How to Apply to Computer Science at Case Western Reserve University: Declare the BS or BA in Your Second Semester with No Programming Background Required, the Two Curricula and Co-op, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese, Canadian High School and Transfer Students

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is in Cleveland, Ohio. Undergraduate computer science is taught by the Department of Computer and Data Sciences in the Case School of Engineering, which offers a Computer Science, BS and a Computer Science, BA. Here is what you need to know for fall 2027 entry, based on CWRU’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. When you choose Computer Science

• No major on the application: every student declares a major in their second semester, by 1 March for fall entrants and 1 October for spring entrants; students who miss it face registration limits.
• Requirements to declare: CWRU does not publish a grade threshold or cap for declaring Computer Science; the school says the Office of Undergraduate Studies guides you through the process.
• No programming background required: the department says it welcomes all, and many majors arrive never having written a program.
• Switch between BS and BA any time: both share the same foundational courses and differ in electives. The BS is mostly computer science, math, engineering and natural science; the BA has fewer required CS courses and more open electives for a second major or minors. The department says you can change program at any time.
• Other bachelor’s degrees in the department: Data Science and Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (each BS and BA). This guide covers Computer Science.

2. The BS curriculum

• Total: the plan of study totals 122 credit hours, including at least 20 computer science and related courses (63 credit hours) plus math, science, engineering and statistics. ABET CAC-accredited.
• Six core courses: Programming in Java (or Programming in Python plus The Java Programming Language), Data Structures, Logic Design and Computer Organization, Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, and Senior Project in Computer Science.
• Two courses from each of four breadth areas:
  • Area 1: databases, data privacy, advanced game development project, software engineering;
  • Area 2: data science systems, computer architecture, computer networks, operating systems and concurrent programming;
  • Area 3: compiler design, theoretical computer science, computer security, programming language concepts;
  • Area 4: data analysis, introduction to AI, data mining for big data, introduction to machine learning.
• Secure computing: one course from a list including computer security, data privacy, internet security, smartphone security and cryptology; it can double count as breadth or a technical elective.
• Math, science and engineering: Calculus I–III, linear algebra, ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society, two semesters of physics, and one probability or statistics course. The physics requirement can also be met through a biology, chemistry or geological sciences minor or major.
• Areas of focus: the department site lists six: algorithms and theory, AI, bioinformatics, computer systems, networks and security, databases and data mining, and software engineering.
• Co-op: from the third year, one or two paid full-time co-ops of seven months each (a semester plus a summer); students pay no tuition during co-op and keep full-time status. Summer internships are another option.

3. The BA curriculum

• Total: at least 13 computer science and related courses (42 credit hours) plus 8 credit hours of math (two calculus courses); the major totals 50–53 credit hours.
• Structure: the same six core courses, one course from each of the four breadth areas, and three technical electives.

4. Deadlines and notification

• Early Action: 1 November; aid documents 15 November; decisions expected 19 December; enroll by 1 May.
• Early Decision I (binding): 1 November; aid documents 15 November; decisions expected 5 December; enroll by 12 December.
• Early Decision II: 15 January; aid documents 22 January; decisions expected 6 February; enroll within a week of admission.
• Regular Decision: 15 January; aid documents 1 February; decisions expected 20 March; enroll by 1 May.
• Spring entry: 15 November, then as space allows.
• Materials: Common App or Coalition (Scoir), high school transcript, school report, counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations and essays; USD 75 fee (waivable). International and US applicants share deadlines and process; non-English documents need translations.
• Minimum high school courses: 4 years of English, 3 of math, 3 of science (2 with lab), 3 of social science and 2 of a foreign language. CWRU says there is no minimum GPA or cut-off.

5. Tests and English

• Test-optional: choose whether to submit SAT or ACT, and change your choice up to two weeks before decisions. No major, scholarship or aid requires tests.
• English minimums (non-native speakers): IELTS 7; TOEFL 4.5 for tests from 21 January 2026, or 90 iBT / 577 paper before that; Duolingo 115; PTE Academic 61. Self-reported scores are accepted, with official scores on enrollment.
• Automatic waivers: two years at an English-medium school by high school graduation, SAT Reading and Writing 630+, or ACT English 26+.
• Chinese and Canadian curricula: CWRU does not publish a Gaokao policy or grade requirements for A-levels, IB, Canadian or BC curricula. This guide has not checked which CS courses AP or IB credit can replace.

6. Costs, aid and scholarships

• 2026-27 residential cost: tuition USD 71,410, housing 11,688, meals 8,600, fees 696, matriculation fee 760, books 1,200, personal 1,350, total USD 95,704, with transportation varying. 2027-28 costs have not been published.
• International students can apply for aid: non-US residents submit only the CSS Profile. If you indicate you are applying for need-based aid, your application is incomplete until the documents arrive; aid and admission decisions are released together.
• Merit scholarships: all first-years are considered automatically; some competitions need extra materials, open to international students unless stated, due by 15 February.

7. Transfer

• Deadlines: fall early plan 15 March (rolling decisions from 1 April, enroll by 1 June); fall regular plan 1 July; spring 15 November.
• Materials: all college transcripts, high school transcript (waived if two years out with an associate degree or 45 credits), one professor recommendation and a college report; USD 75 fee; test-optional.
• Credit: evaluated after admission and final transcripts; only grades of C or better may transfer. At least 60 credit hours must be earned at CWRU, including at least 15 after reaching 105.
• Computer Science prerequisites for transfers: none are published; confirm with admission@case.edu.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply through the Common App by 1 November (EA or ED I) or 15 January (ED II or RD)
• IELTS 7, new-scale TOEFL 4.5 or Duolingo 115; decide whether to submit SAT or ACT
• Submit the CSS Profile by your round’s aid deadline if applying for aid; declare Computer Science in your second semester

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

• Same deadlines; two years at an English-medium school waives English testing

Transfer students:

• Fall 15 March (early plan) or 1 July (regular plan), spring 15 November; only C or better may transfer

Sources: Case Western Reserve University, Computer and Data Sciences degrees; BS in Computer Science; BA in Computer Science; 2026-2027 General Bulletin: Computer Science, BS; 2026-2027 General Bulletin: Computer Science, BA; Undergraduate academic policies; Deadlines and requirements; Test policy; International applicants; Transfer applicants; 2026-27 costs; Applying for aid; Scholarships. Information is for fall 2027 entry (degree requirements follow the 2026-2027 General Bulletin; costs are 2026-27 rates). Check CWRU for the latest details.