Overview
Whether you want to work in growing areas like cybersecurity or data analytics, or you’re not sure where to specialize, the Computer Information Technology (CIT) Diploma sets you on an IT operations career path in just 2 years. In our small classes, you’ll gain the skills needed across entry-level IT roles and for laddering to a BCIT degree.
Join us for the ISSP Expo on December 2, 12 pm at the Downtown Campus, 5th floor. Both prospective sponsors and students will get a great impression of ISSP.
It’s not too late to apply to start in January 2025!
This comprehensive full-time program covers the vast landscape of Information Technology (IT), integrating the latest computing tools and technologies. With a dynamic learning environment of small, active instructor-led classes and flipped curriculum delivery, you’ll be fully engaged within a community of learners.
CIT offers numerous hands-on projects in collaboration with industry partners, allowing you to apply your skills in practical settings, as well as the possibility of further work-integrated learning through Co-op or internship. Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared for a seamless transition into the IT industry, whether within a technology firm or in other enterprises heavily relying on IT systems.
About the program
- The program 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, sharing your experience and expertise, and building a professional network that will last long after you graduate
- 2 intakes: September & January
- 4 Terms: 3 15-week terms, and 1 20-week term
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 until 5:30 pm – heavy workload; we recommend students to not work during school terms
- 2 projects, each lasting 4 months, with real clients from industry
- Co-op and internship opportunities (competitive entry)
- Excellent job placement rate upon graduation
- Multiple degree laddering opportunities to continue your education
- Offered in-person at the Downtown campus in a TEC Hub learning space that mimics the feel of a tech company. Check out the 360-degree tour:
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from CIT, and how you can prepare for a career as an IT specialist.
Who should complete the CIT Diploma?
This program might be for you if you:
- Want to join the dynamic IT sector and explore the many roles within it
- Have a knack for troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Want a stable professional career with strong growth
- Enjoy working with people and on teams
- Would like an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to achieve AI literacy, including how Large Language Models (LLMs) work and their limitations, as well as Machine Learning (ML) basics for data analytics
- Love to plan and configure software and computers as much as you love to code
- Haven’t yet decided which specific area in computing that you want to focus on
If any of these sound like you, please check the Entrance Requirements.
What Computer Information Technology grads can do
By earning your BCIT Diploma, you’ll hone your IT skills and gain knowledge of current technologies, preparing you for positions in multiple industries and locations.
British Columbia’s high-tech sector has grown rapidly, with Vancouver now a global hub for the IT industry. The continued growth of the IT sector and its importance within all organizations create demand for a range of IT professionals, including DevOps engineers, support analysts, network administrators, data analysts, web developers, business and systems analysts, security specialists, system integrators, and more.
Check out where grads Thilina Ratnayake and Matthew Hui, ended up working.
And you also have the option to continue your education with various bachelor’s degree programs.
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program has multiple application deadlines and may fill after each deadline date.
| Start date | Applications open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| September | October 1* | February 15* (early) |
| April 30* (final**) | ||
| January | February 1* | Until program is full. |
*or next business day
**International applicants who wish to apply by the final deadline must ensure that they are present in Canada with a valid study permit, as the process of obtaining a study permit may take longer for applicants located outside Canada.
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Indigenous applicants: Read about Indigenous student support available for the Computer Information Technology program.
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. In 2022, BCIT admitted 1 in 2 applicants. Successful applicants exceeded the entrance requirements in both English and math with an average above 75%.
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Have academic grades above the minimum.
- Are currently enrolled in the Technology Entry (TE) program.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants. The competitive calculation formula takes the average of the applicant’s secondary or post-secondary English and math scores.
A waitlist of eligible applicants, ranked in competitive order, will be kept in the event that a seat becomes available prior to the end of the first week of term. The waitlist is cleared once the program intake is full and closed; unsuccessful applicants must re-apply to be considered for the next intake. Unsuccessful students may wish to upgrade their math and English before re-applying.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT 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.
Transfer credit
Equivalent courses from BCIT and other institutions may be transferable to the Computer Information Technology program based on the recommendations of the instructor and the program head.
To be considered for course credit, students must:
- Be accepted into the diploma program.
- Have earned a minimum of 60% final grade in the equivalent course or courses.
- Have completed the courses within an acceptable recency of five years.
- Be able to demonstrate coverage of course learning outcomes in the equivalent course or courses.
BCIT policy allows only a maximum of 50 percent of a credential’s credits to be awarded through previously earned credits. If you have taken an equivalent course and meet the above requirements, apply for transfer credit by submitting a Course Credit Exemption form [PDF].
Learn more about transfer credit at BCITApply 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 and January each year.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
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.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Recency and grade requirements: credit is only awarded for equivalent courses completed within the past five years with a minimum grade of 60%.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
The Registrar's Office is the official authority on admission and entrance requirements and has the final say on whether or not you meet all entrance requirements for this program. You are responsible for submitting sufficient documentation to BCIT Admissions to be assessed.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
To apply:
- Email citdiploma@bcit.ca for a re-admission information kit
- Submit your completed re-admission form (approved by program area) with your online application
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
If you are new to the program but have completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and want to apply to an advanced level, you can apply for direct entry to level 2 or 3. To apply:
- Email citdiploma@bcit.ca for a pre-assessment information kit
- Submit the following with your online application:
- Completed pre-entry assessment (approved by program area)
- Proof of meeting all entrance requirements
Complete applications must be submitted by:
- July 15th* for the Fall (September) intake
- November 30th* for the Winter (January) intake
*or next business day
Note: If you are submitting overseas documents, please apply early. The assessment may take up to four months.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Costs & Supplies
Learn about BCIT entrance awards, including support for Indigenous students entering computing programs.
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
Books are expected to cost $500 to $800 per term.
(General estimated cost, subject to change)
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Students are required to bring their own Windows-compatible laptop. Please refer to the Laptop Specifications [PDF] for requirements.
Laptop costs vary depending on the configuration chosen, but will likely range from approximately $1000 to $2000.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACIT 1420 | Introduction to Systems Administration | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 1515 | Scripting for IT | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 1620 | Fundamental Web Technologies | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 1630 | Database Systems | 4.0 | |
| COMM 1116 | Business Communications 1 | 4.0 | |
| MATH 1310 | Technical Math for IT | 4.0 | |
| ORGB 1100 | Organizational Behaviour | 3.0 | |
| and | |||
| Level 1B (5 weeks, April - May) Students who begin Level 1 in January will complete these courses following Level 1. |
|||
| ACIT 2811 | UX/UI Development | 3.0 | |
| ACIT 2911 | Agile Development Project | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4770 | Legal and Ethical Issues in IT | 2.0 | |
| Level 2 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 2420 | Linux System Administration | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 2515 | Object Oriented Programming | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 2520 | Developing Web Applications | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 2620 | Principles of Enterprise Networking | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 2831 | Business Systems Analysis | 4.0 | |
| COMM 2216 | Business Communications 2 | 4.0 | |
| MATH 1350 | Statistics for Information Technology | 4.0 | |
| and | |||
| Level 2B (5 weeks, April - May) Students who begin Level 2 in January will complete these courses following Level 2. |
|||
| ACIT 2811 | UX/UI Development | 3.0 | |
| ACIT 2911 | Agile Development Project | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4770 | Legal and Ethical Issues in IT | 2.0 | |
| Level 3 | Credits | ||
| ACIT 3420 | Windows Server Administration | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3475 | Web Server Administration | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3640 | Cloud Computing | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3771 | IT Service and Project Management | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3896 | Applied Algorithms | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3900 | IT Projects Practicum 1 | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3910 | Database Administration and Management | 4.0 | |
| Level 4 | Credits | ||
| ACIT 3495 | Advanced Topics in IT Infrastructure | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 3855 | Service Based Architectures | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4630 | Information Assurance and Security | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4640 | IT System and Network Provisioning | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4850 | Enterprise System Integration | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 4880 | Introduction to Data Analytics | 4.0 | |
| and | |||
| ACIT 4900 | IT Project Practicum 2* | 4.0 | |
| or | |||
| ACIT 4980 | Information Technology Industry Practicum* | 4.0 | |
| *ACIT 4900 and 4980 are optional for co-op students who have completed ACIT 2990. | |||
| Co-op work term courses (competitive entry) |
Credits | ||
| Complete between Levels 3 and 4. | |||
| ACIT 2990 | Co-operative Education Workterm 1 | 16.0 | |
| ACIT 3990 | Co-operative Education Workterm 2 | 16.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 120.0 | ||
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.
Program Details
Computer Information Technology (CIT) is a unique program that aims to train students to be technical experts in various computing technologies including database, network administration, web technology, and security. Graduates will be IT specialists responsible for planning, deployment, administration, and configuration of computing infrastructures for organizations.
Industry Sponsored Student Projects
The Industry Sponsored Student Projects program (ISSP) provides students with real-life experience by working on IT or software projects directly from industry. Students work in teams or individually with an industry sponsor, proceeding through the development life-cycle to develop a complete IT or software solution.
Read more about how students are making a difference.
Internship Option
CIT students also have the option of doing an individual practicum for a company, in place of one of the team-based projects. The individual practicum is for students in the final term of CIT, and requires at least 100 hours of part-time work (paid or unpaid) with a company, over 10 weeks or more. Learn about one student’s experience as an intern or how another student who changed sectors enjoyed her internship.
Companies that may have a position for a student, or who would like to know more, can email us.
Student Support
BCIT is committed to providing assistance to all its full- and part-time students with permanent or temporary, visible or non-visible disabilities. Current and future students who may need support to overcome the limits and barriers encountered during their studies are encouraged to contact BCIT’s Accessibility Services to attend an information session or to arrange an interview with one of the institute’s Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists.
Program length
This is a full-time, two-year diploma program.
Students who need extra time, or who participate in co-op, typically complete the program within three years.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Continue your education
Graduates of the Computer Information Technology (CIT) diploma program may pursue a BCIT Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation: Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity or Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
The degree programs are an extension of the diploma program, providing the competitive advantage for students to learn advanced technological and management skills to help graduates be better positioned in the IT workplace
Co-operative education
The co-op component of the CIT program provides students with substantial benefits in their IT career preparation, given that employers are more eager to hire graduates who have had some co-op experience. Students who apply to complete the co-op terms are required to meet first-year performance qualification criteria. Students will require a minimum of two four-month co-op terms to graduate with a co-op designation on their CIT diploma. These two co-op terms are consecutive and must be completed before the final term of the program.
Graduating & Jobs
Sector snapshot
Every company is a technology company. No matter what product or service they provide, companies across all industries use information technology to support and enhance business operations.
As a graduate from the Computer Information Technology (CIT) diploma program, you will develop knowledge of and experience with the latest technologies, and transferable business skills necessary to begin or advance a successful career.
Learn about a grad who loved the cohort model and the variety of curriculum, or a former student who emphasizes the transferability of skills learned in CIT to his job in the industry.
Continuing education
Upon graduation, students may also choose to continue their studies full-time or to begin working in their chosen field while pursuing a degree part-time. CIT graduates are eligible to apply for the following bachelor’s degree programs:
- Bachelor of Technology – Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity – read about a CIT grad who took this path and now works in computer forensics
- Bachelor of Technology – Technology Management
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
(bridging courses required) - Bachelor of Business Administration
(bridging courses required) - Bachelor of Technology – Geographic Information Systems
Job opportunities
| 93% | of grads were very satisfied or satisfied with their education |
| 87% | of grads found their CIT Diploma useful in getting their job |
| 92% | of grads were ready to collaborate in groups at work |
| 93% | of grads were ready to keep up with the pace of change in tech by learning new skills on their own |
Typical roles and career progression
Infrastructure ServicesTypical Roles:
Career Progression
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Web ServicesTypical Roles:
Career Progression
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User Support and ServicesTypical Roles:
Career Progression
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Business Application ServicesTypical Roles:
Career Progression
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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.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Prospective Student Inquiries
Email: program_advising@bcit.ca
Current Student Inquiries
Email: citdiploma@bcit.ca
Full-time Faculty
Thomas Lane, Program Head, CIT Diploma
Armaan Dhanji, Instructor
Chris Harris, Instructor
Ed Sweeney, Instructor
Frederic Guo, Instructor
Jeremy Holman, Instructor
Frederic Guo, Instructor
Lei (Johnny) Zhang, Instructor
Michal Aibin, Instructor
Mike Mulder, Instructor
Motasem Aldiab, Instructor
Nathan McNinch, Instructor
Patrick Guichon, Instructor
Programmed and maintained code for PLC controllers for large paper mills.
Developed HMI screens to interface between multiple complex machines.
Developed and maintained a text messaging platform in Java and Coldfusion.
Developed mobile friendly and responsive websites for our clients.
Designed, installed and maintained various server environments for Windows Coldfusion and Linux WordPress applications.
Designed and optimized table structures and queries for a large (100GB) MySQL Transactional database.
Developed mobile apps in Java for syncing contacts and calendar events.
Education
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology
Network Administration Option.
Courses taken in Network Infrastructure, Network Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention.
Other
Database Administration, Java Programming
Sam Paul Meech-Ward, Instructor
Tim Guicherd, Instructor
Trevor Dean Lord, Instructor
Yves Shema, 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.
TEC Hub
BCIT Computing is re-envisioning what the classroom experience should be. Launched in 2017, the Downtown Campus TEC (Technology Education and Collaboration) Hub offers a high-tech learning environment that is different from a traditional classroom.
What’s inside the TEC Hub?
The TEC Hub’s expandable space offers flexibility in terms of room size and can accommodate up to 200 people for particular learning experiences or events. The furniture is modular, movable and collapsible – suitable for any configuration. There are also bookable project rooms for teamwork.
Multiple screens enable instructors and students to share high-definition displays with others in small groups – or with everyone in the room. Everything is controlled on WIFI using an IP address. With students working on laptops instead of in labs, work can be done any time, and devices can be charged anywhere in the room.
“The TEC Hub is an ideal venue that enhances student collaboration for both large and small groups through its multiple connectivity options and reconfigurable spaces,” says Thomas Lane, Program Head Computer Information Technology (CIT) at BCIT Computing.
A flipped classroom experience
There is no front of the class. The new TEC Hub contributes to the flipped classroom experience by allowing students to be more active in their education and to have more opportunities to solve problems. BCIT Computing students watch online lectures on their own before participating in group activities in class.
The TEC Hub provides a lot of flexibility, according to an instructor at BCIT Computing. “Instructors are able to rearrange the tables or regroup the students to suit particular objectives or have conversations with students rather than delivering a lecture from a podium. Students can project their work onto everyone’s wall-mounted screens the same way that an instructor can share material.”
BCIT Computing instructor, Michal Aibin, says he appreciates that students are able to work in an environment that is similar to the one they will see in their future careers.
Increasing industry contact
With a two-hour daily break, there is more time for industry guests to visit and observe student projects. Learn more about Industry Sponsored Student Projects.
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