How to Apply to Computer Science at New Mexico State University: Math Starting Points, Optional Concentrations and the International Competitive Scholarship for the BS and BA in Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At New Mexico State University (NMSU), undergraduate computer science is taught by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, on the main Las Cruces campus. Here is what you need to know, based on the university’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. Degrees and courses

• Four bachelor’s degrees: the BS in Computer Science, the BA in Computer Science, the BS in Cybersecurity and the BS in Artificial Intelligence. The department says the BS in Computer Science should be the default choice, and the choice for anyone considering graduate school.
• BS in Computer Science: the department page says it is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC), but the same page’s ABET statement still says the accreditation “extends automatically through September 30, 2022”. That text is out of date; check current status on ABET’s website. The BS fits many math and science requirements into 120 credits, so students must make sure non-CS courses fill the right slots.
• BA in Computer Science: more open credit, designed for students combining computer science with other interests or a double major; the department strongly encourages at least one minor in another department. The BA is not eligible for the BS/MS program.
• Optional concentrations (BS): the advising page says the BS recently added seven concentrations, while the October 2023 advising guide lists six: Algorithmic Theory, Big Data and Data Science, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, Human Computer Interaction and Software Development. The counts differ; follow the catalog. Concentrations mainly specify 400-level electives, generally with one extra 400-level elective.
• Math starting points (October 2023 advising guide): the BS accepts only Engineering Calculus I (MATH 1511G); the BA accepts MATH 1430G or 1511G. The first major course is CS 172, which requires a C- or better in MATH 1220 or higher, or placement into MATH 1250 or higher, or a C- or better in CS 111; there is no longer a CS placement exam. Students placing into MATH 1215 or below cannot take any CS course yet. CS 111 and CS 171G do not count toward the majors.
• Course sequence: after CS 172 the BS requires four 200-level CS courses (CS 271, 272, 273 and 278); CS 372 is required for the BS; Senior Project (CS 448) is taken in the last semester and Computing Ethics (CS 419) in the last spring. The BS also requires three science courses from restricted lists.
• AP Computer Science A: the guide says the state AP mapping gives credit for CS 172, and the department does not recommend that students scoring 4 or 5 also skip CS 271.
• BS/MS program: at least a 3.3 GPA (some conditional admissions slightly below), applied for as a junior and before taking 400-level electives.
• Course lists: the department points to the catalog at catalogs.nmsu.edu for full requirements. We could not read the catalog; check it for credits and required courses.
• Advising: newer students are advised by the central CAASS office; after that, students meet a CS faculty mentor every semester before they can register.

2. How admission works

• International first-year applicants: secondary school equivalency with a minimum 2.75 GPA, or ACT composite 21 or SAT 1060, or GED 480 or HiSET 45; any one is enough.
• US first-year applicants (for reference): GPA 2.5, or SAT 1060 / ACT 21, or the top 20% of the class. Test scores are not required but help with scholarships and placement. Applicants who don’t qualify are automatically admitted to a system community college through Aggie Pathway and can move to the main campus after 24 credits with a 2.0 GPA.
• Major admission and changing majors: the admissions pages list no separate criteria for computer science, and the rules for switching in later are not published on the pages we read (we could not read the catalog). Ask the department (computerscience@nmsu.edu).

3. Application timing and materials

• Applying: NMSU’s 2027 undergraduate application (now open for spring, summer and fall 2027); the Common App is also accepted for the main campus.
• International deadlines: for fall, start the application by July 1 and submit all documents by July 15; for spring, start by November 15 and submit everything by December 1.
• Application fee: USD 25, nonrefundable, for the Las Cruces campus; the July 1 to December 1 waiver applies only to new domestic undergraduates. The fee for international applicants is not stated separately; check the application system.
• Foreign credential evaluation: every transcript from a foreign secondary or post-secondary school needs a professional evaluation from a NACES-approved agency, sent directly to NMSU. Transcripts, test scores and evaluations go to admissions@nmsu.edu.

4. English requirements

• Freshmen and transfers need TOEFL iBT 3.5, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95.
• Exemptions: citizens of listed countries, including Canada (except Quebec), the UK, Singapore and Australia; China is not on the list. Waivers may also be considered after two full years at a US high school, or 24 semester credits with a 2.0 GPA at a US institution. NMSU may still require any international applicant to submit a test.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: NMSU does not say how Gaokao results are used. Ask admissions (admissions@nmsu.edu).
• Credential evaluation: every foreign high school transcript must be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency.
• A-Level and IB: credit rules are not published on the pages we read (we could not read the catalog); ask admissions. For AP Computer Science A, see above.
• For the BS, build strong math: your placement decides when you can start computer science courses.

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

• Citizens of Canada (except Quebec) are exempt from English testing.
• Required scores for BC courses are not published. Canadian transcripts are foreign credentials too and need a NACES evaluation; confirm with admissions.

7. Transfer students

• International transfers need at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on transfer credits; those with fewer than 24 college credits must also meet first-year requirements. English requirements are the same as for freshmen.
• US transfers need a 2.0 GPA and 24 credits (college credit earned in high school does not count). Transcripts from outside the US are not eligible for an unofficial pre-admission evaluation and are evaluated after admission from the foreign credential report.
• The department’s guide says the BA is often the shortest path to graduation for transfer students, since more transfer credit can count as open electives.

8. Costs and scholarships

• Costs: the admissions cost page gives tuition and fees of USD 26,963 for “other non-New Mexico residents” (flat rate at 15 or more credits a semester), residence hall USD 5,194–7,388, meal plan USD 5,378–5,964 and books USD 1,330. The international office’s I-20 table gives out-of-state tuition and fees of USD 26,750, living expenses of USD 11,250 and insurance and miscellaneous of USD 5,550, for a total of USD 43,550, or USD 25,250 at in-state tuition. Neither page states an academic year and the tuition figures differ; both are given.
• International Competitive Scholarship: recipients pay in-state tuition and receive USD 100 each fall and spring. It is only for new, degree-seeking F-1 students who have received their I-20. Freshmen qualify with any of: GPA 3.5 plus TOEFL 520/68, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95; GPA 3.25 plus TOEFL 550/79, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 100; or GPA 3.5 for students from English-exempt countries (two further options apply to US high school graduates). Transfers need a 3.5 GPA. It renews for up to 8 semesters with 15 graded credits and a 3.5 GPA each semester. Applications open May 15 to July 15 for fall and October 15 to December 15 for spring, and close once awards run out; results come within 4 weeks. Students admitted to a system community college are not eligible.
• Admissions scholarships and discounts: the out-of-state scholarships and tuition discounts listed there all require US citizenship or permanent residency.
• Department scholarships: several computer science scholarships are applied for through NMSU Scholar Dollar$; many require US citizenship or federal aid eligibility, while the General Computer Science Scholarship lists only being a CS major.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• For fall, start the application by July 1 and finish by July 15; send your transcript to a NACES agency first
• Prepare TOEFL 3.5, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95; for the International Competitive Scholarship, aim for GPA 3.5 (or GPA 3.25 with TOEFL 79 / IELTS 6.5)
• Once you have the I-20, apply for the scholarship early in the May 15 to July 15 window
• For the BS, prepare for math placement so you can start CS 172 and Engineering Calculus I

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

• English testing is waived; get a NACES evaluation; the scholarship needs a 3.5 GPA for students from exempt countries

Transfer students:

• At least a 2.0 transfer GPA, plus first-year requirements under 24 credits; a 3.5 GPA qualifies for the International Competitive Scholarship

Sources: New Mexico State University, Computer Science undergraduate degrees; undergraduate advising; Computer Science Advising Guidelines (October 2023); Computer Science scholarships; international students; first-time freshmen; transfer students; 2027 undergraduate application; how to apply and application fee; cost of attendance; scholarships; International Competitive Scholarship; I-20 financial requirements. Applications are for 2027 entry; the cost pages do not state an academic year. Check the NMSU website for the latest information.