📚 US Universities That Allow International Students to Transfer into Computer Science | 允许留学生校内转计算机专业的美国大学推荐
For many international students, the path to studying computer science in the United States begins without a direct admission to a CS program. Perhaps the student applied for a less competitive major, or their interests shifted after arriving on campus. Internal transfer—changing major within the same university—offers a viable second chance. However, not all U.S. universities allow CS internal transfers, and policies for international students can be particularly restrictive. This guide highlights selective public and private universities where international students have a realistic pathway to transfer into computer science after enrollment, with detailed policies and tips for success.
对于许多国际学生来说，在美国学习计算机科学的道路并非始于直接录取到 CS 专业。也许学生申请了一个竞争较小的专业，或者在入学后兴趣发生了变化。校内转专业——在同一所大学内转换主修——提供了一个可行的第二次机会。然而，并非所有美国大学都允许 CS 校内转专业，针对国际学生的政策可能尤其严格。本指南重点介绍一批精选的公立和私立大学，在这些学校国际学生在入学后有现实途径转入计算机科学，并附有详细政策与成功策略。
1. Why Internal Transfer to CS Matters for International Students | 为什么留学生校内转CS很重要
International students face unique hurdles when seeking a CS degree in the U.S. Many freshman applications to competitive CS programs are turned away simply because of capacity limits, not academic merit. By enrolling in the same university under a different major—often in the College of Arts and Sciences, or an exploratory program—students can later prove their ability through strong performance in prerequisite courses. Internal transfer allows them to bypass the hyper-competitive first-year admissions funnel in computer science.
国际学生在美国攻读计算机科学学位时面临着独特的障碍。许多新生申请竞争激烈的 CS 项目仅因容量限制而被拒，而非学术水平不足。通过以不同专业（通常是文理学院或探索性项目）入读同一所大学，学生可以随后通过前置课程中的优异表现证明自己的能力。校内转专业使他们得以避开计算机科学专业大一录取的极度竞争漏斗。
Moreover, maintaining legal F-1 visa status requires full-time enrollment and degree progress. A well-planned internal transfer keeps students in compliance and avoids the uncertainties and visa complications of transferring to a different institution. Knowing which universities actively facilitate CS internal transfers—and understanding their specific GPA and course requirements—is essential for any international student with long-term CS aspirations.
此外，维持合法的 F-1 签证身份要求全日制注册和学位进展。一个规划良好的校内转专业可以使学生保持合规，避免转学到另一所院校带来的不确定性和签证复杂性。了解哪些大学积极促进 CS 校内转专业——并理解其具体的 GPA 和课程要求——对于任何怀抱长期 CS 志向的国际学生都至关重要。
2. Key Factors to Consider Before Applying | 申请前需考虑的关键因素
Not all "internal transfer" is created equal. Some universities treat it as a simple change of registration form, while others require a competitive application process with strict limited enrollment caps. International students must also pay attention to whether the CS major is housed in a school that charges a differential tuition or imposes additional residency requirements. In many public universities, CS programs in engineering colleges have higher credit requirements than those in liberal arts colleges, potentially affecting time to graduation.
并非所有“校内转专业”都一样。有些大学将其视为简单的注册表变更，而另一些大学则需要经过竞争性申请流程，并设有严格的限额招生上限。国际学生还必须注意 CS 专业所在的学院是否收取差额学费或施加额外的居住要求。在许多公立大学，工程学院中的 CS 项目比文理学院中的 CS 项目学分要求更高，可能影响毕业时间。
You should also evaluate prerequisite coursework. Typical gatekeeper courses include calculus I & II, linear algebra, introductory programming (often in Python or C++), and discrete mathematics. Many schools mandate a minimum grade of B or higher in these courses before considering an internal transfer application. For international students, English proficiency can indirectly affect the ability to handle writing-intensive CS ethics or capstone courses, so maintaining a strong overall GPA is crucial.
你还应该评估前置课程。典型把关课程包括微积分 I 与 II、线性代数、入门编程（通常使用 Python 或 C++）以及离散数学。许多学校要求在考虑校内转专业申请前这些课程必须达到 B 或更高的成绩。对于国际学生，英语能力可能间接影响处理写作密集型 CS 伦理或顶石课程的能力，因此保持较高的总 GPA 至关重要。
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | 伊利诺伊大学香槟分校
UIUC's computer science program is famously selective, but internal transfer pathways do exist. The Grainger College of Engineering offers a pure CS major that is extremely difficult to transfer into—even for current UIUC students. However, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences houses several CS+X majors, such as CS + Economics, CS + Linguistics, and CS + Astronomy. International students in LAS can apply to these CS+X programs after completing specific prerequisites with a competitive GPA (usually above 3.5).
UIUC 的计算机科学项目以高度筛选著称，但校内转专业途径确实存在。格兰杰工程学院提供纯 CS 专业，极难转入——即使对 UIUC 在读学生也是如此。然而，文理学院设有多个 CS+X 专业，如 CS + 经济学、CS + 语言学、CS + 天文学。文理学院的国际学生在完成特定前置课程并取得有竞争力的 GPA（通常高于 3.5）后，可以申请这些 CS+X 项目。
It is crucial to note that international students in F-1 status at UIUC are eligible for these transfers, provided they meet all credit and prerequisite criteria. The CS+X degrees offer almost identical core CS training to the engineering-based CS program, and they are highly respected by employers. Students should begin planning from the first semester, as space in CS+X majors is limited and admission is not guaranteed.
务必注意的是，UIUC 处于 F-1 身份的国际学生有资格申请这些转专业，前提是满足所有学分和前置要求。CS+X 学位提供与工程类 CS 项目几乎相同的核心 CS 训练，并且深受雇主尊重。学生应从第一学期开始规划，因为 CS+X 专业名额有限且录取并非保证。
4. University of Wisconsin–Madison | 威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers one of the most straightforward internal transfer paths for CS. The Computer Sciences major is housed in the College of Letters & Science, not in the College of Engineering. As long as a student is enrolled in L&S and completes the necessary prerequisite courses (such as COMP SCI 200, 300, and a calculus sequence) with satisfactory grades, they can declare the CS major. There is no competitive application or capacity cap for the standard CS track.
威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校提供了最直接简便的 CS 校内转专业路径之一。计算机科学专业设在文理学院，而非工程学院。只要学生注册在文理学院，并以令人满意的成绩完成必要的先修课程（如 COMP SCI 200、300 和微积分系列），即可声明 CS 专业。标准的 CS 方向没有竞争性申请或容量限制。
International students benefit from this policy because it reduces uncertainty. However, students initially admitted to the College of Engineering who wish to switch to L&S CS must first transfer colleges, which requires a separate process. Also, a "Computer Engineering" major in the College of Engineering has different requirements. UW–Madison also offers a Data Science major, which can serve as a backup for CS-interested students.
国际学生从这一政策中受益，因为它减少了不确定性。然而，最初被工程学院录取并希望转至文理学院 CS 的学生必须先转换学院，这需要一个单独流程。此外，工程学院中的“计算机工程”专业有不同的要求。威斯康星麦迪逊还提供数据科学专业，可作为对 CS 感兴趣的学生的后备选择。
5. Purdue University | 普渡大学
Purdue's Department of Computer Science is part of the College of Science. Internal transfer (called "CODO" – Change of Degree Objective) into CS is possible but highly competitive. International students must complete at least one semester at Purdue and meet strict course and GPA requirements: a minimum 3.2 GPA overall, with a B or better in CS 18000 (Problem Solving and Object-Oriented Programming) and MA 16100/16500 (Calculus I), among others.
普渡大学的计算机科学系隶属于理学院。校内转专业（称为“CODO”——学位目标变更）转入 CS 是可能的，但竞争非常激烈。国际学生必须在普渡大学完成至少一个学期，并满足严格的课程和 GPA 要求：总 GPA 最低 3.2，且 CS 18000（问题解决与面向对象编程）和 MA 16100/16500（微积分 I）等课程成绩不低于 B。
Even meeting all minimums does not guarantee admission because space is limited. Purdue advises students to have a parallel plan, such as majoring in Data Science or Computer Engineering. The CODO process also has specific application windows (fall/spring), and students can only attempt the CS CODO twice. International students should meet with their academic advisor early to map out a realistic timeline.
即使满足所有最低要求也不能保证录取，因为名额有限。普渡大学建议学生准备一个并行计划，例如主修数据科学或计算机工程。CODO 流程还有特定的申请窗口（秋季/春季），且学生最多只能尝试两次 CS CODO。国际学生应尽早与学术指导老师会面，制定现实的时间线。
6. Ohio State University (OSU) | 俄亥俄州立大学
At Ohio State, the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) major is a joint program between the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students can apply to the major through an internal process after completing foundational courses. Both domestic and international students follow the same criteria, which include completion of courses like CSE 2221 (Software I) and MATH 1151 (Calculus I) with a competitive GPA.
在俄亥俄州立大学，计算机科学与工程（CSE）专业是工程学院与文理学院的一个联合项目。学生可以在完成基础课程后通过校内流程申请该专业。国内学生与国际学生遵循相同的标准，包括完成 CSE 2221（软件 I）和 MATH 1151（微积分 I）等课程并取得有竞争力的 GPA。
The major is capacity-constrained; thus, meeting only the minimum GPA does not guarantee placement. The university uses a holistic review that may consider the pattern of withdrawals, repeats, and overall academic record. International students must maintain full-time status during the application period. OSU also offers a Computer Science minor and a Data Analytics major, providing flexible options.
该专业容量受限，因此仅达到最低 GPA 并不能保证录取。学校采用整体审查，可能会考虑退课、重修模式以及整体学术记录。国际学生在申请期间必须保持全日制身份。OSU 还提供计算机科学辅修和数据分析专业，提供了灵活的选择。
7. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) | 宾夕法尼亚州立大学
Penn State's Computer Science program resides in the College of Engineering. Internal transfer into the major requires an application via the Engineering Entrance to Major (EEM) process. Students must complete specific "entrance to major" courses, including CMPSC 121 or 131, MATH 140 and 141, PHYS 211, and others, with a minimum grade of C or better in each. The cumulative GPA requirement typically stands at 2.60 or higher for the College of Engineering.
宾夕法尼亚州立大学的计算机科学项目设在工程学院。校内转专业需要通过工程入专业（EEM）流程申请。学生必须完成特定的“入专业”课程，包括 CMPSC 121 或 131、MATH 140 和 141、PHYS 211 等，每门课程成绩不低于 C。工程学院要求的累积 GPA 通常为 2.60 或更高。
International students at University Park and Commonwealth campuses can participate in this process. Penn State also offers a Computational Data Sciences major and a Computer Science minor, which have slightly different requirements and may serve as alternatives if direct CS entry is not achieved. The university encourages students to file the EEM application early in the semester they complete the last prerequisite.
大学公园校区和联邦校区的国际学生均可参与此过程。宾州州立还提供计算数据科学专业和计算机科学辅修，这些专业的要求略有不同，若无法直接进入 CS 可作为替代选择。学校鼓励学生在完成最后一门先修课的学期尽早提交 EEM 申请。
8. University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 明尼苏达大学双城分校
The University of Minnesota's Computer Science major is offered through the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Internal transfer students must apply for admission to the major after completing a set of technical courses with a minimum technical GPA. The required courses include CSCI 1133 or 1135 (Introduction to Programming), MATH 1271/1371 (Calculus I), MATH 1272/1372 (Calculus II), and a lab science sequence. A competitive technical GPA is generally around 3.2.
明尼苏达大学的计算机科学专业隶属于科学与工程学院（CSE）。校内转专业学生在完成一系列技术课程后必须申请入读该专业，并达到最低技术 GPA。要求课程包括 CSCI 1133 或 1135（编程导论）、MATH 1271/1371（微积分 I）、MATH 1272/1372（微积分 II）以及实验科学系列课程。有竞争力的技术 GPA 通常在 3.2 左右。
International students benefit from the fact that admission is based primarily on the technical GPA, not a holistic essay review. There is no limit on the number of times a student may apply, though repeated attempts without improvement are discouraged. Those not admitted can also consider the Applied Computing major or the Computer Science minor as stepping stones.
国际学生受益于录取主要基于技术 GPA，而非整体文书审查。申请次数没有限制，但不鼓励在无进步的情况下反复申请。未被录取的学生还可以考虑应用计算专业或计算机科学辅修作为铺垫。
9. Texas A&M University | 德州农工大学
Texas A&M's Department of Computer Science and Engineering is within the College of Engineering. The "Entry to a Major" process requires students to go through a competitive review after completing required foundation courses. International students must complete courses like CSCE 121 (Introduction to Program Design and Concepts), ENGR 102, MATH 151 and 152 (Calculus I & II), and science electives. The cumulative GPA and the "engineering GPA" in technical courses are both evaluated.
德州农工大学的计算机科学与工程系隶属于工程学院。“入专业”流程要求学生在完成所需基础课程后通过竞争性审查。国际学生必须完成 CSCE 121（程序设计导论与概念）、ENGR 102、MATH 151 和 152（微积分 I & II）以及科学选修课等课程。总 GPA 和技术课程的“工程 GPA”均会被评估。
Space in the computer science program is limited, and admission is not guaranteed even for students above the minimum thresholds. Texas A&M recommends completion of at least 30 credit hours by the application deadline. International students should also be aware of full-time enrollment requirements, as dropping or repeating courses could affect visa status.
计算机科学项目名额有限，即使高于最低门槛也不能保证录取。德州农工大学建议在申请截止日前至少完成 30 个学分。国际学生还应留意全日制注册要求，因为退课或重修可能影响签证身份。
10. University of Maryland, College Park | 马里兰大学帕克分校
The University of Maryland (UMD) designates Computer Science as a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). Internal transfer students must complete a specific set of gateway courses—including CMSC 131 (Object-Oriented Programming I), CMSC 132 (Object-Oriented Programming II), and MATH 140 (Calculus I)—with a minimum grade of C- and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7. However, meeting these minimums is rarely sufficient due to very high demand.
马里兰大学（UMD）将计算机科学指定为限制招生项目（LEP）。校内转专业学生必须完成一套指定的入门课程——包括 CMSC 131（面向对象编程 I）、CMSC 132（面向对象编程 II）和 MATH 140（微积分 I）——成绩不低于 C- 且累积 GPA 至少为 2.7。然而，由于需求极高，仅满足这些最低要求通常是不够的。
International students are reviewed under the same LEP criteria. UMD uses a competitive GPA-based process, and the actual cut-off can be much higher (often above 3.5). Students are allowed to apply only once. For a second chance, students can explore the Computer Science minor or the Information Science major, which also teach programming and data skills. Early academic planning is essential.
国际学生按照相同的 LEP 标准接受审查。UMD 采用基于 GPA 的竞争性流程，实际录取线可能高得多（通常高于 3.5）。学生只能申请一次。若想再有机会，学生可探索计算机科学辅修或信息科学专业，这些专业同样教授编程与数据技能。早期学术规划至关重要。
11. Michigan State University | 密歇根州立大学
At Michigan State University, the Computer Science major is in the College of Engineering. Students can apply for admission to the major through a secondary admission process. Prior to applying, students must complete CSE 231 (Introduction to Programming I), CSE 232 (Introduction to Programming II), and the university's mathematics requirements (MTH 132 and 133). A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a technical "academic record" are considered, but actual admission is competitive.
在密歇根州立大学，计算机科学专业设在工程学院。学生可通过二次录取流程申请入读该专业。在申请之前，学生必须完成 CSE 231（编程导论 I）、CSE 232（编程导论 II）以及大学的数学要求（MTH 132 和 133）。学校会考虑 2.0 的累积 GPA 和技术性“学术记录”，但实际录取竞争激烈。
MSU has dedicated resources for international students, and the Office for International Students and Scholars can advise on maintaining status while waiting for major admission. The university also offers a Computational Mathematics major and a Computer Science and Engineering minor, which can substitute for the full BS in CS. Priority for major admission is given to students with a strong record in CSE 232 and calculus.
MSU 为国际学生提供专门资源，国际学生学者办公室可就等待专业录取期间维持身份提供建议。该大学还提供计算数学专业和计算机科学与工程辅修，可替代 CS 学士学位。在 CSE 232 和微积分上成绩优异的学生在专业录取中会被优先考虑。
12. Tips for a Successful Internal Transfer Application | 成功校内转专业申请的技巧
Plan your coursework from the very first semester. Look up the required gateway courses and register for them as soon as your enrollment window opens. Do not overload with difficult electives; protect your GPA, as a single poor grade in a calculus class can severely damage your chances. Build relationships with academic advisors in both your current college and the target CS department.
从第一学期开始规划你的课程。查找必修的入门课程，并在注册窗口一开放就选课。不要过多选修难度大的选修课；保护好你的 GPA，因为微积分课上的一次糟糕成绩可能严重损害你的机会。与所在学院和目标 CS 系的学术指导老师建立联系。
For international students, maintain at least 12 credit hours per semester to preserve full-time F-1 status. If you must withdraw from a course, consult the international student office immediately. Also, verify whether completing an internal transfer will extend your expected graduation date. In many cases, careful planning allows you to graduate on time, but some combinations of majors may require an additional semester—budget for that possibility in your financial planning.
对于国际学生，每学期至少保持 12 学分以维持全日制 F-1 身份。如果必须退课，请立即咨询国际学生办公室。同时，确认校内转专业是否会延长预期毕业日期。在许多情况下，仔细规划可以让你按时毕业，但某些专业组合可能需要额外学期—在你的财务规划中为此可能性做好预算。
Finally, always have a backup plan. Consider minors, double majors, or related fields like information science, data science, or computer engineering. The U.S. tech industry values skills over specific degree titles, and you can build an impressive portfolio regardless of your major. An internal transfer attempt is worthwhile, but your education and career are larger than a single admission decision.
最后，始终保持后备计划。考虑辅修、双专业或相关领域，如信息科学、数据科学或计算机工程。美国科技行业看重技能而非特定学位名称，你可以无论主修什么都能打造出色的作品集。校内转专业是值得尝试的，但你的教育和职业生涯比单个录取决定更为宏大。
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