How to apply to Computer Science at Ramapo College of New Jersey: the 128-credit recommended graduation plan, seven CS electives and a senior project, the 4+1 BS/MS, fall 2027 Early Decision on November 1 and Early Action on December 15, and what students in China, students in Canada and transfer students need

Ramapo College of New Jersey is in Mahwah, New Jersey, and offers a BS in Computer Science. This guide summarizes what the college’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. Degree and courses (2025-26 recommended graduation plan)

• Total: the bachelor’s degree is 128 credits, mostly 4-credit courses; the plan lists a 2.0 GPA for graduation. The plan applies to students admitted to the major in 2025-26; students entering in 2027 should follow that year’s plan.
• First year: Computer Science I (CMPS 147), Computer Science II (CMPS 148), Calculus I and Assembly Language Programming; math and writing follow placement testing, and the plan puts precalculus in the first semester.
• Required courses in years two to four: data structures, discrete structures (or mathematical structures), operating systems, software design and organization of programming languages, ending with a senior project to design and implement a significant piece of software.
• Electives: the plan has seven CS electives and two math electives; examples on the program page include machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, web application development and cyber security.
• Other requirements: three writing-intensive courses in the major, three career pathways modules and three free electives (usable for a minor, certificate or second major).
• Internships: the program page says faculty encourage off-campus internships.
• 4+1 BS/MS: Computer Science majors can add an MS in Computer Science, Data Science or Applied Mathematics; up to three graduate courses in the fourth year are billed at the undergraduate rate and up to three courses double count; a 3.0 cumulative GPA is needed to continue into the master’s; students can enroll any time before their last two semesters.
• Direct entry and switching in: the pages we read do not give a separate admission bar for Computer Science or conditions for switching in. This is not published; the freshman FAQ only says applicants who want to change their major should email their admissions counselor.
• Accreditation: the pages we read do not mention ABET.

2. How first-year applicants are reviewed

• Holistic review: high school GPA and course rigor matter most, followed by recommendations, the essay and activities; AP, IB and honors courses are viewed favorably.
• Testing: optional for all programs except a few biology articulation programs.
• Recommendation: at least one letter from a counselor, teacher or someone who knows your abilities.
• Interview: not required but recommended for applicants who want to tell more about themselves.
• How to apply: the Common App, Coalition Application or Ramapo’s own application, with no preference; the USD 65 fee is paid by credit card.

3. Dates (2027 entry)

• Fall 2027: binding Early Decision November 1, 2026; Early Action December 15, which is also the priority scholarship deadline; Regular Decision February 1, 2027.
• Spring 2027: December 1, 2026 for all students.
• Decisions and deposits (FAQ table, no year shown): Early Decision decisions December 5 with enrollment by February 1; Early Action decisions February 1 and Regular Decision March 1, both with enrollment by May 1.
• After the deadlines: rolling review based on seat availability.
• The international page lists the same deadlines.

4. Materials (international)

• High school records: official transcripts or mark sheets translated into English, listing all subjects, grades, examinations and dates of diplomas, mailed to the Office of Admissions.
• Recommendation: at least one letter.
• Financial documents: a notarized affidavit of support plus bank and income documents. The page says the sponsor must guarantee at least USD 36,279 a year (another sentence on the same page says USD 36,374, so the two figures differ); this drops to USD 25,279 when family or friends provide room and board, and each dependent adds USD 5,000.
• Other: immunization records; F-1 students must enroll full time.

5. English requirements

• International requirements page and transfer page: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 (paper 550), Duolingo 110, PTE 53, Manchester 380, or completion of ELS level 112.
• International FAQ: lists Duolingo 105 with the other scores unchanged. The two Duolingo figures differ; confirm with admissions when you apply.
• Waivers: the pages we read do not list waiver conditions or countries. This is not published.

6. Students at high schools in China

• Transcripts: official transcripts with English translations.
• Gaokao: the website does not say how Gaokao scores are used. This is not published; ask admissions.
• A-Level: Cambridge International A-Levels with A, B or C earn degree credit when the official certificate is sent by the exam board; AS and O-Level do not.
• AP and IB: AP scores of 4 or 5 and IB Higher Level scores of 5 or higher are eligible for credit.

7. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• English: the international page requires English test scores from all international applicants and does not say whether Canadian students are exempt; ask admissions.
• BC grades: the BC grade requirement is not published; ask admissions.

8. Transfer students

• Dates: for fall 2027, May 1 is the transfer priority and scholarship deadline and July 1 the transfer deadline; December 1 for spring 2027.
• GPA: at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA at prior colleges is strongly recommended.
• Materials: USD 65 fee; official transcripts from every college, with transcripts from outside the U.S. evaluated course by course by a NACES member; a high school transcript if you have attempted fewer than 45 credits.
• Transfer scholarships: only for New Jersey community college graduates with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

9. Costs and scholarships

• 2026-27 undergraduate tuition: full time (12–18 credits) is USD 9,160 a semester in state and USD 15,128.80 out of state; credits above 18 are charged per credit. Residency is set at admission; ask the college which rate applies to international students.
• Other 2026-27 fees: a full-time Renewal & Restoration Fee of USD 208, and student medical insurance of USD 3,170 a year (waivable by the deadlines). The cost page does not list housing or meals.
• Housing grant: the international FAQ says international students living on campus automatically receive a USD 4,000 Out-of-State Housing Grant.
• Merit scholarships: first-year applicants are considered automatically on academics and activities, with a recommended GPA of 3.5 or higher and a rigorous schedule. For fall 2027, apply by December 15, 2026 and complete credentials by January 3, 2027; an interview may be required. Awards are paid over four years in various amounts.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• For scholarship consideration, apply by December 15, 2026 (Early Action); USD 65 fee
• Prepare TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo (105 or 110; confirm which)
• Prepare a notarized affidavit of support and bank documents
• If you have Cambridge A-Levels, have the exam board send results for credit

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

• Confirm whether an English test is needed and how BC grades are read

Transfer students:

• Aim for a 2.5 GPA or higher; get a NACES course-by-course evaluation for university work outside the U.S.; fall deadline July 1

Sources: Ramapo College of New Jersey, Computer Science; 2025-26 recommended graduation plan; 4+1 BS to MS; international admission requirements; international FAQs; International; freshman admission requirements; freshman FAQs; application deadlines; transfer admission requirements; 2026-27 cost information; scholarships. Deadlines are for spring and fall 2027, costs for 2026-27, and courses follow the recommended graduation plan for students admitted in 2025-26. Check Ramapo’s website for the latest information.