How to Apply for Computer Science at the College of Charleston: the ABET-accredited B.S. and the B.A. in Computer Science and the 4+1 program, November 2 Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines for fall 2027, test-optional admission and TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5, and requirements for students in China, Canada and transfer students

The College of Charleston is in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Its computer science degrees are offered by the Department of Computer Science. This guide summarizes what the college 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. The degrees

• B.S. in Computer Science: the department’s flagship major, with equal parts theory and practice, accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science. It prepares students for graduate study or a professional career.
• B.A. in Computer Science: the same foundation in the main areas of computer science, with room for more electives outside the discipline. The ABET accreditation the website describes applies to the B.S.
• Other majors in the department: B.S. Computer Information Systems, B.A. Computing in the Arts, B.S. Software Engineering and B.S. Data Science, plus five minors (Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Information Systems, Computing in the Arts and Applied Artificial Intelligence).
• Course lists: the 2026-27 program planners for both degrees are in the catalog (catalog.cofc.edu), which this guide could not verify. Check the catalog for credits and required courses.

2. The 4+1 program

• What it is: eligible B.S. Computer Science students finish the bachelor’s in four years and an M.S. in Computer and Information Sciences in one more. Up to 12 graduate credits (no more than 6 per semester) taken as an undergraduate count toward the M.S. if graded B or better.
• Eligibility: a declared B.S. Computer Science major; 90+ credit hours (senior rank); completion of CSCI 230 (Data Structures and Algorithms), CSCI 250 (Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming), at least one CSCI course numbered 310 or above (excluding 397, 399 and 499) and MATH 307 (Discrete Structures II), at least 22 credit hours in all; an overall GPA of 3.2 and major GPA of 3.5; and two recommendation letters from computer science faculty. Apply at least two semesters before finishing the bachelor’s.

3. Entering the major

• The website does not say whether computer science students are admitted directly into the major, whether declaring has a GPA threshold or cap, or what internal transfer requires. This is not published; confirm with the department or admissions.

4. First-year applications

• How to apply: the College of Charleston application or the Common App, with no preference for either. The first-year guide lists a non-refundable USD 60 application fee; the international guide does not state a fee separately.
• Fall 2027 deadlines: the application opens August 1. Early Decision I (binding) and Early Action (non-binding) close November 2, with decisions in early and mid-December. Early Decision II (binding) and Regular Decision close January 15, with decisions in early and mid-March. Enrollment deposits: Early Decision I January 5, Early Decision II March 15, Early Action and Regular Decision May 1; the deposit is USD 400 and non-refundable.
• Spring 2027: applications due November 2 and deposits December 16. Academic scholarships are generally not available for first-year students starting in spring.
• Review: holistic, looking at high school coursework, GPA (weighted or unweighted), activities and leadership. The supplemental essay is optional, and up to two recommendation letters are optional.
• Testing: test optional. Submitted scores are used for admission and merit scholarships, and unofficial scores are accepted at first. The published middle 50% of admitted first-years who submitted scores: SAT 1200–1340 and ACT 26–31; non-resident weighted GPA 3.7–4.2 (4.0 scale).
• High school courses: under the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education standard, 4 units of English, 4 of math (Algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and pre-calculus, trigonometry or calculus), 3 of lab science, 2 of the same world language, 3 of social science, 1 of fine arts and 2 electives. Additional math is recommended for students intending a science degree.
• iCharleston: some applicants not initially admitted are invited to iCharleston, completing a first semester abroad; after finishing, they transfer 15 credits and start at the College of Charleston in spring with guaranteed acceptance.

5. International application materials

• First-year status: applicants with fewer than 12 college-level credits (or the international equivalent), or whose highest education is a secondary school diploma, apply as first-year students.
• Transcripts: complete high school transcripts sent directly to the college in the original language with the school’s official seal, plus certified word-for-word English translations if not in English.
• English scores (one of): Duolingo 105, TOEFL iBT 80 (4 on the 1-6 scale), IELTS 6.5, iTEP Academic Plus 3.8, SAT Reading and Writing 500, or ACT Reading 18 with English 20.
• Possible English waiver: if English is your native language, or based on performance in A-Level English, I/GCSE English, AP English Literature or Language, or IB Diploma English Language and Literature A. Email international@charleston.edu to check.
• Other: a copy of the passport photo page. After admission, pay the USD 400 deposit and upload the certificate of finance and proof of funds in Via International; the college then emails the I-20.

6. Costs and scholarships

• Fall 2026 / Spring 2027 rates (non-resident first-year, 12–16 hours): tuition USD 19,672, library fee 30 and technology fee 130, for a total of USD 19,832; continuing non-resident undergraduates pay USD 19,902. The hourly rate is USD 1,639, and each credit above 16 adds USD 120. The college notes these are estimates that do not include all fees.
• Annual reference: the transfer page lists 2026-2027 out-of-state tuition of USD 39,344 and a weighted average room and board of USD 15,237.
• Non-resident scholarships: all non-resident first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships of USD 2,000 to 12,000 a year, covering part of the in-state/out-of-state difference, with no separate application. Whether international students are eligible is not published; confirm with admissions.
• Need-based aid: requires the FAFSA; South Carolina state scholarships are for South Carolina residents.

7. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: the website does not say whether Gaokao results can be used. This is not published; confirm with international admissions (international@charleston.edu).
• Transcripts: sealed originals in Chinese sent directly, with certified word-for-word English translations.
• A-Level, IB, AP: A-Level English, IGCSE English, AP English and IB English A results may support an English waiver. Credit for these courses is not published; check the catalog or ask admissions.

8. Students at Canadian high schools

• English: the website only says native English speakers may qualify for a waiver and gives no country list; Canadian students should email to confirm.
• Applicant type and BC grades: there is no Canada-specific section, and grade requirements for the BC curriculum are not published; confirm with admissions.

9. Transfer students

• Status and requirements: applicants with 12+ college credits from another institution apply as transfers, should have a GPA of 2.4 or higher and be in good standing; those with fewer than 12 credits also submit a high school transcript. The fee is USD 60.
• Transfer credit: up to 90 semester hours from four-year institutions and 66 from two-year institutions, with grades of C (2.000) or better.
• Deadlines: fall 2027 June 30; spring 2027 November 16.
• International transfers: a course-by-course evaluation of every college transcript from an approved agency (preferred: TEC and IEE). English requirements match first-year ones; native speakers or students with 24+ credits at an accredited U.S. university may be waived.
• Reapplying after a denial: denied first-year applicants can reapply only as transfers after completing at least 12 college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.4.

10. Timeline and checklist

Students at high schools in China and Canada (fall 2027 entry):

• Grades 11–12: take math through pre-calculus, trigonometry or calculus; prepare TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or iTEP (or the listed SAT/ACT English-related scores)
• From August 1, 2026: applications open; submit by November 2 for Early Decision I or Early Action
• January 15, 2027: Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadline
• After admission: pay the USD 400 deposit by your round’s date and upload proof of funds for the I-20

Transfer students:

• Complete 12 college credits with a GPA of 2.4 or higher; apply by June 30, 2027 for fall, and international transfers arrange the course-by-course evaluation early

Sources: College of Charleston, B.S./B.A. Computer Science; Computer Science Degree Programs; Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (4+1); International Admission Guide; First-Year Application Guide; Transfer Admission; 2026-2027 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees; Scholarships; Admitted International Students. Check the College of Charleston’s website for the latest.