Incoming first-year students: What can I do to be accepted into CS?
It is helpful to show a strong background with good grades in math (especially Calculus) and majors level science, and in any CS courses you may have taken. Experience in CS (inside and/or outside of the classroom) is also helpful. If your high school has a computer science program or offers AP courses, it is advisable to take these courses and the AP tests associated with them.
External transfer students: What can I do to be accepted into CS?
It is helpful to show a strong background with good grades in math (especially Calculus), majors level sciences, and in any CS courses you may have taken. Experience in CS (inside and/or outside of the classroom) is also helpful.
Internal transfer students: What can I do to be accepted into CS?
Please attend one of the internal transfer information sessions to learn more about the process and the requirements needed. The internal transfer website has a wealth of information about the process. For CS, it is helpful to show a strong background with good grades in math (especially Calculus) and majors level science, and in any CS courses you may have taken. Experience in CS (inside and/or outside of the classroom) is helpful. CS 312: Intro to Programming is typically open to non-C S majors in spring and summer semesters; it is not open to non-CS majors in fall semesters.
Is it possible to externally transfer into CS in the spring?
Unfortunately, this is not an option. CS is only available for external transfer in fall semesters.
Is it possible to take CS courses as a non-major?
Absolutely! You can take courses through the Elements of Computing certificate. This will be listed on your transcript upon completion. CS 312 is also typically open to non-C S majors in spring and summer semesters.
I am currently a CS major at another University/College. My goal is to become a CS major and I have been accepted to another major at UT. Should I transfer to UT and then attempt an internal transfer? Will that increase my chances of getting accepted?
It is not advisable to externally transfer into UT Austin to then apply to internally transfer into the Dept. of Computer Science. The internal transfer process for CS is extremely competitive, and there is no guarantee of acceptance into the major. For questions about the internal transfer process, please email: cns.internal.transfer@austin.utexas.edu. If you wish to attend UT under a different major, please choose a major that you would be fine with graduating just in case. If you are currently studying CS and enjoy it, please consider all of your options.
I would like to speak with someone in CS and schedule a visit. How can I arrange this?
If you are a high school junior or senior, you have the opportunity to meet with a CS Ambassador during the fall and spring semester. They will meet with transfer students on a case by case basis, but this is not a guarantee depending on their schedule. Please visit this page for more information. Please note that during the spring semester, priority is given to admitted students. CS Ambassador tours are not available in summers.
I have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, but I want to study Computer Science. How does that work?
Congratulations on your degree! Generally speaking, the CS department gives priority to students who have not completed their undergraduate education yet. Another option is looking at the graduate program. It does not require that a student have a CS degree, though it is helpful. They will also consider work experience. It does require having a background in certain courses, but there are no prerequisites for admission. For more information, click here.
