Computer Science (BS-CS) Program Frequently Asked Questions

Admission into the BS-CS program is by application only. It has its own admission process in addition to the general Edmonds College admissions process. Students can apply to the program at any time. Please see the application process for more information on admission guidelines.

Yes! The BS-CS is an approved degree program for international students with F-1 student visas. Applicants must complete all standards for admission with the Office of International Programs before applying to the bachelor's program.

The CS program aims to admit all students prepared to complete the program successfully.

Yes, the following courses are prerequisites for the program. Students who complete these courses by the end of the summer term the year they apply are eligible for the program.

• An introductory programming course series such as
  • CS& 131, CS 132 and CS 133 or
  • CS& 141, CS 142 and CS 143.
• Math& 141 and either Math& 142 or Math& 146
• ENGL& 101 and either ENGL& 102 or ENGR& 235.
• At least one natural science course with a lab component.

Students must earn a  minimum 2.5 GPA cumulatively and in all prerequisite courses.

Please contact the CS Program Manager for a preliminary review of your transcripts and to design your pathway to the program.

*Note: Students can start taking the 100 and 200 level courses required for this program before being admitted. We encourage students with non-traditional learning experiences or credentials (military, industry, etc) to contact us regarding admission and course placement. 

If you begin the program with a completed Associate of Science-Transfer (AS-T) degree or similar,  you will complete the program in two years. This assumes you are enrolled full-time with 15 credits per quarter (fall, winter, spring) with summers off.

You will complete the program in three years if you begin the start with only the prerequisites completed. You will work with the program manager to complete your AS-T degree while starting the BS-CS courses. This assumes you are enrolled full-time, which will vary between 12 and 15 credits per quarter for the AS-T and 15 credits per quarter once you join your BS-CS program.

Students who are unsuccessful in a course or decide to take only one course a quarter, will need more time to complete their degree. The CS Program Manager will work with each student on a case-by-case basis during these situations to customize an academic plan. 

The BS-CS program will have a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid classes. These classes will be held during the day, with times and days varying quarter to quarter. 

Yes! You do not have to finish your associate degree before applying or starting the BS-CS program. Students who have completed the prerequisite courses are welcome to apply.

Tuition for upper-division (300-400 level) CS courses will cost more than the regular lower-division tuition. Please visit the Edmonds College Tuition webpage for specific tuition amounts. Tuition is subject to change each year. Total tuition will vary based on how many upper-division and lower-division credits are taken in the same quarter.

Tuition breaks are given when enrolled in more than 10 credits per quarter. Please visit the BS-CS Tuition and Fees page for more details.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved this program for Federal Student Aid. Students are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA before the due date for fall quarter. Please see Financial Aid for more details, including state-based aid opportunities for students who are not eligible for FAFSA. 

VA Education Benefits and Worker Retraining funds are also approved for this program.

There are annual scholarships available from the Edmonds College Foundation. The application period for these scholarships typically begins in February and ends in April.

Yes! In January 2019, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) granted Edmonds College accreditation at the baccalaureate level. This includes the accreditation of the BS in Computer Science degree program, effective April 2024.

Graduates of the BS-CS program are eligible to apply to related graduate school programs. Potential degrees can include, but are not limited to:

• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering
• Master of Science in Informatics
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Science in Software Engineering