Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Learn the theory, design, development, and application of computers. Explore computational intelligence, bioinformatics, and computer animation.

Data Science Student and Faculty

Why study Computer Science at UBC’s Okanagan campus?

Career Opportunities

Build a broad foundation with a globally recognized UBC degree in computer science. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in career positions such as application developer, game designer, desktop publisher, animator, or quality control specialist.

Optimization Research

Contribute to real-life problem solving with one of the most unique optimization research groups in Canada: UBC Okanagan’s Centre for Optimization, Convex Analysis & Nonsmooth Analysis. Combining expertise in computer science, math, statistics, and engineering, the group designs systems that can be applied to road safety, social networks, investment strategies, and more.

Minor in Data Science

Learn how modern modelling, statistical, and computational methods have become critical to solve routine tasks in almost all scientific and nonscientific disciplines. Combining skills in computer science, mathematics and statistics, you will learn how to solve practical problems efficiently.

Co-op Experience

Put your classroom learning to the test with Co-op job placements throughout the region and beyond. Co-op helps you to gain beneficial skills such as how to build your resumé, apply for jobs, expand your professional network, and earn money to pay for tuition.

what you need to know

Get your UBC degree in computer science and learn how to use and improve computers. Explore computer basics—from databases and operating systems, to software engineering, security, web development, and numerical methodology. You will also learn about specialty areas such as computational intelligence, bioinformatics, and computer graphics and animation.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) program—which offers a major or honours in computer science—allows students to use their artistic creativity with technology to benefit society and millions of users. It appeals to students interested in computer science and visual arts, psychology, English, languages, philosophy, and law.

Students can apply scientific interests and capabilities to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Learn how to use and improve computers, from the basics of computing, such as data structures, databases, operating systems, software engineering, and numerical methods, through to specialized areas, such as computational intelligence, bioinformatics, computer graphics, and computer animation. The BSc program offers a major, honours, and minor in computer science.

UBC Okanagan’s computer science program offers a variety of foundational and advanced courses covering data structures, operating systems, software engineering, technical writing, and computer ethics.

Sample courses:

  • COSC 123 — Computer Creativity
  • COSC 322 — Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • COSC 407 — Introduction to Parallel Computing
  • DATA 301 — Introduction to Data Analytics

Browse computer science courses and descriptions.

The following links take you to computer science program details in the Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Communications and Rhetoric Certificate

Students can receive a Certificate in Communications and Rhetoric by completing 15 credits through courses from four thematic interdisciplinary and relational clusters, and a final capstone project. This is an add on to any major; some credits can be double-counted.

Learn about graduate studies in computer science.

For your application to be considered, you will need to:

  • meet general requirements (e.g., graduate from secondary school)
  • demonstrate a certain level of English competency
  • meet specific requirements for the degree you’re applying to

Then, UBC will take a closer look at your application. We’ll read your Personal Profile to get a sense of who you are and what you’ve achieved. We’ll also look at all of your Grade 11 (junior level) and Grade 12 (senior level) courses, paying special attention to the courses that relate to the degree you’re applying to.

Find your specific requirements at https://you.ubc.ca/

WHEN TO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR

Declaring helps you plan your program more effectively, build your education, and stay connected.

Students are encouraged to declare their major in computer science at the end of their first year in order to take the prerequisite second-year courses. Refer to the Academic Calendar for admission requirements for the BA and BSc in computer science.

Application Deadlines

Plan ahead to ensure you meet important deadlines and other target dates listed at you.ubc.ca.

Tuition Fees

UBC Okanagan’s fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre. See Financial Planning for helpful resources, and add up your first-year costs with our Cost Calculator.

Apply to UBC at you.ubc.ca—there are just five steps in the application process. Soon you could be studying at one of the world’s top universities.

Check out the steps to apply to UBC, and be sure to choose “Okanagan campus.”

Or let our Student Recruitment & Advising experts guide you: call 1.877.807.8521.

Your Career Options

Build a broad foundation and great career potential with undergraduate computer science studies. Earn a UBC degree respected by employers around the globe. Job opportunities range from interactive media developer to database analyst.

  • Application developer
  • Bio-infomatic technician
  • Computer and network operator
  • Computer games designer
  • Computer science technician
  • Console/computer programmer
  • Data scientist
  • Database analyst
  • Software engineer
  • Firmware designer
  • Health information analyst
  • Interactive media developer
  • IT technician
  • Multimedia designer
  • Network manager
  • Quality control specialist
  • Smartphone application developer
  • Software designer/developer
  • Software security analyst
  • Systems tester
  • Technical writer
  • User experience developer
  • Video game designer
  • Website designer
  • Banking, consumer electronics, finance, insurance, multimedia, real estate, and telecommunications businesses
  • Computer consulting, manufacturing, software development, and system design services firms
  • Educational, environment service, and wholesale trade organizations
  • Hardware research and development agencies
  • Health service, medical systems, and operation research agencies
  • Industrial instrumentation and process control firms
  • Information technology and security departments in private businesses or governments
  • Social media companies
  • Telecommunications and multimedia corporations

Learn and earn with Co-op, a paid opportunity for students to enrich their education with work experience. At UBC’s Okanagan campus, sign up for Co-op to:

  • build your resumé with professional experience
  • learn valuable tips on how to successfully apply for jobs
  • expand your network of industry contacts
  • earn money to pay for tuition

Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science offers a graduate program in computer science, a professional Master’s degree in data science, as well as innovative interdisciplinary graduate programs.

Gain Valuable Experience

Learning experiences beyond the classroom help prepare you for a career and life after university. Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

  • See the world through Go Global, a UBC program for exchange and study with more than 150 international partner institutions. Experience university life abroad as a resident, or earn academic credit while participating in summer group-study courses led by UBC profs.
  • Travel to conferences or competitions with financial assistance made available through the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund, which provides financial support up to $3,500.

Follow your ideas and jump-start your career:

Get a financial boost to start your research experience. Pay for travel and other expenses. Win merit-based cash awards that look impressive on your resumé.

  • Undergraduate Research Awards: The URA offers an $8,000 salary plus a maximum of $1,500 for research expenses, for a total of up to $9,500 per student. For international students, the IURA offers a $9,000 salary plus a maximum of $1,500 for research expenses, for a total of up to $10,500 per student.
  • NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards: Minimum $7,500
  • Co-op puts your classroom learning to the test, allowing you to explore career options while earning money. Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.
  • Work on campus in the field of computer science as a teaching assistant—deliver labs, tutorials, and even lectures.
  • Learn through doing, create strong connections, and develop professional skills with a campus job arranged by UBC’s Work Study Program.
  • Meet a community need and get practical experience by volunteering for a Community Service Learning project—a life-changing experience.

WELCOME TO UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the computer science program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 

On the first day of university, faculties offer “Meet the Faculty” sessions where you can get to know the Dean, professors, and the staff who provide student support. It’s all part of UBC Okanagan’s new student orientation: CREATE.

Attend an orientation tailored to your needs as an Indigenous student, domestic student, international student, or student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.

  • Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.
  • Navigate your studies with the help of a professor, your Program Advisor.
  • Use the library which offers print, audiovisual and electronic research materials, a leisure-reading collection, and loaner laptops. It also offers research consultations, instruction and workshops.
  • The library’s Writing and Resource Centre can help you articulate your ideas. Pursue your research in a range of subject areas and scholarly genres, including essay writing, grammar, presentation skills, punctuation, thesis development, and coursework.
  • Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.

UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Find out more about living in residence.

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.