How to apply to Computer Science at Quinnipiac University: the 120-credit BA and BS in the School of Computing & Engineering, ABET accreditation, the Computing 360 undeclared option, international English and recommendation requirements, and what students in China, students in Canada and transfer students need

Quinnipiac University is in Hamden, Connecticut. Computer Science is offered by the School of Computing & Engineering as a BA and a BS. This guide summarizes what the university’s website says 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. Choosing between the two degrees

• BS: the program page describes it for students interested in computer design, building and internal architecture as well as programming, with topics from web development and data structures to cryptography, artificial intelligence and robotics.
• BA: covers the same fundamentals with a more interprofessional approach, applying them to areas such as business, biology, graphic design and game design. It is designed to be flexible enough for an additional major or required minor.
• Accreditation: the program page says the BS is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; it does not say the BA is.
• STEM: the program is STEM-designated by the Department of Homeland Security.

2. Curriculum (curriculum page)

• Credits: both degrees require at least 120 credits. Computer science prerequisites generally need a C- or better. More than 18 credits in fall or spring needs the dean’s office approval.
• Core for both degrees: Programming and Problem Solving (CSC 110/110L), Data Structures and Abstraction (CSC 111/111L), Object-Oriented Design and Programming (SER 120/120L), Digital Logic and Design (CSC 210), Algorithm Design and Analysis (CSC 215), Introduction to Software Development (SER 225), 9 credits of CSC electives and the Professional Development Seminar (ENR 395).
• BS adds: Operating Systems and Systems Programming, Theory of Computation, Database Systems, Networking and Distributed Processing, and Senior Project I and II (CSC 491/492). Math: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (MA 205), calculus (MA 141 or MA 151), Linear Algebra (MA 229) and 6 more credits from a set list, at least 15 math credits in all; plus 8 credits of lab science in biology, chemistry or physics (a two-course sequence). University Curriculum 50 credits; open electives 12.
• BA adds: Senior Thesis I and II (CSC 493/494); at least 18 credits of approved directed study outside computer science, which a minor or second major satisfies; math is Introduction to Discrete Mathematics, either calculus or linear algebra, and one more course at MA 140 or above. University Curriculum 46 credits; open electives 15.
• Related programs: the curriculum page lists the Computing & Engineering accelerated 3+1 bachelor’s/master’s, the 4+1 BA or BS/MS in Cybersecurity, and a computer science minor.

3. Choosing a major at entry

• Computing 360 (Undeclared): students unsure which computing major fits can enter Computing 360, take introductory courses across the computing programs and then choose among data science, information systems, game design, computer science and others.
• Declaring: the admissions FAQ suggests undeclared students declare by the end of sophomore year and notes that “certain majors are not open to internal transfers.” Whether Computer Science accepts internal transfers, and on what terms, is not published; ask the School of Computing & Engineering.

4. First-year review and deadlines

• Review: there are no set criteria; Quinnipiac looks at grade patterns, courses and AP credit. The requirements page says strong applicants typically show at least a B average or a 3.3 GPA and SAT 1080–1300 or ACT 22–28. The class profile reports an average GPA of 3.60 and an average SAT of 1238 for the Class of 2028.
• High school courses: 4 years of English, 3+ of math, 3+ of science, 2 each of social science and foreign language, and 3 academic electives.
• Testing: the test policy lists School of Engineering majors as test-optional.
• Deadlines (fall entry; no year shown, and the FAFSA note on the page refers to 2026-27): Early Decision I November 1 (decisions mid-November); Early Action November 15 (mid-December); Early Decision II January 15 (February 1); Regular Decision February 1 (rolling from mid-December). ED is binding; EA and RD are not.
• Application: Common App or the Quinnipiac application, for spring and fall; the university strongly encourages the Common App.

5. International materials and English

• Materials: online application, all secondary and university transcripts, a personal statement of about 250 words on recent academic work and goals, two letters of recommendation, first marking period grades, English scores, and the Certification of Finances with a bank letter.
• Recommendations differ by page: the Computer Science admissions page asks all students for at least one; the international page asks for two. International applicants should plan on two or confirm with international admissions.
• English: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 85 iBT (550 paper), Duolingo 105, PTE 57, Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 176; SAT and ACT are also accepted. IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge are preferred.
• Waivers: two years at a U.S. high school or in a British (Cambridge), American or IB curriculum; students taught entirely in English through secondary school may request a waiver from ISA@qu.edu, reviewed case by case, though a score is still highly recommended.
• Testing: the international page says most programs are test-optional.
• Application fee: not stated on the pages we read.

6. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: the website does not say how Gaokao scores are used; ask international admissions (ISA@qu.edu).
• A-Level and IB: two years in a British (Cambridge) or IB curriculum meets the English requirement. IB higher level exams at 5 or above earn credit; A-Level credit is not described on the pages we read.
• AP: AP Computer Science A at 4+ counts as CSC 110/110L (4 credits); AP Calculus BC at 4+ counts as MA 151, MA 153 and MA 154 (8 credits).

7. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• English: the waiver conditions name U.S. high schools, British/American/IB curricula or study entirely in English, with no separate entry for Canada; students at English-medium BC schools can request the case-by-case waiver.
• BC grades: no BC grade requirements are published; ask admissions.

8. Transfer students

• GPA: a minimum 2.5 is expected for most majors.
• Credits: courses from accredited institutions with a C or better that match Quinnipiac courses usually transfer. The FAQ says up to 90 credits are accepted, while the same page says the last 45 credits must be completed at Quinnipiac. Both statements are on the site; confirm with transfer admissions.
• Timing: apply by April 1 for fall (accepted through August) and by November 15 for spring (through January 12).
• International transfer: send foreign transcripts to WES for evaluation, plus English scores, the Certification of Finances and one recommendation.
• Closed to external transfer: physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, diagnostic medical sonography and the 3+1 dual-degree programs; Computer Science is not on the list.

9. Costs and scholarships

• 2026-27, first-year student living on campus: tuition USD 56,430 (12–16 credits a semester; USD 1,300 per extra credit), student fees USD 2,140, technology fee USD 860, orientation fee USD 200, housing and food USD 18,440, billed total USD 78,070; with books, personal and transportation allowances, an estimated USD 81,830. International students are not listed separately.
• First-year academic scholarships: considered automatically at admission with no separate form, USD 25,000–37,000 a year, renewed at the same amount if criteria are met. The page does not say whether international students fall under this range.
• International Student Scholarship: a small pool of funds for international students with strong academic achievement, in various amounts.
• Transfer scholarships: full-time transfer applicants are reviewed automatically, USD 26,000–32,000 a year.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Choose BA or BS, or enter Computing 360 if undecided
• Plan around ED I November 1 / EA November 15 / ED II January 15 / RD February 1 (check the current year’s page)
• Prepare IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 85 or Duolingo 105, two recommendations and proof of funds
• Ask international admissions how Gaokao scores are used and what the application fee is

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

• Request the English waiver with proof of English-medium study, and ask how BC grades are read

Transfer students:

• GPA 2.5 or above; apply by April 1 for fall; confirm which credits transfer and how they map to computer science courses

Sources: Quinnipiac University, BA or BS in Computer Science; Curriculum; Program admissions; Tuition and financial aid; International applicants; Admission requirements and test policy; Transfer applicants; Admissions FAQ; Class profile; Scholarships and grants; Computing 360 (Undeclared). Costs are for 2026-27; the application dates are shown without a year. Check Quinnipiac’s website for the latest.