Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS) degree will prepare graduates with advanced computing skills for careers in the computing profession as software engineers, programming analysts, and software designers. The program will prepare students for the challenges of the computing field by giving them knowledge (breadth and depth) that combines theory and practice, and by offering opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving and creative abilities. In addition to the applied nature of the BScACS program, the curriculum also provides an excellent academic foundation for graduate studies in either computer science or
applied computing.
BScACS will require successful completion of the Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma (or equivalent of 60.0 credits of post-secondary education in Computing from a recognized institution) and will comprise an additional 65.0 credits, preparing graduates with increased depth of theoretical knowledge and advanced computing skills.
The specialty areas for the next September Intake are:
- Games Development
- Network Security Applications Development
The Games Development Option is a multi-disciplinary program that combines creativity with advanced knowledge in a range of computer programming areas. It is designed to equip students with the critical skills required to succeed in a fast-paced and rapidly growing industry.
Students will learn advanced programming techniques, game design (including visuals and audio), higher-level mathematics (3D graphics, calculus, analytical geometry, linear algebra), physics and artificial intelligence concepts. The program includes a variety of tools and frameworks used in the industry, such as Unity3D, and OpenGL. These tools and frameworks are put to practical use in the development, testing and management of game applications, ultimately culminating in a major project showcasing students’ skills.
Upon graduation, students will have developed skills that are highly marketable and transferable, giving them the flexibility to pursue careers in game development, as well as in other areas of software development, such as a computer programmer or software engineer.
For more information on the BScACS program, please visit the overview page with all our full-time and part-time options.
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Entrance Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS) is a two year degree completion program, meant to be taken after two years of post-secondary education in computing.
External applicants will apply based on the pre-entry assessment. BCIT CST Diploma Graduates who graduated in the last five (5) years may apply directly to the program at bcit.ca/apply without a pre-entry or departmental assessment. CIT and FSWD Diploma Graduates will apply based on the pre-entry assessment.
Application processing
Open to applications beginning January 15th (or next business day).
Indigenous applicants: Read about Indigenous student support available for BCIT Computing programs.
Entrance requirements
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements to be accepted.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Applicants must have a pre-assessment with the program area to identify pre-entry courses and have their work experience reviewed and assessed prior to applying. Please email the completed Pre-entry Assessment Request form [PDF] along with your resume and official sealed transcript(s) to the program coordinator.
You can apply once you have completed any necessary pre-entry courses. A completed pre-entry assessment document from the program area must be uploaded with your application.
Step 2: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary education: A minimum of 60.0 credits of post-secondary education in Computing from a recognized institution, which consists of:
- 6.0 credits of English or communications
- 6.0 credits of math, with a minimum of 3.0 credits in discrete math
- 3.0 credits of statistics
- 27.0 credits of computing, with a minimum of 3.0 credits in each of the following seven courses:
- Algorithms and data structures
- Computer architecture
- Database
- Data communications and networking
- Object-oriented programming
- Procedural programming
- Systems analysis and design
- Games Development Option requires familiarity with C++.
- Network Security Development Option requires familiarity with C.
- 18.0 of general education and/or other computing courses:
- The BScACS Program Head will assess the equivalency of credits obtained from other institutions to ensure that graduation requirements are met.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Learn about entrance awards, including awards for women and Indigenous students entering computing.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 5: $1100; Level 6: $1100; Level 7: $1100; Level 8: $800
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (Games Development) curriculum has been revised effective for the September 2023 intake. Students who began the program under Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (Games Development) prior to September 2023 should refer to the September 2022 cohort matrix [PDF].
Program matrix
September 2023 MatrixThe below program matrix is effective for students entering the program in September 2023 and later. Level 5 (15 weeks) |
Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMP 7035 | Operating Systems | 3.0 | |
COMP 7051 | Introduction to Computer Games Development | 3.0 | |
COMP 7082 | Software Engineering | 3.0 | |
COMP 7903 | Games Design Fundamentals | 3.0 | |
MATH 7808 | Calculus for Computing | 4.0 | |
Level 6 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 7905 | Art in Game Development | 3.0 | |
COMP 8042 | Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures Design and Analysis | 3.0 | |
COMP 8051 | Advanced Games Architecture | 3.0 | |
COMP 8082 | Project Management | 3.0 | |
MATH 7908 | Linear Algebra and Applications for Computing | 4.0 | |
Level 7 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 7003 | Introduction to Information and Network Security | 3.0 | |
COMP 8085 | Artificial Intelligence | 3.0 | |
COMP 8552 | Advanced Games Programming Techniques | 3.0 | |
COMP 8800 | Major Project 1 | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics* | 3.0 | |
*Students who have completed the Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma are exempt from taking LIBS 7002 Applied Ethics since they have already taken the equivalent course, LIBS 7102 Ethics for Computing Professionals. | |||
Level 8 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 7012 | Interaction Design | 3.0 | |
COMP 8900 | Major Project 2 | 3.0 | |
General Education Electives (9.0 credits): Will be offered in Level 8. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department. |
|||
Co-op work term courses (competitive entry) |
Credits | ||
Complete between Levels 6 and 7. | |||
COMP 7990 | Cooperative Education Workterm 1* | 16.0 | |
COMP 8990 | Cooperative Education Workterm 2** | 16.0 | |
*Fall intake: September through December **Winter intake: January through April |
|||
Total Credits: | 65.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
Two years, full-time
Students are required to complete this program within seven years starting from the date of their first technical degree-level course or the date of acceptance to the bachelor program, whichever comes first. General Education Electives cannot be older than five years from the date of acceptance to be used toward the degree.
Exception to Section 5 of Policy 5103:
Extensions beyond the maximum time limit will not be allowed. However, students may request a timeshift. A timeshift moves the program start date to one year later and the program completion date to one year later. With a timeshift, any COMP 7xxx and COMP 8xxx courses taken before the new start date will not apply towards the credential. Students will need to re-take or challenge the expired courses if they wish to use them towards fulfilling program requirements. In the event of a major program change, students who timeshift will be required to follow the new program matrix. Some exemptions of equivalent courses may apply. Student requests for a timeshift shall be reviewed and approved by the Program Head and the Registrar’s Office.
Grading
A minimum passing grade of 60 percent is required for all COMP courses at the 7000 and 8000 level.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Program structure
Courses | Credits |
Computer Science | 21.0 |
Mathematics | 8.0 |
Computer Specialization | 15.0 |
Communications, Applied Ethics and General Education | 15.0 |
Major Project | 6.0 |
Competitive co-operative education (co-op) component | |
Total credits: | 65.0 |
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Student Inquiries
Email: compBSc@bcit.ca
Full-time faculty
Mirela Gutica
- Program Head – Curriculum Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS)
- Option Head – Technical Programming, Computing
Maryam Tanha
- Program Head – Student Success, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS)
Aman Abdulla, Instructor
Borna Noureddin, Instructor
Jeff Yim, Instructor
Rahul Kukreja, Instructor
Sayyedhassan Shavarani, Instructor
Takashi Nakamura, Instructor
Tejinder Randhawa, Instructor
Advisory committee
BCIT is well-respected by employers for its ties to industry. In Computing, this connection is formalized through a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) comprised of experts in a range of roles from a cross-section of companies. The department consults regularly to ensure program currency and relevance.
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Contact Us
Email: compBSc@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-432-8644
Questions or comments?
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