Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS) degree equips you with advanced computing skills for careers in the tech sector. Within the Database Option, you'll learn how to build, optimize, and manage commercial and open-source databases and conduct data analysis for actionable insights.
About the option
The Database Option provides training on designing and implementing solutions that address the transactional and/or analytical processing needs of data applications by utilizing commercial and open-source relational and non-relational database management systems.
Now accepting applications for the new full-time January 2025 intake.
About the program
Full-time
- BScACS employs a cohort model, where you have the same classmates in all courses. This allows you to work through this intensive program with your fellow students, share your experience and expertise, and build a professional network that will last long after graduation
- 1 intake: January
- Four 15-week terms
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 until 5:30 pm
- Optional (competitive) Co-op opportunities
- Provides excellent academic foundation for graduate studies in either computer science or applied computing
- Offered in-person at the Burnaby Campus
Part-time
- Course-by-course registration
- 3 intakes: January, April, and September
- Offered evenings and weekends
- Up to 7 years to complete the program
- Blended delivery: on-campus (Downtown and/or Burnaby) and online
- Provides excellent academic foundation for graduate studies in either computer science or applied computing
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from BScACS and how you can prepare for a career in Computing.
Who should complete the BScACS degree (Database Option)?
This program might be for you if you:
- Have completed the Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma (or equivalent of 60.0 credits of post-secondary education in Computing)
- Want to design large databases
- Are interested in combining different types of data analysis methods, including describing past trends, predicting future outcomes, and suggesting actions
- Enjoy figuring out ways to ensure databases work well, store data effectively, and find information quickly, whether it’s on one computer or spread across multiple computers
If any of these sound like you, please check the Entrance Requirements to ensure you can apply and start your new Computing career!
What Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science grads can do
By earning your BCIT Degree, you’ll be honing your computing skills and gaining knowledge of various industry-recognized technologies.
After graduating, you’ll be able to develop and oversee databases, including:
- Identify and explain the application of advanced database concepts, such as concurrency control, query optimization, parallel processing, and distributed processing
- Break down and describe how to use advanced database ideas, such as making sure multiple people can use the database simultaneously and improving how requests for information (queries) are handled
- Develop data engineering solutions by integrating data analytics with big data
Vancouver has been home to Canada’s fastest-growing tech force for multiple years now, and you’ll have the chance to join one of the 4,500 local tech companies or one of many international titans with Vancouver development studios.
And you also have the option to continue your education, including by applying to the BCIT Master of Science in Applied Computing.
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
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
Full-time
Open to applications beginning May 1st (or next business day).
Part-time
This program is open to applications beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Indigenous applicants: Read about Indigenous student support available for the 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
The full-time option is available to international applicants.
The part-time option is available to international students who currently have a valid status in Canada.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in the full-time option 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
Full-time intake: January 2025
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails 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
Tuition fees
Full-time Studies
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Flexible Learning
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
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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- Next up Courses
Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (Database) curriculum has been revised effective for the January 2025 intake. Students who began the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (Database) program prior to January 2025 should refer to the September 2023 cohort matrix [PDF].
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
January 2025 MatrixThe below program matrix is effective for students entering the program in January 2025 and later. Level 5 (15 weeks) |
Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMP 7003 | Introduction to Information and Network Security | 3.0 | |
COMP 7035 | Operating Systems | 3.0 | |
COMP 7071 | Database Applications Development and Optimization | 3.0 | |
COMP 7082 | Software Engineering | 3.0 | |
MATH 7808 | Calculus for Computing | 4.0 | |
Level 6 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 7171 | Data Center Design | 3.0 | |
COMP 8042 | Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures Design and Analysis | 3.0 | |
COMP 8071 | Data Warehousing | 3.0 | |
COMP 8082 | Project Management* | 3.0 | |
MATH 7908 | Linear Algebra and Applications for Computing | 4.0 | |
*This course fulfils the management component requirement. | |||
Level 7 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 8085 | Artificial Intelligence | 3.0 | |
COMP 8171 | Database Systems Security | 3.0 | |
COMP 8575 | Data Mining and Analytics | 3.0 | |
COMP 8800 | Major Project 1 | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics | 3.0 | |
Level 8 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMP 7012 | Interaction Design | 3.0 | |
COMP 8900 | Major Project 2 | 3.0 | |
General Education Electives (9.0 credits): Specific course offerings for the Computer Systems General Education Requirements [PDF] 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 | |
*Winter intake: January through April **Fall intake: September through December |
|||
Total Credits: | 65.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
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 limitation will not be allowed. However, students may request a timeshift. A timeshift moves the program start year to one year later and the program completion year to one year later. With a timeshift, any COMP 7xxx and COMP 8xxx courses taken prior to the new start date will become stale-dated and 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.
Additional program options
Program delivery
Full-time
In-person: The full-time program is delivered on campus.
Part-time
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Once accepted into the flexible learning program, students register and complete classes on a course-by-course basis. Flexible learning courses are taught in our Downtown Vancouver Campus, Burnaby Campus, and online on weekday evenings and weekends.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, 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 |
Total credits: | 65.0 |
Continue your education
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science program can apply to continue their studies with the Master of Science in Applied Computing. Through an interdisciplinary and rigorous full-time curriculum, the MSc helps develop technical leadership and research skills for a professional setting or for further academic study. Students select a Project & Internship Path or Thesis Path, and have opportunities to apply computing solutions to industry challenges.
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Graduating & Jobs
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
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)
D’Arcy Smith, Instructor
Sayyedhassan Shavarani, Instructor
Takashi Nakamura, Instructor
Tejinder Randhawa, Instructor
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Contact Us
Email: compBSc@bcit.ca
Tel: 604-432-8644
Questions or comments?
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