How to apply to Computer Science at Radford University: the Artis College BS with four concentrations, ABET accreditation and the Virginia Tech MEng track, freshman direct admission, international deadlines, English requirements, tuition and automatic scholarships, and timelines for students in China, Canada and transfer applicants

Radford University is in Radford, Virginia. Its Computer Science BS is offered by the School of Computing and Information Sciences in the Artis College of Science and Technology, in person on the main campus. This guide summarizes the official requirements 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

• Degrees and concentrations: the school’s academic programs page lists a BS in Computer Science and a BS in Cybersecurity, plus a Computer Science minor and a Cybersecurity certificate. The Computer Science BS has four concentrations: Computer Science, Database, Networks and Software Engineering (listed there as the Advanced Computer Science, Database, Network and Software Engineering concentrations).
  • Computer Science: operating systems, computer organization, programming language design, algorithms and theory, plus technical electives in two areas.
  • Database: database design and administration, data warehousing, visualization, mining and analysis.
  • Networks: network design and administration, with an advanced networks lab.
  • Software Engineering: design of large software systems across the full development life cycle.
• Accreditation: the accreditation page says the Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; the program page says the ABET-accredited option is the Computer Science concentration. Ask the school whether the other three concentrations are covered.
• Languages: students work on multiple platforms and learn Java and JavaScript; many go on to C++, PHP, Ada and others depending on their concentration.
• Credits and course list: the school’s page refers to the 120 semester hours required for a Radford bachelor’s degree. The full course list is in the university catalog (catalog.radford.edu), which we could not read this time; check the catalog for required courses and concentration courses not covered here.
• Accelerated Virginia Tech MEng track: through a partnership with the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, students can take courses toward Virginia Tech’s Computer Science & Applications MEng while at Radford, with up to 12 graduate credits eligible for transfer. Double counting depends on the bachelor’s total: none at 120 credits, 3 at 123, and so on up to 12 at 132 or more. Students apply in the second semester of junior year with a resume, three references, a statement of purpose and at least a 3.3 GPA in the last 60 hours; the GRE is not required.
• Other: the school supports certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner, Security+, Network+ and CAPM and offers Cisco Networking Academy courses. Student groups include UPE, ACM and the Cyber Defense Club. The accreditation page also lists student outcomes for the Cybersecurity BS; ask the school about that degree’s accreditation status.

2. How admission works

• Freshman direct admission (freshman guidelines): applicants who submit a high school transcript, have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed three college-prep math courses (Algebra II preferred) receive direct admission to the university. Successful applicants generally have at least a 2.6 GPA with mostly A/B grades. The page does not distinguish domestic and international applicants.
• Testing: Radford is test-optional and does not require the SAT, ACT or CLT; submitted scores will not adversely affect a decision. An optional essay is invited.
• The pages we read do not describe a separate admission threshold for Computer Science or conditions for switching into it after enrollment; ask the School of Computing and Information Sciences or admissions.

3. Dates and materials (international)

• International undergraduate deadlines (no year shown): July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring.
• U.S. freshman deadlines (freshman guidelines): fall early action November 1 and regular February 1, then rolling review through July 31 as space allows; spring priority November 1.
• Materials: the online application; proof of English proficiency; official transcripts from all secondary schools and colleges attended, in English (electronic transcripts via Parchment, Common App, Scoir and others are accepted). Radford may require an evaluation by WES, ECE or TEC. Also submit a copy of your passport biographical page and an original bank statement in English no older than six months, plus an Affidavit of Support if family members are sponsoring you.
• Application fee: the freshman guidelines say there is no application fee; the international requirements page does not state an undergraduate fee. Admitted students pay a non-refundable USD 800 enrollment deposit.
• Deferral: admitted students may defer only once; after that they must reapply.

4. English requirements

• Undergraduate minimums (scores from the last two calendar years): TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 (Reading at least 5.5), Duolingo 100, PTE 50, SAT Reading/Writing 480, HKDSE 4, TOEIC 620, EIKEN Pre-1, Cambridge B2/160 and others; a C in IGCSE/GCSE/GCE English First Language or English Language also qualifies.
• Waivers: transferring from a U.S. institution, or prior attendance at an institution in a listed country. The list includes Canada (no Quebec exception is stated); China is not on it.

5. Students at high schools in China

• Transcripts must be in English, and Radford may ask for a credential evaluation.
• How the Gaokao is used and what grades are expected from Chinese high schools are not published; ask international admissions (McGlothlin Center for Global Education, globaled@radford.edu). The 3.0 direct-admission GPA comes from the U.S. freshman page, which does not say whether it applies to international applicants.
• A-Level, IB and AP: the freshman page says AP, IB and dual enrollment are evaluated for enrolling students and are not needed at application. The pages we read do not cover A-Level credit.

6. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents apply as international students; the fall deadline is July 1.
• Canada is on the list of countries that waive the English requirement.
• Grade requirements for the BC curriculum are not published; ask international admissions.

7. Transfer students

• Direct admission (transfer guidelines): submit all college transcripts, have at least 24 earned credit hours and a 2.5 cumulative GPA across all colleges, and be in good standing at your most recent institution.
• Deadlines (transfer guidelines): spring priority November 1 (reviewed as space allows until December 1); fall priority March 1 (until July 31). The international requirements page lists undergraduate deadlines of July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring; ask international admissions which dates apply to international transfers.
• International transfers: all college transcripts must be evaluated by a service such as WES, ECE or TEC; applicants with fewer than 24 college credits also submit all secondary transcripts; students at U.S. institutions complete the Transfer In Form.
• Conditions for entering Computer Science as a transfer are not published; ask the school.

8. Costs and scholarships

• Tuition: international students pay the same rates as U.S. out-of-state students. The tuition page currently shows 2025-2026 main campus rates: out-of-state full-time undergraduates (12–16 hours a semester) pay USD 26,734 a year in tuition and fees, or USD 39,357 a year living on campus (multiple-occupancy residence hall with meals). Some programs and courses carry additional fees.
• I-20 funding requirement (no year shown): undergraduate tuition and fees USD 27,682, housing USD 7,332, meals USD 5,866 and miscellaneous USD 7,000, for a total of USD 45,858; Radford scholarships can be deducted. All international students are automatically enrolled in the university’s international health insurance plan.
• International scholarships: all international undergraduate freshmen and transfers are automatically considered for a merit scholarship based on the academic record in their application, with no separate application, ranging from USD 6,000 to 10,000.
• Out-of-state merit scholarships (freshman page, 2026-27): USD 10,000 for a 4.0+ GPA, 8,000 for 3.5–3.99 and 7,000 for 3.0–3.49, reviewed automatically for applicants by February 1. The page does not say whether these apply to international students.
• Foundation Scholarships: about USD 2 million to more than 700 students; for fall entry, apply between November 1 and February 5.
• Students on F-1 visas are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Prepare TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 (Reading 5.5), Duolingo 100 or another accepted score
• Apply by July 1 for fall with English transcripts, a passport copy and a bank statement
• Ask international admissions whether the Gaokao is considered and whether an evaluation is needed

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

• Apply as an international student; the English requirement is waived
• Ask international admissions how BC grades are reviewed

Transfer students:

• 24 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA earn direct admission; international transfers need an evaluation of college transcripts
• Ask the school about entering Computer Science and which credits transfer

Sources: Radford University, Computer Science program; School of Computing and Information Sciences academic programs; Accreditation and outcomes; Freshman application guidelines; Transfer application guidelines; International application requirements; International tuition and scholarships; Financial aid for international students; Out-of-state undergraduate tuition; Financial requirements for the I-20. The tuition page currently shows 2025-2026 rates; check Radford’s website for the latest.