How to Apply to Computer Science at DePaul University: The BS in Computer Science at the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, Its Three Concentrations and Quarter-System Curriculum, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At DePaul University in downtown Chicago, undergraduate computer science is offered by the School of Computing in the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, and the degree is the BS in Computer Science. Here is what you need to know for fall 2027 entry, based on DePaul’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), and transfer students.

1. The major and its three concentrations

• One concentration is required: Artificial Intelligence (statistics, machine learning, deep learning, AI ethics and a senior capstone), Game Systems (optimized C++, 3D graphics rendering, real-time architecture and networking, ending with a game development capstone), or Software Development (software engineering, web and mobile development, security, databases and data analysis).
• Two capstones: the program page says the degree has two capstone experiences, one in the sophomore year and one in the senior year.
• STEM designation: the program page notes it is STEM-designated, which can qualify international graduates to extend their post-graduation stay.
• Related degrees: DePaul also offers BS degrees combining computer science with animation, economics, geography, history, or writing and rhetoric, and a BS in Math and Computer Science.
• Combination limits: the catalog says BS Computer Science students may not double-major in Game Programming, Information Technology, Math and Computer Science, Computer Science + Animation or Computer Science + Geography, nor minor in Computer Science or Information Technology. The program page’s list omits the Animation and Geography combinations; the catalog is the fuller list.
• Getting into the major: the admission pages read for this guide do not mention a separate application or grade threshold for computer science, and conditions for switching into it later were not found. Check with the Jarvis College.

2. Curriculum

DePaul uses the quarter system (fall, winter and spring), and credit is counted in quarter hours. The catalog lists:

• Total: at least 192 quarter hours (generally 48 courses): 76 in Liberal Studies, 96 in the major and concentration, and 20 in open electives.
• First-year major courses (from the 2026-27 Software Development sample plan): CSC 241 and CSC 242, CSC 300, IT 223, and MAT 140 and MAT 141. Students with one semester of programming experience may take CSC 243 plus one extra major elective instead of CSC 241 and CSC 242.
• Major electives: at least 16 of the 20 major elective hours must come from the advanced list, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, networks, computer systems, data analysis and mining, game development and human-computer interaction.
• Grades: C- or better in all major and minor courses and in WRD 103 and WRD 104, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Combined BS/MS: undergraduates may take up to three graduate courses (12 hours) that count toward both degrees, then complete the MS in Computer Science with 36 more hours (9 graduate courses). Admission criteria are on the college’s graduate page and were not checked for this guide.
• Online option: the college says transfer students can complete the BS in Computer Science online.

3. First-year application and deadlines

• Application: international first-year applicants use the Common App.
• Deadlines:
  • Early Action: November 15, decision by December 15;
  • Regular Notification: February 1, decision by March 15; applications after February 1 are considered as space allows.
• The pages do not state an entry year; the admission page says applying by November 15 or February 1 gives the strongest scholarship consideration.
• Testing: SAT or ACT is not required for applicants from outside the United States; self-reported scores are accepted, with official scores due before enrolling.
• Transcripts: submit secondary school records as listed under the country requirements, with word-for-word English translations where needed; admitted students submit final transcripts or proof of completion.

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

• English: one of TOEFL 80 (4 on the new scale) with no section below 17 (3.5), IELTS Academic 6.5, Duolingo 115, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 540, ACT Reading 18 and English 20, or PTE Academic 53. TOEFL Home Edition is not accepted. Applicants who meet the academic requirements but not the English minimum may be considered for conditional admission.
• English waivers: IB English A Language & Literature grade 5, AP English Language & Composition score 4 or a B in the class, (I)GCSE English First Language C (or 4), or AS/A-Level English Language or English Language & Literature C.
• Gaokao: the international freshman page lists required documents by country, but that section loads by script and was not read for this guide. How the Gaokao is used is not published on the pages read; check with International Admission (international@depaul.edu).
• AP credit: AP Computer Science A score 3+ gives 4 hours (IT 130), and DePaul advises taking CSC 243 instead of CSC 241 and CSC 242; AP Calculus AB 3+ gives MAT 150, and BC 3+ gives MAT 150, 151 and 152.
• A-Level and IB: DePaul also awards credit for A/AS-Level and IB exams; see the Credit Given By Exam pages, not checked course by course here.

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

• Apply as an international first-year student; deadlines and documents are the same.
• English: students who completed all of secondary school in an English-speaking Canadian province are exempt; being born in Canada but schooled elsewhere does not qualify.
• Grade requirements for BC curricula are not published; check with International Admission.

6. Transfer students

• International transfer priority filing periods: fall quarter January 1 – April 1, winter quarter June 1 – September 1, spring quarter November 1 – January 1.
• Documents: any international university credit requires a course-by-course evaluation from an approved agency; after admission the Transfer Articulation Center may ask for course descriptions or syllabi. Required documents differ by credits completed (thresholds of 24 and 12 semester credits).
• Scholarships: transfer applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships of $12,000 to $23,000 a year; DePaul does not offer need-based scholarships to international students.
• Whether computer science has extra course or GPA requirements for transfers is not published.

7. Costs and scholarships

• Tuition (2026-27): for the Jarvis College and other colleges, the 12–18 hour package rate for students admitted in 2026 is $16,060 a quarter, or $48,180 a year; rates are listed by admit year. Fees are extra and were not checked.
• Other estimated costs (2026-27): books and materials $1,104, housing and food $20,766, transportation $1,290, personal expenses $4,794 and others, totalling $28,035 before tuition and fees.
• International first-year scholarship: the Global DePaul Scholarship of $12,000 to $32,000 a year is automatic, based on high school GPA, and announced in the admission letter; it renews for four years with good standing and 36 quarter hours each fall–spring year.
• Need-based aid is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply Early Action by November 15 or Regular by February 1 (Common App)
• TOEFL 80 (4), IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 115, unless waived by IB, AP or A-Level English results
• Transcripts with translations; ask International Admission how to submit the Gaokao
• With programming experience, start with CSC 243

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

• Apply as an international first-year student; no English test if all of high school was in an English-speaking province

Transfer students:

• Apply by April 1 for fall; get a course-by-course evaluation for international credit

Sources: DePaul University, BS in Computer Science; Software Development concentration requirements (2026-27); Catalog: Computer Science (BS); Combined bachelor’s + master’s; Undergraduate admission and deadlines; International freshman admission; International transfer admission; AP credit; Undergraduate tuition; Cost of attendance. Information is a guide for fall 2027 entry (tuition is the 2026 admit-year rate). Check DePaul for the latest details.