Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Computer Science, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Computer Science, BS ESCSEBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Additional requirements:

The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, shown below, are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score. If the university requires an English proficiency test score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 (internet-based test, taken in a testing center), a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a minimum PTE score of 58, a minimum Duolingo English score of 105, or a minimum Cambridge English exam score of 176.

First-year admission:

  1. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should  at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for fewer than 24 transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies, and
  3. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score (or 1140 if taken prior to March 5, 2016) or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class

Transfer students with 24 or more transferable college credit hours must meet either the primary or the secondary criteria (not both):

Primary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies (if ASU Admission Services requires submission of a high school transcript)

Secondary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 2.75 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. minimum GPA of 2.75 in CSE 110 Principles of Programming, CSE 205 Object-oriented Programming and Data Structures, MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I, and MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II

Available online

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in computer science aims to produce graduates who are well prepared to pursue careers in a wide variety of computing-related fields or to embark on further studies in graduate degree programs.

The program is anchored with core courses that provide a solid foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of computer science and ensure that students have the requisite critical thinking, effective programming and problem-solving skills in a variety of modern programming languages, with an emphasis on understanding security and systems issues.

The program caters to a variety of interests in subfields of computer science and related disciplines through a flexible set of electives that allow students to develop, as part of their programs of study, in-depth knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, database systems, informatics, or other engineering and science disciplines. Students can also pursue concentrations in software engineering or cybersecurity as part of their degree program.

Computer science professionals design, analyze and improve the quality of computer software and systems for a variety of applications, including:

  • artificial intelligence
  • computer vision
  • cybersecurity
  • graphics
  • information management
  • multimedia
  • networking

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MCS
  • Computer Science (Big Data Systems), MS
  • Computer Science (Biomedical Informatics), MS
  • Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MCS
  • Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS
  • Computer Science (Media Arts and Sciences), MS
  • Computer Science, MCS
  • Computer Science, MS
  • Data Science, Analytics and Engineering (Computing and Decision Analytics), MS
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Artificial Intelligence), MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. 

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students learn to thrive in a global environment through the rich educational and interpersonal experiences inherent in study abroad. A resume enhanced by the valuable study abroad experience will impress prospective employers, and it will also help the student stand out should they decide to pursue advanced study.

With over 300 Global Education program opportunities available, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Computer science graduates secure employment in a variety of capacities, such as computer and software design or development of information technologies. Their jobs are often distinguished by the high level of theoretical expertise applied to solving complex problems and to the creation and application of new computing technologies. Computer science-related jobs may include:

  • creating computer games and graphics systems
  • designing artificial intelligence systems
  • developing mobile computing applications
  • developing network security applications
  • discovering data management and mining solutions for large-scale data analytics
  • inventing and implementing more efficient computing systems for managing data and information, including information retrieval and search on the Internet

With the theoretical foundation built into the program, computer science graduates can excel in system and software development, as well as in designing effective computing solutions for emerging and challenging problems in modern society. Skills in system development and research can lead to entrepreneurial activity that produces innovative computing products and services.