Computer Science (B.A.)

B.A. Major in Computer Science

Note: The UBC Okanagan campus also offers a B.Sc. Major in Computer Science.

This program allows students to use their artistic creativity with technology for the benefit of society. It appeals to students interested both in computer science and visual arts (game or website design), psychology (cognitive science, and human and computer interaction), English (technical writing), languages (automation of text translation), philosophy (computer ethics), or law (information security, privacy, and forensics).

First and Second Years

B.A. requirements, including the following:

• one of COSC_O 111, COSC_O 123¹;
• COSC_O 121;
• COSC_O 222;
• one of MATH_O 100, 111, 116².

¹ COSC_O 122 is a prerequisite for COSC_O 123.
² Since several upper-level Computer Science courses have Mathematics prerequisites, MATH_O 101, MATH_O 221, and COSC_O 221 are strongly recommended.

Third and Fourth Years

• COSC_O 310¹;
• COSC_O 341¹;
• COSC_O 304¹;
• COSC_O 499²;
• 18 credits of Computer Science courses numbered 300 or above;
• PHIL_O 331;
• 15 credits at the 300/400-level outside of Computer Science.

¹ Students must take COSC_O 304, COSC_O 310 and COSC_O 341 in their 3rd year since they are a prerequisite to COSC_O 499.
² COSC_O 499 must be taken in 4th year.

B.A. Computer Science Honours Program

Through coursework and research, the Honours in Computer Science is an intensive program of study. Students who complete this program will have the ability to work independently and with a high level of competency. The course requirements are the same as in the Major in Computer Science program, except the student must maintain a high grade level (a minimum of 76%) and the student must complete COSC_O 449 Honours Thesis (6 credits) in lieu of 6 upper-level electives in COSC.

Admission Requirements

• Fourth-year standing in the Computer Science Major;
• This program requires a research project with an undergraduate Honours thesis. The thesis proposal and a research supervisor must be approved by the department head; and
• Minimum grade average of 76% in all courses taken to date applicable to the Computer Science Major.

In exceptional cases, such as transferees from another institution, a student may be admitted to the Honours program notwithstanding the criteria listed above.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of the course requirements for the Computer Science Major;
• Completion of COSC_O 449 Honours Thesis with a minimum grade of 76%. A written thesis is required, with a public presentation of the thesis in the form of a poster session and/or a seminar; and
• A minimum 76% graduating grade average (GGA).