BS Computer and Information Science at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

Computer and information science (CIS) focuses on the development of software and the uses of software to solve practical problems and to support and improve productivity, health, happiness and safety in today's society. Topics studied include algorithms and data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, computer graphics, operating systems, software engineering systems analysis, database systems, artificial intelligence, information security, and networking.

Faculty: Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

The BS in CIS requires courses in computing, math, science and general education. The core CIS courses include software design and development, computational foundations including algorithms and data structures, and computer systems. Study of ethical issues in computing, team projects and a capstone design course are also included. Math and statistics requirements include courses in calculus and analytic geometry, discrete mathematics, and probability and statistics.

Career pathways

Because computing is essential in all areas of society, the demand for people skilled in the computing field continues to grow. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for U.S. job growth in the next decade show computing jobs, of the sort computer and information science (CIS) graduates might take, consistently rank in the top 10 positions requiring an undergraduate degree.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the university (and the Arts and Sciences college where applicable) applies; no separate programme-specific requirement published. Students must formally apply to the computer and information science major, typically by the end of the freshman year. Acceptance into the major is based on a minimum cumulative point-hour ratio (CPHR) requirement and the completion of entry-level courses in computing, mathematics, writing and introductory physics (BS only).

Domestic applicants: USD 12,921 a year (2026-27). Columbus campus on-campus Instructional Fee (tuition) for students beginning Autumn 2026: $6,460.50 per semester at 12-18 credit hours, shown as two semesters (Autumn and Spring). The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee fixes this rate for four years for Ohio re Source

Entry terms for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus: Autumn 2027 and Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026). Summer first-year applications are not accepted.

Transfer applicants can start in Spring, Summer or Autumn 2027.

First-year, Columbus campus, Autumn 2027: early action (non-binding) deadline November 1, 2026; regular decision deadline January 15, 2027; financial aid priority date February 1; acceptance fee deadline May 1, 2027. Early action decisions: December 11 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) and January 22 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants); regular decision decisions March 5.

First-year applicants apply with the Common Application. ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year Columbus applicants (superscored; sent directly by the testing agency); applicants out of high school two or more years are not required to submit scores. The essay is not required.

Transfer applicants (Columbus campus): Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027; Summer 2027 deadline May 15, 2027. Regional campuses: December 1, 2026, April 15, 2027 and July 15, 2027 respectively.

International transfer applicants: Spring 2027 deadline October 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply

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