How to Apply to Computer Science at Western Kentucky University: Earning a C in CS 290 to Enter the BS in Computer Science, Two Concentrations and the Scope of ABET Accreditation, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At Western Kentucky University (WKU), undergraduate computer science is part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 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. Degree and concentrations

• BS in Computer Science (2026-2027 catalog): the major requires at least 53 semester hours and the bachelor’s degree at least 120. There are two concentrations: Systems/Scientific Applications and General.
• Scope of ABET accreditation: the department says the computer science program with the Systems/Scientific Applications concentration is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC); the page does not say whether the General concentration is covered.
• Core courses (the same in both): Computer Science I and II, Computer Organization and Architecture, Data Structures, Database Management Systems I, Discrete Structures (or Discrete Mathematics), Software Engineering I, Introduction to Computer Networks and Security, Programming Languages, Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Operating Systems I, CS Senior Project and Professional Practice, and Introductory Probability and Applied Statistics.
• Electives: both concentrations require 12 hours of CS electives. Systems/Scientific Applications chooses from a set list (such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, Interactive Computer Graphics, Operating Systems II, Database Management Systems II and Mobile App Development); General must meet hour requirements at the 200, 300 and 400 levels.
• Math: both require Calculus I (MATH 136); Systems/Scientific Applications adds two more math courses (such as Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Graph Theory or Regression Analysis).
• The catalog includes four-year “Finish in Four” plans for both concentrations.

2. Admission

• Pre-major first: the catalog says that to be admitted to the computer science major, students must complete CS 290 or CS 221 with a C or better, and every CS course counting toward the major needs a C or better.
• International first-year: a minimum 2.5 GPA; the pages we read give no higher threshold for computer science.
• Domestic first-year: students with an unweighted GPA of 2.50 or higher do not need ACT/SAT scores; those with 2.00–2.49 must submit scores and reach a Composite Admission Index of 60.
• Changing majors: the pages we read give no separate conditions for switching into computer science from another major, so these are not published; ask the program coordinator.

3. Application timeline and materials (international first-year)

• Application: apply online; the non-refundable fee is USD 75.
• Deadlines: international application deadlines are not published. The international admissions page notes that applications, documents and the fee must arrive by December 14 to be processed before winter break; WKU closes at 4:30 pm on December 18 and reopens at 8 am on January 4, 2027, and applications are not processed during the break.
• Materials: academic records with grades and diplomas (with a literal English translation). The international admissions office evaluates foreign credentials itself; a decision can be made on color scans, and official documents are shown on arrival. A decision is made only once records, financial proof, English proof and the fee are all received.
• Proof of funds: for the I-20, provide a bank statement covering one year of study, with an affidavit of support if the account is not yours.

4. English requirements

• One of: TOEFL iBT 71; IELTS 6.0; SAT Critical Reading 450 or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 460; ELS level 109; PTE Academic 52; Duolingo 100.
• Duolingo (two statements on the same page): the requirements list gives Duolingo 100, while another paragraph says 100 is required for the one-semester Pathway program and 90 for the two-semester Pathway. Ask international admissions (applyinternational@wku.edu) whether 100 means direct admission or the Pathway.
• The international admissions page we read does not list an English waiver for Canadian students, so this is not published.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Documents: the China requirements sheet asks for the transcript and graduation certificate (with English translation). Applicants from Chinese institutions can send official transcripts electronically through CHESICC.
• Grades: first-year applicants need a cumulative 70% (out of 100) in academic subjects. The conversion table gives 85–100 as A, 75–84 as B and 60–74 as C.
• Gaokao: how Gaokao results are used is not published; ask international admissions.
• A-Level, IB and AP: we did not check WKU’s credit rules.

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

• Documents: the Canada requirements sheet (file labeled 2016) asks BC students for the high school transcript with proof of completing the Secondary School Graduation Diploma (Dogwood Diploma).
• Grades: first-year applicants need a cumulative 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale) in academic subjects; the sheet includes a conversion from BC letter grades to US grades.
• English: whether Canadian students are exempt is not published; confirm with international admissions.

7. Transfer students

• International transfers: 24 or more earned hours and a 2.0 GPA; coursework from Chinese universities needs a 60% overall average and good standing at the previous institution.
• Domestic transfers: a 2.0 GPA in the last full-time term and cumulatively; those with fewer than 24 hours also send high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. Deadlines: August 1 for fall, January 1 for spring, May 1 for summer.
• Entering the CS major: you still need a C or better in CS 290 or CS 221; ask the program coordinator whether your previous courses can count for them.

8. Costs and scholarships

• 2025-2026 international undergraduate estimate (10 months): tuition USD 29,030, living expenses USD 13,650 and health insurance USD 3,000, for USD 45,680 in total; books, transportation and other costs are extra, and WKU notes costs rise each year.
• International scholarship page: no SAT required; students with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher qualify for an Academic Merit Award with a complete application package. The page links to the freshman scholarship page.
• Fall 2027 automatic freshman scholarships (the freshman page says regardless of state of residency and does not mention international students separately): GPA 3.80–4.00 with ACT 30 (SAT 1360), USD 7,500 a year; GPA 3.80–4.00, USD 3,500 a year; 3.50–3.79, USD 2,500; 3.30–3.49, USD 1,500; 3.00–3.29, USD 1,000. Renewal requires a 2.50 college GPA.
• Deadlines: the freshman scholarship page says fall 2027 freshmen must be fully admitted by December 31, 2026 for full scholarship consideration, and offers must be accepted by May 1, 2027. The international scholarship page separately encourages fall 2026 freshmen and transfer students to apply for additional opportunities through TOPDollar, with priority for those who have applied and been admitted by December 12 each year.
• Cherry Presidential Scholarship: students with a 3.8 GPA and ACT 30 (SAT 1360) admitted by December 1, 2026 are invited to compete for up to USD 16,000 a year; whether international students can compete is not published.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A high school average of at least 70%; for scholarships, aim for a 3.0 GPA and finish applying and being admitted by December 2026
• Prepare TOEFL 71 or IELTS 6.0
• Earn a C or better in CS 290 (or CS 221) to enter the major; choose Systems/Scientific Applications if you want the ABET-accredited concentration

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

• Send your transcript and Dogwood Diploma with at least a 2.5 GPA; ask international admissions whether English testing is waived

Transfer students:

• At least a 2.0 GPA (a 60% average for Chinese university coursework); check whether your courses can count for CS 290 or CS 221

Sources: Western Kentucky University, Computer Science; 2026-2027 catalog: BS in Computer Science; International admission requirements; Requirements for students educated in China; Requirements for students educated in Canada; International tuition and fees; International scholarships; Fall 2027 freshman scholarships; First-time freshman requirements; Transfer requirements. International costs are for 2025-2026, and the Canada requirements file is labeled 2016. Check WKU’s website for the latest.