frequently asked questions

general program inquiries

• Do I need a background in science in order to enter your program?
• What type of credentials are offered and what are the prerequisites for entry?
• Is a BTech (Forensic Investigation) equivalent to a BSc?
• In what area must my diploma (or 2 years of post-secondary) be?
• What is the schedule of courses?
• When are courses offered?
• How long does it take to complete the Forensic Science Technology program?
• Is the Forensic Science Technology program full-time or part-time?
• Is the Forensic Science Technology program available through distance or online learning?
• What is considered relevant work experience for entry into the Bachelor of Technology Program in Forensic Investigation?
• I’m not a student in your program, but would like to take a course for professional development. How do I do this?
• When is your next information session?

applying to the program

• When can I apply to the program?
• How does one apply to the program?
• What are the total tuition fees for the Forensic Science Technology program?
• If I apply to the ASC, can I transfer to the BTech at a later date?
• I’d like to apply to the Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation program but do not have any work experience. Can I still apply?
• How many students are admitted to the Bachelor's degree program? Is entry into the program competitive?
• Is there a minimum GPA for admission to Forensic Science Technology programs?
• I’m from an outside province. Does this affect my eligibility in your program?
• How do I know if I’ve satisfied the academic admission requirement?

career opportunities

• What career opportunities are available to me?
• Are BCIT credentials recognized across North America?

course-specific & general BCIT

• Are part-time studies courses eligible for financial aid?
• Where can I find more information about BCIT?
• How can I obtain a BCIT Calendar or other BCIT info?
• How do I start my online course?
• I am a graduating BCIT Forensics student, how do I apply for graduation?

Not necessarily. This depends on your career goal and/or study option you plan to pursue in our program. The three program study options offered are: Computer Crime Studies, Economic Crime Studies and Forensic Science Studies. If your academic and work background is better suited to the Computer Crime or Economic Crime option, we recommend you consider those.

Specific to the Forensic Science study option:

• Applicants planning to work as a technician, analyst or scientist in a forensic laboratory will need a strong science background (diploma, associate degree, Bachelor of Science or higher).
• If you are currently a law enforcement officer or planning to enter a career in law enforcement, the Forensic Science option can be taken as long as you have introductory (first year university or equivalent) chemistry, biology and statistics (or a research methods course).
• The Forensic Science option is also quite popular with, for example, coroners, criminologists, lawyers, nurses, private investigators, security personnel, etc. The requirement for introductory chemistry, biology and statistics also applies. [top]

We have an Advanced Specialty Certificate (ASC; 24 credits) and Bachelor of Technology degree (BTech; 60 credits). Each requires two years of post-secondary education as a minimum and, depending on your academic background, several bridging courses may also be required. The BTech also requires 6 months of work experience prior to entry (and 2 years upon completion). [top]

Both are baccalaureate level degrees, however, our BTech is not the same as a BSc. The BTech degree is an applied professional degree. Our program will not turn you into a scientist, business person or computer expert. Instead, we build upon such general studies with specialized training in forensics. [top]

We don’t specify what your background must be in, but we do attempt to give you a realistic understanding of your career options given your background and the training we offer. Ideally, you will enter our program with an academic background relevant to the program study option you plan to pursue. [top]

Our program operates on a three semester basis (Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall).The program is completed on a part-time studies format, therefore most courses are offered on evenings and weekends. Students in the program work through at their own pace - often while studying or working full-time. There is no set course schedule because students decide for themselves which courses to take. Different courses are offered each semester however we try to offer each course at least once a year, depending on demand.

Here is a listing of the courses currently offered this semester. [top]

Courses in the Forensic Science program (identifiable by the 4 letter subject code: FSCT) are typically 3-credit courses and 12-13 weeks in length, with the exception of special week-long courses during the summer. Different courses are offered each semester, however we try to offer each course at least once a year depending on demand. [top]

Students work through their chosen curriculum at their own pace, therefore the total length required to finish the program can vary. If a student takes 6 credits per term the ASC (24 credits) will take four terms (less than 1 1/2 years).

The BTech (60 credits) will take 10 terms (less than 3 1/2 years). [top]

Currently, the program is part-time with most courses offered evenings and weekends. However, it is still possible to take the equivalent of a full-time course load each semester. [top]

Several courses have been developed for online delivery with more added each year. At this time, neither program credential offered (ASC or BTech) can be completed solely by online instruction. [top]

Any paid (or volunteer) position with a law enforcement agency or security firm, for example. For applicants to the forensic science option, any research experience, field work, practicums or laboratory work is considered. In the economic options, any position with an investigative capacity is considered. [top]

You must obtain approval from the Program Head to take a course for professional development. Contact Edwin Chan, identify the course(s) you wish to take and be sure to clearly outline your reason(s) for taking the course. Additional information, such as a resume or letter from employer will be requested. [top]

We generally hold information sessions twice yearly, in April and again in November. [top]

Students can apply to the program once they’ve met the program admission requirements. Currently, we do not have an application deadline; we accept applications to the program year-round. [top]

Prior to applying, we recommend you meet with the Program Coordinator of the study option you're interested in. In-person interviews are a requirement and are conducted with all applicants. This provides applicants with the opportunity to inquire further and ensure he or she is in the appropriate program area. [top]

Students pay on a per course basis. See the current schedule for an example of course costs. Some courses have an additional syllabus fee or require a textbook at additional costs. [top]

Yes. As long as you meet the additional acceptance requirements (bridging courses and work experience). [top]

There are two options:

1. Get 6 months of relevant work experience (see FAQ regarding relevant work experience) and then apply to the BTech program.
2. Start in the ASC program (no work experience requirement) and transfer into the BTech program once you’ve acquired the required work experience. [top]

Due to the part-time nature of the program, there is no limit to the number of students accepted into the program. Limits are imposed on individual course enrolment which is first come, first served. [top]

At this time, there is no minimum GPA for entry. [top]

No, this does not affect your eligibility. However, the majority of courses in our program are lecture-based and require in-person attendance. [top]

If you have 60 credits of post-secondary education (including bridging courses) you meet the requirements. If you have any doubts, make an appointment with a Program Coordinator. [top]

Career opportunities will vary and depend on what your educational background is prior joining our program. Examples include law enforcement agent, forensic scientist, coroner, corporate or network security manager, risk manager, internal auditor, loss claims investigator, forensic accountant, securities investigator, private investigator or security. [top]

BCIT is a public, post-secondary institution with programs recognized by the province of British Columbia (Canada). While there is no (known) accrediting organization specifically for forensic training, graduates of our Forensic Science Technology program have been employed by all levels of government and private corporations within Canada as well as the United States. [top]

Possibly, as long as the student is taking the equivalent workload to a full-time program. Please visit the BCIT Financial Aid website for more information. [top]

About the institute will give you more valuable information about BCIT. [top]

Please visit the BCIT publications website. [top]

You will be able to access the online course website on the start date of the course - provided you have registered two weeks prior to the start date. [top]