Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Options
- Co-op
- Honours
- Major
- Minor
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
The Computer Science (BSc) Program
Computer Science is a rapidly-growing field, generating a great number of employment opportunities. Government agencies are predicting shortages of qualified computing people that will number in the tens of thousands in Canada alone. The Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science, is designed to meet the training and educational requirements outlined by CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society), ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). These requirements reflect the needs of the computing industry, both nationally and internationally.
The program is composed of courses drawn from the systems, theoretical and business application domains. It is designed to train students in applied computer science and educate them in the social, ethical and legal implications of computer science.
The program has an optional co-operative education component. To be eligible, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) or better in their Computer Science courses.
The Computer Science Major will be of interest to students wishing to enter the Information Technology industry and/or graduate studies. The Minor will primarily be of interest to students wishing to combine an additional field of study with a strong computing background.
Requirements for a Major
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 159 - (Computer Science I) | 4 |
| CSCI 161 - (Computer Science II) | 4 |
| CSCI 162 - (Topics in Computer Science) | 3 |
| MATH 121 - (Calculus I) | 4 |
| MATH 122 - (Calculus II) | 4 |
| MATH 123 - (Logic and Foundations) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Three electives (*c) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 251 - (Systems and Networks) | 3 |
| CSCI 260 - (Data Structures) | 4 |
| CSCI 261 - (Computer Architecture & Assembly Language) | 3 |
| CSCI 265 - (Software Engineering) | 3 |
| MATH 223 - (Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics) | 3 |
| MATH 241 - (Linear Algebra) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) (effective September 2012) or, ENGL 225 - (Business and Technical Writing) (prior to September 2012) | 3 |
| Three electives (*c) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 31 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 310 - (Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction) | 3 |
| CSCI 311 - (Web Programming) | 4 |
| CSCI 320 - (Foundations of Computer Science) | 3 |
| CSCI 330 - (Programming Languages) | 3 |
| CSCI 355 - (Digital Logic and Computer Organization) | 4 |
| CSCI 360 - (Intro to Operating Systems) | 3 |
| CSCI 370 - (Database Systems) | 3 |
| CSCI 400 - (Computers and Society) | 3 |
| CSCI 460 - (Networks and Communications) | 3 |
| Three CSCI electives (*a) | 9 |
| Three electives (*b) | 9 |
| Four electives (*c) | 12 |
| Total Credits | 59 |
Note: Students must have a minimum "C" average on all 300 and 400-level Computer Science courses completed or taken.
(*a) Students must complete at least 6 additional credits of Computer Science courses at the 400 level, and at least 3 additional credits of Computer Science number 300 or above, excluding CSCI 307, CSCI 308, CSCI 309, CSCI 408, and CSCI 409.
(*b) Students must complete at least 9 additional credits at the 300 or 400 level, excluding CSCI 307, CSCI 308, CSCI 309, CSCI 408, and CSCI 409.
(*c) Amongst all of the electives taken, students must obtain at least six credits from the Faculty of Science and Technology (but excluding MATH and CSCI) and/or the Faculty of Management, and at least six credits from non-Science Faculties, as approved by the Computer Science Department.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 159 - (Computer Science I) | 4 |
| CSCI 161 - (Computer Science II ) | 4 |
| MATH 121 - (Calculus I) | 4 |
| MATH 123 - (Logic and Foundations) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 162 - (Topics in Computer Science) (Can be taken in Year 1) | 3 |
| CSCI 260 - (Data Structures) | 4 |
| CSCI 265 - (Software Engineering) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 10 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 370 - (Database Systems) | 3 |
| Five additional CSCI courses numbered 300 or above* | 15 |
| Total Credits | 19 |
** Students must complete at least 15 additional credits of Computer Science courses at the 300 or 400 level, excluding CSCI 307, CSCI 308, CSCI 309, CSCI 408, and CSCI 409. Students should check upper-level course prerequisites to guide second year course selection. Certain course selections will require completion of a greater number of second-year courses than is required by the Minor.
Requirements for a Major (Co-op)
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 159 - (Computer Science I) | 4 |
| CSCI 161 - (Computer Science II) | 4 |
| CSCI 162 - (Topics in Computer Science) | 3 |
| MATH 121 - (Calculus I) | 4 |
| MATH 122 - (Calculus II) | 4 |
| MATH 123 - (Logic and Foundations) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Three electives (*c) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 251 - (Systems and Networks) | 3 |
| CSCI 260 - (Data Structures) | 4 |
| CSCI 261 - (Computer Architecture & Assembly Language) | 3 |
| CSCI 265 - (Software Engineering) | 3 |
| CSCI 307 - (Preparation for Co–operative Education Employment) | 1 |
| CSCI 370 - (Database Systems) | 3 |
| MATH 223 - (Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics) | 3 |
| MATH 241 - (Linear Algebra) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) (effective September 2012) or, ENGL 225 - (Business and Technical Writing) (prior to September 2012) | 3 |
| Two electives (*c) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
| Year 2 — Summer Session | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 308 - (Co–operative Work Placement I) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Year 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 310 - (Intro to Graphical User Interfaces) | 3 |
| CSCI 311 - (Web Programming) | 4 |
| CSCI 320 - (Foundations of Computer Science) | 3 |
| CSCI 330 - (Programming Languages) | 3 |
| CSCI 355 - (Digital Logic and Computer Organization) | 4 |
| CSCI 360 - (Intro to Operating Systems) | 3 |
| Three electives (*c) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 29 |
| Year 3 — Summer Session | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 309 - (Co–operative Work Placement II) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Year 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 400 - (Computers and Society) | 3 |
| CSCI 460 - (Networks and Communications) | 3 |
| Three CSCI electives (*a) | 9 |
| Three electives (*b) | 9 |
| Two electives (*c) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 4 — Summer Session | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 408 - (Co–operative Work Placement III) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
Note: Students must have a minimum "C" average on all 300 and 400-level Computer Science courses completed or taken.
(*a) Students must complete at least six additional credits of Computer Science courses at the 400 level, and at least three additional credits of Computer Science number 300 or above, excluding CSCI 307, 308, 309, 408, and 409.
(*b) Students must complete at least nine additional credits at the 300 or 400 level, excluding CSCI 307, 308, 309, 408, and 409.
(*c) Amongst all of the electives taken, students must obtain at least six credits from the Faculty of Science and Technology (but excluding MATH and CSCI) and/or the Faculty of Management, and at least six credits from non-Science Faculties, as approved by the Computer Science Department.
Admission to Computer Science Major
Students may apply for admission to the four-year B.Sc. with a Computer Science Major into years one, two, and three of the degree. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for VIU's Bachelor of Science degree in order to be eligible to apply for the Computer Science Major.
First year entry
- General admission requirements apply for admission to first year.
- English 12 with minimum "C" or equivalent.
- A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.
Second year entry
To be eligible for admission to second year, students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits of university courses towards VIU’s Bachelor of Science Computer Science Major program, including MATH 123 and CSCI 161 with a minimum “C” in each. Competitive admission averages will be calculated based on all program-required MATH and CSCI courses.
Third year entry
To be eligible for admission to third year, students must have completed a minimum of 54 credits of university courses towards VIU’s Bachelor of Science Computer Science Major program, including CSCI 260 and CSCI 265 with a minimum “C” in each, or possess a recognized 2-year Computer Science diploma normally including completion of the Degree English Requirement. Competitive admission averages will be calculated based on all program-required MATH and CSCI courses.
Additional Requirements for Transfer Students
Transfer students into second or third year entry must have completed MATH 121, 122, 123, CSCI 160, and 161, with a minimum GPA of 2.33 (“C+”) in all program-required MATH and CSCI courses.
Notes on Admission – Computer Science Major
Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program and students with higher grades will be considered first.
Applicants will be prioritized by overall Grade Point Average. A wait list will be created if required.
Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Students who wish to take individual courses without being admitted to the program may do so where space is available and when prerequisites have been completed. Students who take courses in Computer Science without being formally admitted into the program are not guaranteed entry into the program.
Notes on Progression – Computer Science Major
Students must achieve a minimum “C” grade point average (GPA) in all program required CSCI and MATH courses to remain within the Major.
Students who fail to maintain this standard will be asked to withdraw from the program for a minimum of one-academic year. The student may apply for probationary re-instatement after the withdrawal period, subject to available space in the program.
Students with a minimum "B" grade point average (GPA) in all required first year CSCI and MATH courses may also apply to the Co-op Program after completion of first year. Enrolment in the Major (Coop) degree requires the completion of additional courses and three Co-operative Work Placements. If the Co-operative Work Placements are completed during the summer terms, this additional workload can be normally completed within the same timeframe as the BSc Major program.
Admission to Computer Science Minor
- General admission requirements apply for admission to first year.
- A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.
- Admission to third year requires completion of all first and second year courses, with a minimum grade point average of 2.33 (“C+”).
Notes on Admission
- Courses in first year have prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete the following B.C. Secondary School courses: Minimum “B” in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12, minimum “C” in English 12, or equivalents.
- Students who satisfy all first-year course prerequisites will be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee* (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Co-op Fee (Optional) ($722.68 per term) | 722.68 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies | 1,526.00 |
| Total | 8,361.12 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.90 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Co-op Fee (Optional) ($2399.31 per term) | 2,399.31 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies | 1,526.00 |
| Total | 29,038.85 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.90 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
The Computer Science Honours (BSc) Program
Advances in computing are at the heart of the most significant changes to our society in recent history. Computer Science abounds with exciting opportunities for a great career that can also make a difference in the world. The B.Sc. Honours in Computer Science allows students to conduct research and develop expertise, in preparation for studies beyond the undergraduate level, or for enhanced employment opportunities.
Program Outline
Requirements for an Honours
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.Sc. requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English requirements and courses listed under Years 1-4 of the Computer Science Major, and the courses listed below:
- CSCI 491 - (Senior Research), and
- 2 additional courses (6 credits) in Computer Science at the 300- or 400-level.
OR
- CSCI 490 - (Independent Project), and
- 3 additional courses in Computer Science at the 300- or 400-level, of which at least one is at the 400-level
Recommended Electives
- 2 x CSCI 485 (Topics in Systems)
- CSCI 422 (Advanced Algorithms)
- CSCI 375 (Introduction to Systems Analysis)
- CSCI 331 (Object-Oriented Programming)
Completion Requirements
Honours students need an average GPA of 3.33 (B+) on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the Computer Science discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.
Residency Requirement
Students are expected to complete all additional 12 credits at Vancouver Island University. With the approval of the appropriate Dean and under exceptional circumstances, this amount may be reduced.
Admission Requirements
- A GPA of at least a 3.33 (B+) on the most recent 30 credits of study in Computer Science, or in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Start Date and Application Deadline
A student who meets the requirements for the program can apply to the Department in their third year of study. The application must include a preliminary project identification, including a supervisor within the department.
Students may apply when they register in CSCI 491: Senior Research Project or CSCI 490: Independent Project. There are no application deadlines.
Career Opportunities
Software Engineer, Machine Learning Specialist, Data Science (Computer Science).
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science, Major in Computing Science has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Karen Cheung Email: Karen.Cheung@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Huizhu Liu Email: Huizhu.Liu@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Early admission for Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science, First Year entry: Official interim or final grades are required prior to January 15, 2025. Regular admission: Official interim or final grades are required prior to April 15, 2025.
Final document deadline for conditional acceptance: July 31, 2025 |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
This program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$150.00
Chair Contact:
Name: Huizhu Liu Email: Huizhu.Liu@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Karen Cheung Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
July 31, 2025
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca Please note that seats in this program are limited. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online. |
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