How to Apply to Computer Science at TCU: The BS in Computer Science in the Davis College of Science & Engineering, the New Artificial Intelligence Concentration from Spring 2027, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas, undergraduate computer science is taught by the Department of Computer Science in the Davis College of Science & Engineering, and the degree is the BS in Computer Science. Here is what you need to know for fall 2027 entry, based on TCU’s website, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Programs in the department

• BS in Computer Science: the department says the program emphasises systems software, data structures, computer graphics, algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture and other theoretical areas, and is the recommended program for students planning graduate study in computing.
• Artificial Intelligence concentration (coming in spring 2027): 12 hours of department-approved AI-related computer science electives within the existing elective requirement, including Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning plus two other approved courses. The department updates the approved list periodically.
• Other programs: a BS in Computer Information Technology (system and network administration, interface design, database administration, project management) and a BS in Data Science (with the Mathematics Department), plus minors in all three.
• Getting into the major: you choose an intended major when applying to TCU, and TCU Admission makes the decision. Neither the department nor the catalog mentions a separate cap or internal transfer threshold; this is not published. You can confirm with the department (computerscience@tcu.edu).

2. Curriculum

The catalog says the BS in Computer Science is a 122-hour degree with at least 48 hours in the major:

• Core courses: Introduction to Programming, Techniques in Programming, Data Structures, Computer System Fundamentals, Computer Organization, Programming Language Concepts, Database Systems, Operating Systems, Analysis of Algorithms, Software Engineering, Senior Design Project, and Unix/Linux System Administration, 3 hours each.
• Electives: 12 more hours of computer science electives at the 30000 level or above (or CITE 30363).
• Mathematics, 17 hours: Calculus I, Discrete Mathematics I and II, Linear Algebra, and Elementary Statistics or Statistics.
• Science, 12–16 hours: two physics courses with laboratory, or any two of three astronomy courses, plus two additional approved science courses.
• Grades: a minimum 2.0 GPA in all computer science coursework is required to graduate.
• Degree plans: the department publishes current (fall 2025 and later) and previous degree plans; all undergraduates are advised by one academic advisor.

3. First-year application and deadlines

• Application: TCU’s own application, the Common App, Coalition App or ApplyTexas; all are treated equally.
• Materials: a USD 50 application fee; high school transcripts sent by the school; an essay; and recommendations from a counselor and a teacher.
• Testing: TCU is test-optional through the high school class of 2028.
• Deadlines:
  • Early Action (non-binding) and Early Decision I (binding): 1 November, with decisions by 1 January;
  • Regular Decision and Early Decision II: 1 February, with decisions by 1 April and 1 March respectively.

4. Students at high schools in China (Gaokao, A-levels, IB, AP)

• English: TCU’s Chinese-language guide lists any one of TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110, or at least three years at an English-medium high school.
• Gaokao: TCU does not publish how Gaokao results are used in admission. Contact international admission (frogworld@tcu.edu).
• AP: AP Computer Science A with a 4 or 5 earns COSC 10403 (Introduction to Programming); AP Calculus AB 4 or 5, or BC 3 or 4, earns MATH 10524 (Calculus I), and BC 5 earns Calculus I and II.
• IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL 6 or 7 earns MATH 10524 (Calculus I); Physics HL 5 or above earns two physics courses. IB Computer Science is not listed in the credit table.
• A-levels: 6–8 hours per A-level subject with a C or better, and 3–4 hours per AS subject with a C or better; TCU does not list course equivalents by subject.
• Finances: TCU is need-aware for international applicants, and those who can contribute at least USD 40,000 a year are the most competitive. Applicants seeking need-based aid must submit the CSS Profile, and will not receive a decision until it is received.

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

• You apply as an international student with the same deadlines and materials.
• Three years at an English-medium high school meets the English requirement.
• TCU does not publish separate grade requirements for Canadian or BC curricula; contact international admission.

6. Transfer students

• Basic requirements: one full semester at an accredited college after high school with at least 12 transferable hours and a transfer GPA of 2.7 or above (higher for some majors); a USD 50 fee. Whether Computer Science requires a higher GPA is not published.
• International transfers: TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5, waived with strong SAT/ACT scores or at least 24 transferable hours at a US college (including English composition); a TCU financial certification is also required.
• Deadlines: 1 February for fall Early Action; 15 April is the final deadline for international summer and fall entry, with decisions by 1 June.

7. Costs and scholarships

• 2026-27 international direct costs: tuition USD 66,520 (12–18 hours per semester), student government fee 90, housing and food 18,780, health insurance 2,846, books 700, for a total of about 88,936; plus travel of about 1,374 and personal expenses of about 2,278. The cost page notes some programs and courses may carry additional costs; whether Computer Science does is not published.
• International aid: academic scholarships are considered automatically; need-based aid requires the CSS Profile (1 February for first-years, 15 April for transfers). TCU does not offer “full rides”.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply by 1 November (Early Action/Early Decision I) or 1 February (Regular/Early Decision II), with Computer Science as your intended major
• TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 110; testing is optional
• Prepare financial documentation, and the CSS Profile if you need aid
• AP Computer Science A with a 4 or above earns Introduction to Programming

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

• Same deadlines; three years at an English-medium high school meets the English requirement
• Follow the department’s current degree plan and keep a computer science GPA of at least 2.0

Transfer students:

• At least 12 transferable hours and a GPA of 2.7 or above; international applicants apply by 15 April for fall

Sources: Texas Christian University, Computer Science majors and minors; BS in Computer Science requirements; Computer Science advising; First-year application and deadlines; Testing policy; Credit by exam; Chinese-language application guide; Cost estimate; International scholarships and aid; Transfer application; Transfer requirements. Information is for fall 2027 entry (costs are 2026-27 rates). Check TCU for the latest details.