How to Apply for Computer Science at Pace University: the 120-credit BS in Computer Science in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, on the New York City and Westchester campuses, and requirements and timelines for students in China, Canada and transfer students

Pace University’s computer science degree is offered by the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, on both the New York City (Manhattan) and Westchester (Pleasantville) campuses, with fall and spring starts. This guide summarizes what the university publishes 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. Degree and courses

• Accreditation: the catalog states the BS in Computer Science is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC).
• Credits (2026-2027 catalog): University Core 44–55, major 52, open electives 1–13, 120 in total. BS students take Introduction to Computer Science, Calculus I and a lab science (biology, chemistry or physics) within the Core foundation.
• Required CS courses: Mathematical Structures for Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Science, Object-Oriented Programming, Computer Organization, Data Structures and Algorithms, Algorithms and Computing Theory, Professional Computing Seminar, Research Methods and Ethics in Computing, Programming Languages and Implementation, Operating Systems and Architecture, Internet and Distributed Computing, and Software Engineering; plus two CS electives at the 300 level or higher.
• Math: Calculus I, Introduction to Probability and Statistical Analysis, and Calculus II or Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning.
• Grades: a C or better is required in each prerequisite course to take subsequent CS courses.
• Tracks: the program page mentions specialized tracks in AI, mobile app development, cybersecurity and game programming; the 2026-2027 catalog lists only two advanced electives and no track requirements, so confirm with the department.
• BA in Computer Science: 40–41 major credits plus a 15–18-credit minor; math is Calculus I plus Introduction to Probability and Statistical Analysis or Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning.
• Combined BS/MS: the school offers a combined Computer Science BS/MS.

2. Admission

• International first-year: Pace reviews the transcript, especially math, science, English and major-related grades, plus rigor and trends. It generally looks for the top 50% of the class, or a 2.5 GPA where there is no ranking, then reviews recommendations, the essay and activities holistically.
• Major admission: Pace’s program-specific requirements page lists only performing arts and nursing, not computer science.
• Testing: SAT/ACT is not required for most applicants.
• Changing into the major: conditions are not published; ask the Seidenberg School.
• Need more English? The Global Pathways program or the English Language Institute can come first.

3. Dates and materials (2027 entry)

• Application: Pace’s online application, the Common App or the Coalition App; USD 50 non-refundable fee. The how-to-apply page says the fee is waived for applicants to the Westchester campus.
• Fall 2027: opens August 1, 2026; Early Decision (binding) November 1, decisions December 1; Early Action November 15, decisions December 15; Regular Decision February 15, 2027; deposits due May 1, 2027. ED applicants submit an agreement form.
• Spring 2027: deadline December 1, 2026.
• Materials: transcripts, diplomas and leaving exam results in English (unofficial copies are fine for review; officials are verified after admission); English scores; passport copy; two recommendations from a teacher or counselor; a 250–650-word essay; SAT/ACT optional.
• Official transcripts: sent directly by the school, a NACES evaluator (preferred), the Ministry of Education, a U.S. consular officer, an EducationUSA advisor, or similar.

4. English requirements

• Direct entry minimums: TOEFL iBT 80 (old scale, before January 21, 2026) or 4.0 (new scale); IELTS 6.5; PTE 54; Duolingo 115; TOEFL Essentials 9.0; Cambridge English 176; scores valid for two years.
• Other options: SAT EBRW 520 or ACT English 20; IB English A1/A2 or B1/B2 at 4 or better; AP English 4 or better; IGCSE, GCSE, O-Level or A-Level English at E or higher; completion of Pace’s English Language Institute Pre-Undergraduate program.
• Exemption: citizens of the listed countries where English is an official language (the list includes Canada), or graduates of high schools in those countries or international schools following their systems, can skip the test, provided they were enrolled for the whole program in non-ESL English courses with a B average or better.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: the site does not say how Gaokao results are used; ask international admissions (intladm@pace.edu).
• Grades: generally top 50% of class or a 2.5 GPA, with focus on math, science and English.
• A-Level: A-Level English at E or higher meets the English requirement; A-Level credit rules are marked “more information to come soon”.
• AP and IB: AP scores of 4 or higher generally earn credit, and AP Computer Science needs only a 3; IB Higher Level subjects can earn advanced standing.
• English: TOEFL 80 (new scale 4.0) or IELTS 6.5; or SAT EBRW 520, IB English 4, or AP English 4.

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

• English: Canada is on the exemption list; Canadian citizens or Canadian high school graduates who meet the conditions above can skip the test.
• Grades: BC grade requirements are not published; the general guide is top 50% or a 2.5 GPA, so ask admissions.
• Deadlines: the first-year dates apply: ED November 1, EA November 15, RD February 15.

7. Transfer students

• Deadlines: spring 2027 January 4, 2027; fall 2027 August 2, 2027.
• Fee: no application fee for transfer students.
• Materials: transcripts from every college; applicants with fewer than 32 college credits since high school also send a final high school transcript and an essay; non-U.S. coursework needs course descriptions or syllabi in English. International transfer students do not need recommendation letters.
• Credit: college courses taken during high school can transfer with an official college transcript.

8. Cost and scholarships

• 2026-2027, New York City campus: tuition USD 55,040 (full time, 12–18 credits), standard fees 2,738 (including books from fall 2026), food and housing 25,400, personal 1,850, transportation 1,120, total USD 87,148.
• Westchester campus: same tuition, fees 2,838, food and housing 20,900, total USD 82,748.
• Year labels differ: the tuition page lists USD 55,040 for 2026-2027, while the program page gives the same figure for 2025-2026; rely on the tuition page and your bill.
• International merit scholarships: the international direct-admission page says international students are reviewed automatically at admission, about USD 10,000 to 30,000 a year; the program page says merit scholarships reach up to USD 33,000 a year.
• Testing and scholarships: the test-optional FAQ says “all admitted students, with the exception of international first-year students, are considered for a merit scholarship and do not need to submit the SAT or ACT.” Whether international first-year students need scores for merit consideration is unclear across pages; confirm with international admissions.
• Pace also accepts third-party scholarships for international students.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Choose a campus; consider ED (November 1) or EA (November 15)
• Prepare TOEFL 80 (new scale 4.0) or IELTS 6.5, two recommendations and an essay
• Take calculus; ask admissions about the Gaokao and whether scores are needed for merit aid

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

• Canadian citizens or graduates who meet the conditions can skip English testing
• Confirm BC grade expectations with admissions

Transfer students:

• Apply by August 2 for fall; gather all college transcripts and English course descriptions for non-U.S. courses

Sources: Pace University, Computer Science, BS; 2026-2027 catalog: Computer Science Major, BS; Catalog: Computer Science Major, BA; Catalog: Accreditation; How to apply; International direct admission; Key dates and deadlines; Test-optional policy; AP, IB and college credit; Tuition and cost. Timeline is for 2027 entry; costs are for 2026-2027. Check Pace’s website for the latest.