CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
The Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) is an intercollege program designed for students who wish to combine rigorous study in computer science with creative work in the fine arts. This program is ideal for those who aim to create the tools and technologies used in artistic expression. It blends academic work from the School of Computer Science (SCS) with creative practice from the College of Fine Arts (CFA). Students will fulfill requirements for general education, a concentration in computer science, and a concentration within one of CFA's schools: Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, or Music. Additional free electives can be used to broaden or deepen study in either the arts or computer science.
Curriculum
The BCSA degree requires a total of 380 units, comprising General Education, an SCS Concentration, a CFA Concentration, and Free Electives.
- Year 1+
- BCSA General Education
- SCS Concentration
- CFA Concentration
- Free Electives
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) program?
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and meet the entry requirements for a chosen concentration within the College of Fine Arts. Non-native English speakers require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100.
- How do I apply to the BCSA program?
- Applications are submitted through the School of Computer Science online application portal for Fall semester admission only. You will need to upload transcripts, a resume, a Statement of Purpose, and provide three letters of recommendation.
- What are the tuition and living costs for the BCSA program?
- Tuition and fee information is available on the Student Financial Services website. Estimated living costs for 2026-2027 are $34,018, which includes housing, food, books, personal expenses, travel, and technology fees.
- What is the duration of the BCSA program?
- The BCSA degree requires a total of 380 units, comprising General Education, an SCS Concentration, a CFA Concentration, and Free Electives. The program structure begins in Year 1+.
- What kind of career opportunities are available for BCSA graduates?
- Graduates are prepared for careers that combine technical and artistic skills, creating opportunities in emerging fields at the intersection of computer science and the arts.
- Are there any scholarships available for BCSA students?
- The Rales Fellowship Program is available to cultivate STE leaders. More information can be found on the CMU Graduate Admissions website.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeMust have undergraduate coursework in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering. Completion of college-level courses in life sciences, statistics, and programming are strongly encouraged. Prior study in algorithms and data structures is ideal.
CFA School AdmissionStudents must meet the entry requirements for their chosen concentration within the College of Fine Arts (Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, or Music).
TOEFL iBT100 (minimum)
TOEFL waivers are not issued, regardless of previous study in English or at an English-speaking institution.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Student Financial Services website for the most current tuition and fee information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Student Financial Services website for the most current tuition and fee information.
Living$34,018 + tuition & health insurance (estimated for 2026-2027)
The estimated living cost includes housing, food, books, supplies, personal expenses, travel, transportation, and technology fees. Health insurance costs are listed as TBD.
How to apply
1. Complete the SCS Online Graduate ApplicationAccess the application via the School of Computer Science website. Note that GRE scores are not required and the field for GRE dates can be disregarded if prompted.
2. Submit Required DocumentsUpload a PDF of your most recent transcript from each institution attended, your resume in PDF format, and a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose should detail research interests, experience, and objectives, and may include an optional paragraph on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
3. Provide Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation. At least two should be from faculty or recent employers.
4. Submit English Proficiency Test ScoresNon-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores. A minimum iBT score of 100 is normally required. Waivers are not provided.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) program?
+
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and meet the entry requirements for a chosen concentration within the College of Fine Arts. Non-native English speakers require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100.
How do I apply to the BCSA program?
+
Applications are submitted through the School of Computer Science online application portal for Fall semester admission only. You will need to upload transcripts, a resume, a Statement of Purpose, and provide three letters of recommendation.
What are the tuition and living costs for the BCSA program?
+
Tuition and fee information is available on the Student Financial Services website. Estimated living costs for 2026-2027 are $34,018, which includes housing, food, books, personal expenses, travel, and technology fees.
What is the duration of the BCSA program?
+
The BCSA degree requires a total of 380 units, comprising General Education, an SCS Concentration, a CFA Concentration, and Free Electives. The program structure begins in Year 1+.
What kind of career opportunities are available for BCSA graduates?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers that combine technical and artistic skills, creating opportunities in emerging fields at the intersection of computer science and the arts.
Are there any scholarships available for BCSA students?
+
The Rales Fellowship Program is available to cultivate STE leaders. More information can be found on the CMU Graduate Admissions website.