Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Integrated Computer Science) Program

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Integrated Computer Science) program, abbreviated as BCS (ICS), is a 20-month full-time academically-oriented program designed for university graduates seeking to transition into the field of information technology or combine their area of interest with computer science. This program is ideal for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree in a field that does not overlap with Computer Science, have demonstrated solid academic achievement, and have little to no current experience in programming.

Program Overview

BCS (ICS) is run through the University of British Columbia's Department of Computer Science, which is among the world's leading Computer Science departments. The faculty consists of internationally renowned senior researchers and educators, as well as promising young faculty, with expertise in diverse areas such as theoretical computer science, computer graphics and animation, artificial intelligence, computational vision, databases, educational technology, hardware design and verification, operating systems, parallel computation, robotics, software engineering, numerical analysis, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the BCS (ICS) program, applicants must:

• Have completed at least a bachelor's degree in a field that does not overlap with Computer Science.
• Have demonstrated solid academic achievement in their previous degree (e.g., at least a B- average).
• Have little or no current experience in programming.
• Possess a high level of motivation.
• Enjoy learning new things and exploring new environments and cultures.
• Be flexible in their job search.
• Be prepared to work hard.
• Have a computer literacy course (or equivalent knowledge).
• Have at least three credits of college or university level English (transferrable to UBC as one of ENGL 110, 111, 112, 120, 121, or ARTS 001).
• Have BC Principles of Mathematics 12 (or an equivalent pre-calculus course).

Program Structure and Fees

The program is structured to be completed in 20 months, with the first eight months being particularly intense and challenging. Domestic students pay regular Faculty of Science tuition fees for the courses taken, while international student fees are higher. Students should plan for a minimum of five academic terms, and in addition to paying tuition fees, there are other costs associated with applying to the university and registering for courses.

Resulting Credentials

Upon completion of the BCS (ICS) program, students will receive a Bachelor of Computer Science (Integrated Computer Science) degree from the University of British Columbia. This degree is a full CS degree, comparable to the "normal" BSc program but with all 8 core CS courses and two fewer CS electives, although students can usually include two additional CS electives in their "bridging module" requirement.

Career Opportunities and Alumni Stories

The program has a diverse range of alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success in their careers. Many have become leaders in their fields, and some have even started their own companies. The program's focus on combining computer science with other areas of interest has led to a wide range of career opportunities for its graduates, from working in tech companies to pursuing careers in research and academia.

Research Areas

The Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia has a broad range of research areas, including:

• Theoretical computer science
• Computer graphics and animation
• Artificial intelligence
• Computational vision
• Databases
• Educational technology
• Hardware design and verification
• Operating systems
• Parallel computation
• Robotics
• Software engineering
• Numerical analysis

These research areas provide students with a rich environment to explore their interests and contribute to cutting-edge research projects.

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Integrated Computer Science) program at the University of British Columbia offers a unique opportunity for university graduates to transition into the field of computer science or combine their existing knowledge with computer science. With its rigorous academic structure, diverse research areas, and strong industry connections, the program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities and provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry.