How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma: The Gallogly College of Engineering BS in Computer Science, Its C-or-Better Rule, the 3.0 GPA for International Freshmen and Score-Based Scholarships, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At the University of Oklahoma (OU), undergraduate computer science is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, offered by the School of Computer Science in the Gallogly College of Engineering and accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Here is what you need to know, based on OU’s website, for students at high schools in China (including A-level, IB and AP students), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Getting into the major

• University-level review: the engineering future students page says freshman applications are reviewed holistically by the university, considering high school GPA, rigor, ACT/SAT, activities, writing, leadership and recommendations. You choose an engineering major, or Engineering: Exploratory, on the application.
• Math starting point: after admission you may take the ALEKS placement test to set your first math course. First-year students who start below Calculus I can join the Engineering Catalyst program, with specially designed courses and individual advising.
• Grade rule: the checksheet says that to progress in the Gallogly College of Engineering, you need a C or better in every course in the curriculum, including all prerequisites; overall, major and curriculum GPAs must each be at least 2.00.
• The pages read do not say whether there is an extra threshold to switch into computer science from another major; ask the Williams Student Services Center.

2. Curriculum (2026-27 checksheet)

• Total: the checksheet applies to students entering the Oklahoma State System from summer 2026 to spring 2027 and requires at least 120 credit hours, including at least 40 upper-division hours and at least 40 hours of general education.
• First programming course (one of three): C S 1323 for programmers, C S 1321 Java for programmers, or C S 1324 for non-programmers.
• Major requirements (52–55 hours): Programming Structures and Abstractions, Data Structures, Computer Organization, Principles of Programming Languages, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Theory of Computation, Computer Security, Algorithm Analysis, Database Management Systems, Parallel, Distributed and Network Programming, Capstone Design, plus 12 hours of approved CS electives.
• Math and support (24 hours): Calculus I and II, Discrete Structures, Linear Algebra, one probability or statistics course, 9 hours of technical electives and a professional responsibilities course; plus physics and natural sciences from two other disciplines (one with lab).
• Language: two college courses in one world language, or two years of the same language in high school.
• Two descriptions: the school’s undergraduate page says students take fourteen core courses, nine mathematics courses and three upper-level electives, while the checksheet lists 12 hours of CS electives and 9 hours of technical electives. Both are given; follow your advisor.
• Machine Learning and AI certificate: open only to CS majors; two required courses (Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Fundamentals), one Calculus III/IV course and three electives.
• Accelerated BS/MS: a 3.25 GPA at application and 3.00 each semester; up to four courses (12 hours) count toward both degrees. A BS in Computer Engineering plus MS in Computer Science pathway is also offered.

3. Dates and materials (international applicants)

• Deadlines for international students outside the US (those already studying in the US follow US freshman or transfer deadlines):
  • Freshmen: fall application 1 February, credentials 15 April; spring 1 November and 15 November; summer 1 February and 15 March.
  • Transfers: fall application 1 April, credentials 31 May; spring 1 September and 1 November.
• US freshman dates (for reference): early action 1 November, final scholarship deadline 15 December, final deadline 1 February.
• Applications: the OU Application, Common App or Coalition with Scoir (choose one); the international fee is USD 90, non-refundable.
• Materials: official transcripts from all secondary and middle schools (original language plus certified English translation), official copies of national graduation exams or certificates where applicable, the passport page, and up to three optional recommendation letters.

4. Admission requirements (international freshmen)

• Grades: a recognised secondary completion certificate that qualifies you for university in your country, with grades equivalent to a B or 3.0 on the US unweighted 4.0 scale; you must be 17 before classes start.
• Tests: international applicants do not need ACT/SAT, but scores can increase scholarship offers. US applicants are test-optional; the average ACT for fall 2026 students was 25.1.
• English: TOEFL iBT 79 (generally at least 20 in each section), IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 100 or PTE 53, no more than two years old at the start of term; or secondary completion in an OU-approved native English-speaking country. English-medium instruction alone, or study in a country where English is official but not native, does not qualify.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: OU does not publish how the Gaokao is used or a score requirement. Under the general international rule, you need a secondary completion that qualifies for university in China with grades equivalent to a B or 3.0, plus transcripts and any graduation exam certificates. Email intladmissions@ou.edu for specifics.
• A-levels, IB and AP: no scores are published. OU considers rigor, and the admissions pages say AP and IB courses raise your rigor score; credit by exam is on OU’s “AP, IB & Military Credit” page.
• English: students from Chinese high schools generally need TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE.

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

• OU does not publish requirements for Canadian provincial curricula; the general rule is a secondary diploma that qualifies for Canadian university entry with grades equivalent to a B or 3.0.
• Whether Canada is on OU’s list of approved native English-speaking countries, and whether BC graduates are exempt from English tests, should be checked on the linked list or with admissions.

7. Transfer students

• Assured admission: a 2.5 GPA with at least 24 non-remedial hours, or an AA/AS from an accredited Oklahoma community college; some colleges require a higher GPA.
• Engineering and computer science: the international admission page says non-residents of Oklahoma applying to an engineering or computer science program need a B (3.0) average on all college work attempted.
• Under 24 hours: you must meet the college’s transfer GPA and the direct-from-high-school requirements.
• Credit from abroad: only institutions recognised by the ministry of education; no credit from technical or vocational institutions. Submit syllabi; evaluations are done after admission, and international grades become S or U.
• Transfer students must also meet the first-year experience course requirement; ask an advisor.

8. Costs and scholarships

• 2026-2027 estimated international undergraduate costs: tuition USD 24,210, fees USD 10,125 (including the USD 154 annual international student maintenance fee), housing and food USD 16,381, books USD 800, medical insurance USD 2,795 and personal expenses USD 2,000, a total of USD 56,311. Full-time students can take up to 21 hours a semester at the flat rate.
• International freshman scholarships (fall 2027): apply by 15 December. Awards are tiered by SAT/ACT, from USD 48,000 over four years (ACT 24–25 or SAT 1160–1220) to USD 70,000 (ACT 31 or SAT 1390+); test-optional applicants are reviewed holistically. Only one award; scores can be updated until 30 April.
• Engineering first-year scholarships: apply to OU by 15 December with an engineering major and a FAFSA on file; the page does not say whether international students are considered, so ask the college.
• International students must show funds equal to a year of academic and living costs for the I-20.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply by 15 December for scholarship consideration; at the latest by 1 February for fall, with credentials by 15 April
• Grades equivalent to 3.0 or above; TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 100; submit SAT/ACT if you have it, since scholarships are tiered by score
• After enrolling, earn a C or better in every curriculum and prerequisite course

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

• Apply under the general international rules; confirm Canadian score requirements and English exemption with admissions

Transfer students:

• Non-residents applying to computer science need a 3.0 on all college work; send syllabi, and apply by 1 April for fall

Sources: University of Oklahoma, School of Computer Science undergraduate programs; 2026-27 BS Computer Science checksheet (PDF); Engineering degree plans and flowcharts; Engineering future students; Freshman admission; Freshman requirements and factors; Test score policy; International undergraduate admission; Transfer admission requirements; Cost; Scholarships. Costs are for 2026-2027 and international freshman scholarships are for fall 2027 entry. Check OU’s website for the latest.