How to Apply for Computer Science at the University of Northern Iowa: the B.A. and B.S. in Computer Science with four course areas, an undergraduate research requirement and a C- grade rule, rolling international admission with a USD 50 fee and an automatic International Scholars Award, and requirements and timelines for students in China, Canada and transfer students

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Its computer science degrees are offered by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. 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. Degrees and courses

• Two degrees: the 2026-27 catalog lists a B.A. and a B.S. in Computer Science, each requiring at least 120 hours including UNIFI general education. The B.A. major is 45 hours and the B.S. major 62. The department says students can specialize in one or more areas, including information science, software engineering, systems and traditional computer science.
• Shared required courses: CS 1410 Computer Organization, CS 1510 Introduction to Computing, CS 1520 Data Structures, CS 1800 Discrete Structures, CS 2530 Intermediate Computing and CS 3730 Project Management (1 hour). The B.S. adds CS 4800 Undergraduate Research (1 hour, topic pre-approved by the department).
• Mathematics: chosen from Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra for Applications, Numerical Analysis, Combinatorics, Introduction to Probability, Introduction to Statistical Methods and Introduction to Machine Learning; the B.A. takes two (6 hours) and the B.S. four (13 hours).
• Computer science areas: Foundations (algorithms, programming languages, theory of computation, translation of programming languages and more), Data and Applications (databases, information retrieval, artificial intelligence, computational biology, intelligent systems and more), Software Engineering (software engineering, user interface design, verification and validation, real-time embedded systems and more) and Systems (architecture and parallel programming, networking, operating systems, system administration, system security, systems forensics and more).
  • B.A.: six courses, three in one specialty area and one in each of the other three, plus one elective.
  • B.S.: eight courses, three in Foundations, three in one other area and one in each of the remaining two, plus two electives.
  • Both degrees require a project course (marked with an asterisk) within the specialty area.
• Grades: courses counting toward a major or minor in the department need a C- or better, and prerequisite courses need a C before taking the next course. Students admitted provisionally because they did not meet the high school mathematics requirement cannot take computer science credit courses until it is met.
• Sample B.S. plan: first-year fall CS 1510 and Introduction to Statistical Methods, spring CS 1520 and CS 1800; second-year fall CS 2530 and CS 1410, spring the first area courses and Calculus I; the final spring includes the research and project courses. The plan totals 120 to 122 hours.
• Research: the department offers paid summer research fellowships each year with a USD 4,000 stipend.

2. Admission

• Entering the major: the catalog lists no separate entry requirement for the computer science major. Whether declaring it after enrolling has extra conditions is not published; ask the department or an academic advisor.
• International first-year applicants: the FAQ says UNI generally looks for a GPA of 3.0 or higher, evaluated by the international admissions team against each country’s grading system. SAT/ACT is not required for admission but can satisfy English proficiency or help with scholarships.
• Standard and conditional admission: students meeting academic and English requirements receive standard admission. Academically qualified students with low or no English scores can apply for conditional admission, take a placement test on arrival and start in the Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP).

3. Deadlines and materials (international undergraduates)

• Timing: rolling admission with no strict deadline; UNI encourages applying early to secure a visa appointment. A complete undergraduate file can take up to 15 business days to review.
• How to apply: UNI’s international application or the Common App.
• Fee: USD 50, non-refundable. Fee waivers are not offered, but fee deferrals can be requested; without payment or a deferral request, the application is incomplete and not reviewed.
• Materials: online application, English scores, secondary transcripts (unofficial copies for review, official later), passport data page, and the UNI Financial Statement and Certification form.

4. English

• Full admission: TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0 (academic), Duolingo 105, PTE 52, C1 Advanced 169 or MET 57, among others.
• Other accepted evidence: AP English Language and Composition 4 or 5; IGCSE English A to C; A-Level English A to C from one of five British boards; IB English A1 or A2 (HL or SL) 4 or higher; ACT English 20; SAT EBRW 480.
• English Pathway Program: undergraduates with TOEFL 61 to 78, IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 95 to 100 take special credit-bearing sections with English support in their first semester and must pass them at a minimum grade for unrestricted enrollment in the second semester.
• Waiver: the FAQ says English proficiency is only waived for applicants from native English-speaking countries where English is the primary language.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Credential: senior (upper) middle school graduation certificate.
• Grades: an 80 (B) cumulative average in academic subjects.
• English: TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105, or one of the alternatives above.
• Gaokao: the China requirements page does not mention it, and how Gaokao results are used is not published; ask International Admissions (international.admissions@uni.edu).
• A-Level, IB, AP: UNI grants advanced standing for AP, IB and A-Level coursework, among others. AP scores of 3 or higher earn credit (4 for biology, chemistry and computer science); IB needs 4 at Higher Level and 5 at Standard Level; credit by examination is capped at 32 credits. Detailed A-Level credit rules are not published.
• Students from Hebei: the scholarship page lists Hebei Province as an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) partner state; see section 8.

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

• Credential: the Canada page asks for completion of senior secondary school (giving the Ontario diploma as an example) with a 75 (B) cumulative average in academic subjects.
• BC: the page does not mention the BC diploma or grade conversion; confirm with International Admissions.
• English: the Canada page lists TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105 for non-native speakers, while the FAQ waives English for applicants from native English-speaking countries. Confirm with International Admissions whether Canadian students are exempt.
• The process, fee and materials are the same as for other international applicants.

7. Transfer students

• International transfer: students can transfer from any recognized U.S. or foreign post-secondary institution, with a USD 50 fee, university transcripts, English scores and financial documents; admission is based on GPA.
• GPA (catalog): 2.25 for 24 to 59 transferable hours and 2.00 for 60 or more; students with fewer than 24 hours must also meet freshman criteria and are reviewed on their high school record.
• Credit: up to 65 hours from two-year colleges, no limit from four-year institutions; credit from international institutions needs English course descriptions and comes in as pass/fail. Completing 24 or more transferable hours with the required GPA at an accredited U.S. institution waives English testing.
• Entering computer science: extra conditions are not published; ask the department.

8. Costs and scholarships (August 2026 to May 2027)

• International undergraduate budget: tuition USD 21,578, fees 1,451, mandatory health insurance 2,520, books 500, on-campus housing and meals 10,646, personal expenses 1,500; total USD 38,196 for two semesters.
• International Scholars Award: first-year and transfer applicants are reviewed automatically at admission for USD 2,000 to 5,000 a year, based on a 3.0 GPA or an SAT of 1020; listed for spring 2027 and fall 2027 entry and renewable for up to four years.
• Transfer Scholar Award: USD 1,000 for one year, automatic, for international transfers with a 3.25 transfer GPA.
• International Excel Award: USD 1,000 to 4,000 a year; admitted students apply through the UNI Scholarship Application (opens July 1, priority deadline February 1), with English proficiency, leadership and service considered.
• Presidential Scholar Award: USD 4,000 a year for a 3.80 GPA and ACT 29 (SAT 1340), or a 3.95 GPA if admitted test-optional, with participation in the Presidential Scholar Program.
• Iowa Partner State Award: students from IEDA partner regions, including Hebei Province in China, are considered automatically for USD 4,000 a year plus the USD 5,000 Scholars Award, totaling USD 9,000 a year.
• Department scholarships: the deadline is January 15, with awards announced by April 1. The Walljasper scholarship for incoming freshmen interested in computer science pays up to USD 2,000 a year, renewable for four years, with preference to Iowa students, through the UNI Scholarship Application only.
• Note: the FAQ describes undergraduate awards of USD 1,000 to 11,000 in total and says UNI does not offer full-tuition scholarships. The I-20 requires proof of one year of tuition and fees.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Keep an 80 (B) average; apply early to leave time for the visa
• Prepare TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105 (or an A-Level, IB or SAT alternative)
• For the International Scholars Award, aim for a 3.0 GPA or SAT 1020; students from Hebei should note the Partner State Award
• Ask International Admissions how Gaokao results are used

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

• Keep a 75 (B) average; confirm how BC diplomas and grades are evaluated and whether English testing is waived

Transfer students:

• Prepare English course descriptions; meet the 2.25 or 2.00 GPA for your hours; ask the department about entering the major

Sources: University of Northern Iowa, 2026-27 catalog: Computer Science B.A. or B.S.; 2026-27 catalog: Undergraduate admission requirements; International undergraduate students; International admission policies; Requirements for applicants from China; Requirements for applicants from Canada; English proficiency; International undergraduate scholarships; International tuition and fees; International application; International admissions FAQ; Department of Computer Science: Computer Science major; Computer Science department scholarships. Courses follow the 2026-2027 catalog and costs cover August 2026 to May 2027. Check UNI’s website for the latest.