Not necessarily. This depends on your career goal and/or study option you plan to pursue in our program. The four program study options offered are: Computer Crime Studies, Economic Crime Studies, Forensic Science Studies and Crime and Intelligence Analysis. If your academic and work background is better suited to the Computer Crime, Economic Crime or Crime and Intelligence Analysis option, we recommend you consider those.
Specific to the Forensic Science study option:
We have an Advanced Specialty Certificate (ASC; 24-30 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 12 weeks of relevant work experience in order to complete the degree requirements.
We also have an alternative entry policy that you can read if you do not have the required post secondary education. [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 do not 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 term 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 term 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 term. [top]
Courses in the Forensic Investigation program (identifiable by the 4 letter subject code: FSCT) are 1-3 credits (1 credit = 15 hours of instruction) and are offered in a variety of delivery formats and schedules depending on the instructor. For example, some courses are offered one evening per week, weekends, or a combination of both. Some courses are offered completely online or in a blended format with a combination of distance and in-class learning. 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. For example, if a student takes 6 credits per term for a 24-credit ASC program it would take four terms (less than 1 1/2 years).
Similarly, a 60-credit BTech program would 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, no program can be completed solely by online instruction due to the nature of the lab work required by most programs. [top]
You must obtain approval from a Program Coordinator to take a course for professional development. Email the Program Coordinator for the area you're interested in, 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, criminal record check or letter from employer may be requested. [top]
We generally hold information sessions three times yearly, in January, June and October. Our home page will let you know if we're holding an info session soon. [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. Please download the interview request form and submit it to Cindy Chan. A Program Coordinator will then contact you for an interview 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 which may include bridging courses. [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]
When you have completed the courses that meet the requirements of the ASC, you can fill in this form. Scan and email it to a Program Assistant or fax it to 604.431.4516. Please send it to the Forensics department and not Student Records as indicated on the form, because it will take longer to process without a Program Coordinator's signature. [top]
When you have completed the courses that meet the requirements of the BTech, you can fill in this form. Scan and email it to a Program Assistant or fax it to 604.431.4516. Please send it to the Forensics department and not Student Records as indicated on the form, because it will take longer to process without a Program Coordinator's signature. Don't forget that you need to complete 12 weeks of work experience prior to applying for graduation. [top]
If you are accepted to the higher (BTech) credential, you are automatically eligible for the lower one. When you have completed the courses that meet the requirements of the ASC, you can fill in this form. Scan and email it to a Program Assistant or fax it to 604.431.4516. Please send it to the Forensics department and not Student Records as indicated on the form, because it will take longer to process without a Program Coordinator's signature. [top]
Acceptance to the ASC program does not extend to the BTech. If you would like to continue on to the higher credential, a new application is required, however many of the documents used for your ASC acceptance can be used if not too much time has elapsed. Contact a Program Assistant to initiate this process. [top]
No. Awarding of the credential requires the entrance requirements of the program to have been met. To apply to the ASC program, contact a Program Assistant. [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]
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]
Yes. BCIT is a public, post-secondary institution with programs recognized by the province of British Columbia (Canada). Our graduates are employed by all levels of government and private corporations within Canada and in some cases, even 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]