Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science offers opportunities for study leading to a bachelor's degree in Arts. Admission to the Major or Minor is not automatic and must be approved by the Department. Students may apply for admission to the Major or Minor in Computer Science upon attaining second year status (completion of 27 credits). Applying for the Major or Minor as soon as possible is suggested.

The Department accepts applications in April from current UBC Arts students. For application forms and further information regarding admission and continuation requirements, please see Computer Science Undergraduates.

For information on advanced degrees, see graduate Computer Science.

Major in Computer Science

Lower-level requirements

  • CPSC_V 110 (or 103 and 107)1 and 121
  • MATH_V 100 or 102 or 104 (or 180 or 184 or 120 or 110)
  • MATH_V 101 or 103 or 105 (or 121)
  • CPSC_V 210, 213, and 221
  • 6 credits from MATH_V 200, 221, STAT_V 200, 251

Upper-level requirements

  • CPSC_V 310, 313, 320
  • 12 credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 300 or higher
  • 9 credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 400 or higher2,3

1While CPSC_V 110 is the recommended route for students pursuing a specialization in Computer Science, CPSC_V 103 and 107 may be taken in its place.

2Every student must complete at least 3 credits from 400-level CPSC_V courses defined as lecture-based.

3Credits gained from undergraduate Student-Directed Seminars (CPSC_V 490) cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

Honours in Computer Science

Lower-level requirements

  • CPSC_V 110 (or 103 and 107)1
  • CPSC_V 121
  • MATH_V 100 (or one of 102, 104, 180, 184, 110, 120)
  • MATH_V 101 (or one of 103, 105, 121)
  • CPSC_V 2102, 213, and 221
  • One of MATH_V 200, 221; STAT_V 200, 201, 251

Upper-level requirements

  • CPSC_V 310, 313, 320
  • CPSC_V 349, 4493
  • 15 credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 300 or higher
  • 12 credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 400 or higher4,5


1 While CPSC_V 110 is the recommended route for students pursuing a specialization in Computer Science, CPSC_V 103 and 107 may be taken in its place.
2 Students pursuing a Co-op option in Computer Science are advised to also take CPSC_V 210 in their first year or in the summer following their first year. Co-op students will then be in a position to take one or both of CPSC_V 221 and CPSC_V 213 in term 1 of second year before going out on a Co-op work term.
3 Taken in fourth year. Students who have completed a research intensive experience in a computer science field may be allowed to waive this requirement. Examples of research intensive experiences include full time summer internships in a research laboratory or Undergraduate Student Research Awards. If this requirement is waived, the student must take 6 additional credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 400 or higher.
4 Every student must complete at least 3 credits from 400-level CPSC_V courses defined as lecture-based.
5 Credits gained from undergraduate Student-Directed Seminars (CPSC_V 490) cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

Minor in Computer Science

Lower-level requirements

  • CPSC_V 110 (or 103 and 107)1 and 121
  • MATH_V 100 or 102 or 104 (or 180 or 184 or 120 or 110)
  • MATH_V 101 or 103 or 105 (or 121)
  • CPSC_V 210 and 2212

Upper-level requirements

  • 18 credits of CPSC_V courses numbered 300 or higher

1While CPSC_V 110 is the recommended route for students pursuing a program in Computer Science, CPSC_V 103, 107 may be taken in its place.

2Several upper-level CPSC_V courses have CPSC_V 213 as pre-requisite. Students who want to take one or more of them will need CPSC_V 213 as well.


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