses and more flexibility, while the B.S. goes deeper.

4. Students at high schools in China

• Applying: apply through the Common App. Required high school courses: 4 years of English, 4 of math, 3 of laboratory science, 2 of social science, 2 of a second language and 1 of fine arts or career and technical education. The department recommends advancing as far as possible in math.
• Testing: SAT/ACT are not required for general admission; scores can help with placement or competency requirements.
• Gaokao, A-level, IB, AP: the pages reviewed publish no score conversions for Chinese qualifications. For AP computer science and other exam credit, the department points to the university catalog’s credit policies; use the transfer credit tool for AP and college credit.
• English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 79 (4 on the post-January 2026 scale); Duolingo 110; PTE 60; Cambridge 180; or SAT EBRW 580 / ACT English 21, within two years of applying. Coursework also counts: IB English A HL 5, a C in English at Cambridge IGCSE/O Level or higher, or three years at an English-medium high school with a C or better in English.

5. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• Academics: the same course requirements apply; conversions for BC or Ontario grades are not published, so ask Admissions.
• English: three years at an English-medium high school with a C or better in English meets the requirement through coursework.

6. Transfer students

• University requirements: 12+ transferable credits after high school; a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA; applicants under 22 must also meet core competency requirements.
• Computer science: transfers also declare the major directly, complete the foundational courses and are reviewed for Advanced Standing. Because at least two programming courses must be completed at UA, transfer programming courses cannot replace them all. The department asks transfer students to contact a CS advisor (assigned by last name) now to plan courses before and after transfer.
• Arizona community colleges: completing the AGEC can help some students but is not required before transferring.
• Deadlines: spring 2027, 1 December 2026; fall 2027, opens 1 January and closes 1 June 2027.

7. Deadlines

• First-year, fall 2027: opens 1 August 2026; Early Action 1 November (priority for admission, merit aid and the Honors College); decisions from 15 January 2027. Later applications follow Regular Decision on a space-available basis. Enrollment deposit by 1 May.
• Application fee: $80 for non-Arizona residents, non-refundable.

8. Costs

• Nonresident estimate: tuition and fees $44,400, housing and food $17,770, books $600, travel and miscellaneous $5,000, for about $67,770. The table is labelled “2026-2026 figures”, which appears to be a typo.
• Tuition freeze: tuition and mandatory fees will not rise in 2027-28 for undergraduates entering in fall 2027, including nonresidents.
• Program fees: the pages reviewed do not say whether computer science carries extra fees; use the tuition calculator.
• Scholarships: applicants are reviewed automatically for merit aid; apply early.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply through the Common App by 1 November 2026 and declare the Computer Science B.S. or B.A.
• IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 (new scale 4) or another accepted English result; SAT/ACT optional
• Take as much math as you can; after entry, complete the six foundational courses over three semesters with a B average in CSC 120, 210 and 244 and a 2.4 GPA

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Meet the same course requirements; three years at an English-medium high school can satisfy English

Transfer students:

• 12+ credits and a 2.0 GPA; declare computer science directly; fall deadline 1 June, spring 1 December
• Plan courses with a CS advisor before transferring; at least two programming courses must be taken at UA

Sources: The University of Arizona, Computer Science undergraduate programs; B.S. in Computer Science; B.A. in Computer Science; Foundational courses and Advanced Standing; Department policies; Prospective students; First-year application; International admissions and English requirements; Deadlines; Transfer application; Undergraduate cost and aid. Information is for fall 2027 entry. Check the University of Arizona for the latest details.