British Columbia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

First-year coursework (two terms) covers core computing topics and research preparation; second-year study follows either a thesis route or an internship & project route. Core subject areas explicitly listed include:

• Algorithm analysis
• Human-centered computing
• Machine learning (ML) & artificial intelligence (AI)
• Data science
• Cybersecurity
• Research methods

Students may work in an application area outside computing (for example computational science, rehabilitation engineering, building science, biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, sustainability, smart micro-grids, social impacts of technology, network security) or in an approved project area aligned with their background. Directed studies with a supervisor in another department are available to gain domain-specific knowledge.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and uses a two-step process: meeting baseline requirements and a department review. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (Graduate Studies – English Studies 12 equivalent, 67%). There are two formal entry options:

• Option 1 – Standard entry: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent (e.g., BCIT BSc in Applied Computer Science) with a minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 (70%) based on the final 30 undergraduate credits.
• Option 2 – Alternate entry: Bachelor’s degree in another discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (73%) on the final 30 credits plus significant computing knowledge from formal study or work. Applicants using alternate entry must submit a completed Pre-entry Assessment form; the program may require bridging courses from BCIT COMP offerings or equivalent transfer credits.

Applications require a Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire (with two references who must email their forms to the admissions committee) and may require additional documents or meetings with the program area. Applicants educated outside Canada, the US, UK, Australia or New Zealand need a credential evaluation from ICES or an approved Canadian service. Scheduled intake is each September; applications are processed in three rounds (Oct 1–Jan 31, Feb 1–Mar 31, Apr 1–Jun 15). International applicants must hold a valid BCIT study permit to apply in the third round and must have a study permit before starting the program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to provide technical leadership on software and systems projects and to apply deep knowledge of advanced computing topics in practical, interdisciplinary settings. Typical outcomes include roles where graduates analyze how computing systems can solve applied problems, design and implement innovative solutions while considering ethical, social and environmental impacts, and communicate technical solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. The program also supports students who wish to pursue further academic study such as a PhD.

Scholarships & funding angle

BCIT graduate students should explore institutional scholarships, departmental awards and external funding sources. Because the program includes thesis and internship pathways, students may pursue research assistantships, industry partnerships or project-based funding aligned with their applied research area. International students should confirm funding eligibility when applying and consider work components tied to the Project & Internship Path that are mandatory for graduation.