Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for COMPUTER SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission to University of Mary Washington

• Earn a transfer associate degree (AS or AA&S in Computer Science)

• Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 for your associate degree

• Earn grades of "C" or higher in all courses to be eligible to transfer those credits

• Create an account through Transfer Virginia portal to register your intent

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.umw.edu/admissions/transfer/

• Register Intent to Transfer: After first 15 credits, complete form and submit to admit@umw.edu for application fee waiver

• Admission Application: Apply by October 15 for spring, March 1 for summer, April 1 for fall

• Financial Aid: https://www.umw.edu/financialaid/

• FAFSA: Apply by April 1 at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites

• UMW requires proficiency in a second language. This can be satisfied by completing four years in high school, transferring credits, or completing through 201 level at UMW

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and UMW within your first year

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The UMW Computer Science major is focused on software development

• Students learn to tackle interesting problems while honing their programming skills

• Curriculum provides foundation in ethics, databases, computer architecture, operating systems, and theoretical foundations

• Communication and group work skills are emphasized throughout curriculum

• UMW Computer Science uses free or open source software in all courses

• Many students are interested in minoring in Data Science or Cybersecurity

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Transfer students with VCCS AS or AAS degree have completed UMW general education requirements except second language competency, digital intensive, diverse and global perspectives, after Mary Washington, and beyond the classroom requirements

• Dual Enrollment: Students participating in dual enrollment are considered freshman applicants. Dual enrollment status does not affect transferability of courses

• Credit for Prior Learning: UMW accepts credit for AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and other qualifying coursework

• Catalog Year: Students must complete general education requirements associated with academic year they enroll at UMW

Is This College Right For Me?

• UMW campus is gorgeous, green, and full of opportunity

• UMW is a small university in suburban Fredericksburg, VA with small class sizes

• UMW offers high impact experiences beyond the classroom with faculty committed to collaboration

• UMW is located between Washington DC and Richmond, VA in largest technology corridor in Virginia with multitude of internship opportunities

Did You Know That…

• UMW has co-enrollment agreement with Germanna Community College allowing students to take up to five courses at UMW

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid

Program Successes & Highlights

• UMW graduates work as software developers, computer scientists, data scientists, IT specialists, database administrators

• UMW graduates have excellent success rates for admission to graduate programs

• All students have opportunity to conduct research with faculty members

• UMW is committed to diversity and inclusion and funds all students interested in attending Capital Region Celebration of Women in Computing

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• With an associate’s degree and 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA, you may qualify for UMW’s Guaranteed Admissions Agreement

• Each fall, UMW enrolls approximately 300 students from VCCS and other schools

Do More With Your Degree!

• Most students have an internship at some point during their years at UMW

• Department has many opportunities outside of class including hack-a-thons, data thons, capture the flag contests

• UMW has accelerated master’s degree partnerships with Virginia Tech and George Mason University

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Students must earn at least 30 credits at UMW as a degree-seeking student (not including physical education credits)

• Students must earn a GPA of 2.0 in both major and overall coursework to complete degree