I remember reading an article that mentioned Penn State University Park’s Computer Science program has a highly competitive acceptance rate of 10%. However, when applying to a program like this, it’s important not to get too caught up in statistics. What really matters is meeting the necessary requirements to be a successful candidate.

To be considered for Penn State’s Computer Science program, applicants should aim for a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. In addition, it is recommended to have completed certain coursework, such as 8 credits of Calculus with analytic geometry, introductory and intermediate programming courses, and either Biology, Chemistry with Lab, or calculus-based Physics. These courses will not only strengthen a student’s application but also better prepare them for the rigors of the program.

The admission process at Penn State University Park involves submitting an online application, including transcripts, SAT scores, and any other required materials. Meeting the minimum GPA and course requirements is essential, but a strong SAT score, with the average for Computer Science being 1265, can also increase one’s chances of acceptance. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of all application materials, so it’s important to put forth a well-rounded application to stand out among the competitive pool of applicants.


Requirement Details
Minimum GPA 2.7 minimum cumulative grade point average required
Recommended Courses 8 credits of Calculus, 3 credits of introductory programming, 3 credits of intermediate programming, and 3 credits of Biology/Chemistry/Physics
Average SAT Score 1265 composite SAT score on the 1600 scale

Penn State Computer Science Program Description

Computer Science is the study of computation, including its principles and foundations, its efficient implementation, its analysis, and its practical use in a wide range of different application areas. Computer Science is far more than just programming and no other science or engineering discipline has had a greater impact in such diverse areas as commerce, communication, entertainment, finance, medicine, the social sciences, the physical sciences and the life sciences. Computer Science impacts our daily lives in a multitude of ways and computer scientists are instrumental in driving these changes. Computer Science transforms the way we look at and live in our world.

The mission of our undergraduate program is to prepare our students fora wide range of careers as computer scientists, software engineers, software developers, and related positions in the field of computing. Our curriculum covers fundamental programming techniques and skills, broad knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, programming languages, the mathematical foundations of computing, and advanced topics in software design and application development. Recurrent themes in the program include security, algorithmic complexity, cooperating systems, performance evaluation, and software correctness. This curriculum provides students with the skills needed to design, develop, evaluate, and analyze software solutions to a wide spectrum of computational problems and prepares them to be leaders in the rapidly changing field of computing throughout their careers.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computational methods, including their principles and foundations, their efficient implementation, their analyses, and their practical application in wide-ranging areas. It includes the foundations of software development, computational problem solving, the principles of system software, and the fundamental principles and limits of computing. It is much more than just programming. It includes the mathematical foundations that support analyzing, evaluating, and proving the correctness of computational solutions. It includes specializations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data mining, high-performance computing, computer networks, computer graphics, computer vision, quantum computing, and others. It is continually evolving with the development of new and faster forms of computation and with the identification of new problems that require computational solutions.

Program Transfer Requirements:

Campus Options:
(Start at any campus and Finish: University Park)

Major Requirements:
No transfer admission at University Park. Applicants who have less than one year (2 or less academic semesters) of attempted college coursework may apply for admission to the College of Engineering pre-major status (ENGR) at a campus other than University Park. Direct transfer equivalency to PSU course Math 140 (4 credits of college calculus with analytic geometry) and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for consideration.

General Requirements

College of Engineering:

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements listed below may apply for admission to the College of Engineering at Penn State University Park.

All College of Engineering majors require the successful completion of a 4 credit college calculus course for transfer consideration.

Applicants who have or will have completed no more than two full time semesters may apply for admission to the College of Engineering pre-major status (ENGR) at a campus other than University Park. Students in this category typically have one year to complete entrance-to-major coursework to qualify for entrance into a College of Engineering major at University Park.

College Graduate requirements:

Applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree in any major typically will not be admitted to a baccalaureate degree program.

Penn State University Park

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

University Park, PA Want to update the data for this profile? Small Town Setting

Overview

Penn State University Park / Department of Computer Science and Engineering is located in University Park, PA, in a small setting.

Degrees & Awards

Degrees Offered

DegreeConcentrationSub-concentration
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Science (MS)
Master of Engineering (M Eng)

Admissions at The Pennsylvania State University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

54%

Application Fee

$65 – $90

How to Apply at Pennsylvania State University

  • Register online by creating an account on MyPennState or can apply through the Common Application.
  •  Ensure that all the essential details are included
  • Add a brief history of your education
  • Fill in your employment history
  • Select your courses
  • Prepare a personal statement
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Submit your application

Note: The non-refundable application fee costs 75 USD (5,804 INR) 

Documents Required to Apply to Pennsylvania State University

  • Financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds for the fees.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Passport Copy ID pages
  • A personal statement detailing your academic history and experience.
  • Copy of your degree certificates, if you already have them, and transcripts confirming your final grades.
  • Letter of references, if they are needed for your chosen program.
  • If English is not your first language, you should show your written and spoken English proficiency.
  • Certified translations should be provided if the original documents are not in English.
  • If you are applying for a PhD, submit a research proposal.
Exams Accepted By the University

Interested students must go through the following Smeal College of Business admission requirements:

Exams Scores Required
GRE314
SAT1265
GMAT660

English Proficiency Requirements


For Smeal College of Businessentry requirements, applicants must score the following on English proficiency tests:

TestsMinimum Score Requirement
IELTS6.5 minimum and above
TOEFL iBT80 minimum and above

Pennsylvania State University World Rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Ranking 2021 ranked Pennsylvania State University as fourth in the entire United States and 32nd in the world out of 1115 universities globally. According to U.S. News & World Report in the year 2022, Penn State University has been ranked as 80th position in the category of best worldwide universities for academic excellence and research. According to the QS World University Rankings in the year 2022, Pennsylvania State University is ranked at 96th position globally. As per THE World University ranking, out of 1600 universities globally Pennsylvania State university stands at 119 positions in the year 2022.

Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate For Undergraduate Programs

Pennsylvania State University is well known for its bachelorโ€™s and undergraduate programs from more than 90 disciplines and specialisations. Students from all over the world apply for undergraduate programs full-time as well as distance and online courses. With an acceptance rate of 76%, Pennsylvania State University is moderately selective and focuses mainly on the academic requirements and eligibility criteria like standardised courses, academic records, and language test requirements.

Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate For Postgraduate Programs

Pennsylvania State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. The admission process is completely based on the academic record as well as standardised scores and test scores along with entrance and language requirements. It has more than 41% of the studentโ€™s strength as an international student; the global competition is high. Students from all around the world apply for different courses as Pennsylvania State University offers a diversified range of specialisations and measures.

Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal College of Business is a famous business school established in 1953 in Pennsylvania, USA. Smeal College of Business Courses offers undergraduate, graduate, executive, certificate, doctorate, and foreign programmes that meet all current business and market demands. 1800 Smeal College of Business International students from over 130 nations study at the University. The Smeal College of Business has an acceptance rate of 75.9%.

Top Reasons to Study in the Pennsylvania State University

Top Reasons To Study at Smeal College of Business.

  • The residential MBA Program at Penn State Smeal College of Business draws students from all over the world for a two-year experience on the Penn State University Park campus. The internationally ranked programme is designed to provide students with the information and abilities needed to land and thrive in the ideal post-MBA position and prepare students for success throughout their careers.
  • The Helen Eakin Eisenhower Award, Ralph H. Wherry Student Service Award, The John M. & Anne B. Stevens Academic Integrity Award, The George Leland Leffler Scholarship, Smeal Alumni Society, Board Sponsorship Award, and Diversity Leadership Award all Smeal College of Business scholarships of up to 2500 USD (193470 INR) offered to international students.
  • The Pennsylvania State University Fees around $39,000.

Read more

Cost of Studying at Pennsylvania State University


Average tuition fee

Moderate

Interest rates as low as 7.99%

Just fill in your preferences and ta-da! Reach the best loan offers with Loan Finder.Check Eligibility

5000+ students availed edu-loan

3000 Cr+ loan sanctioned

100% Free Assistance for loan process

Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$52,134

Average living expenses (Masters)

$52,134

Average on-campus living expenses

$12,318

Rankings for The Pennsylvania State University


US News Ranking

#80

US World and News Report


More rankings for this university

Pennsylvania State University is ranked among the top universities for international students in Pennsylvania, United States. This university provides quality education and amazing career and learning opportunities. Next are its top international and national rankings by various reputed platforms. 

  • As per the QS World University Rankings 2023, Pennsylvania State University ranks #93 among the other 1,500 global institutions. Further, these universities are from Europe, Asia, and North America. These rankings are based on academic reputation, international student enrollment, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, international research network, international faculty ratio, etc.
  • As per the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2022, the Pennsylvania State University ranking is #116.
  • The Pennsylvania State University QS US Universities Ranking 2021 is #44. 
  • According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, Pennsylvania State University ranked #151 among the other 1,799 global universities. This ranking is done under 104 regions and countries. Further, this ranking is based on four primary areasโ€”Teaching, Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Outlook.
  • As per the Times Higher US College Ranking 2022, the Pennsylvania State University ranking is #141th. 
  • As per the Times Higher Impact Ranking 2022, the Pennsylvania State University ranking is #47th. 
  • As per Shanghai Rankings 2022, the Pennsylvania State University ranking is #101-150th. 
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #77 in the National Universities list. 
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #207 in the Best Value Schools. 
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #31 in Top Public Schools. 
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #403 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility list. 
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #22 in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Program list.
  • As per the US News 2022-2023 Ranking, Pennsylvania State University ranks #8 in the Biological/Agricultural list.

Admissions at The Pennsylvania State University


Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

54%

Application Fee

$65 – $145


How to Apply at Pennsylvania State University

  • Register online by creating an account on MyPennState or can apply through the Common Application.
  •  Ensure that all the essential details are included
  • Add a brief history of your education
  • Fill in your employment history
  • Select your courses
  • Prepare a personal statement
  • Pay the Pennsylvania State University’s application fee.
  • Submit your application

Note: The non-refundable application fee costs 75 USD (5,804 INR)


Documents Required to Apply to Pennsylvania State University

  • Financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds for the fees.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Passport Copy ID pages
  • A personal statement detailing your academic history and experience.
  • Copy of your degree certificates, if you already have them, and transcripts confirming your final grades.
  • Letter of references, if they are needed for your chosen program.
  • If English is not your first language, you should show your written and spoken English proficiency.
  • Certified translations should be provided if the original documents are not in English.
  • If you are applying for a PhD, submit a research proposal.

Exams Accepted By the University

Interested students must go through the following Smeal College of Business admission requirements:

Exams Scores Required
GRE314
SAT1265
GMAT660

English Proficiency Requirements


For Smeal College of Businessentry requirements, applicants must score the following on English proficiency tests:

TestsMinimum Score Requirement
IELTS6.5 minimum and above
TOEFL iBT80 minimum and above

college finder

College
Finder

Know universities that fit you best!

Take us through your profile, study preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and weโ€™d find you universities that are tailor made for you, instantly!

Find Universities

Courses

Find the updated list of courses available in this university


MS in Computer Science

View Details

School of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Application deadline

Rolling

Degree

Masters

Duration

18 Months

Tuition fee

$33,396/yr

Admit Predictor

Sign up to unlock Admit Predictor and know your admit chances for this course.Get Admit Chances

MS in Data Analytics

View Details

School of Graduate Professional Studies

Application deadline

Fall, 30/04/2023

Degree

Masters

Duration

24 Months

Tuition fee

$28,155/yr

Admit Predictor

Sign up to unlock Admit Predictor and know your admit chances for this course.Get Admit Chances

MS in Industrial Engineering (Non- Thesis)

View Details

College of Engineering

Application deadline

Rolling

Degree

Masters

Duration

18 Months

Tuition fee

$43,260/yr

Admit Predictor

Sign up to unlock Admit Predictor and know your admit chances for this course.Get Admit Chances

View All Courses

Students


1,882

Yocketers applied

View Details

828

Yocketers admitted

View Details

9,722

Yocketers interested

View Details

The Secret Formula to getting an admit here?

We know it! Thatโ€™s why – Every 2 out of 3 Premium Yocketers have been successful!Check Out How

Yocketer profiles


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *