Program information
Find out how Computer Science complements Arts disciplines, and discover how to use your artistic creativity with technology to benefit society. Learn how to use and improve computers while you explore topics such as databases and operating systems, software engineering, security, web development, and numerical methodology. You鈥檒l also learn about specialty areas such as computational intelligence, bioinformatics, and computer graphics and animation.
What you'll learn
This program provides students with an opportunity to complement their Arts degree with a core of Computer Science courses specific to their interests. This program would appeal to students interested both in computer science and visual arts (game or website design), psychology (programming for cognitive science, psychology, and human and computer interactions), English (technical writing), languages (automation of text translation), philosophy (computer ethics), or law (information security and privacy, and forensics).
Experiential learning and research
The Capstone Software Engineering Project allows you to develop software for an actual client as part of a student team. In addition, the computer science program offers directed studies, where you can take part in the maintenance of a large software system, conduct supervised readings, and complete independent research projects. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science holds an annual undergraduate research conference on UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Computer Science (BA). Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to computer skills (electronic communication, websites, Internet, document editing, programming, data analysis using spreadsheets/databases) and concepts (information representation, abstraction, algorithmic thinking).
Online social networks and digital social media. Social media platforms, channels, and software tools. Graph-theoretic and game-theoretic foundation of network analysis and network science. Network metrics and evaluation. Computational, economic, and social aspects of social media.
Techniques for computation, analysis, and visualization of data using software. Manipulation of small and large data sets. Automation using scripting. Real-world applications from life sciences, physical sciences, economics, engineering, or psychology.
Design and implementation of parallel programs including theoretical computer models, parallel architectures (distributed, multicore, GPU), and standard parallel libraries.
Outcomes
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“Coming out of high school, I knew I absolutely loathed physics, wanted to avoid math at all costs, and loved solving complex problems with computer science. As such, finding out about the Computer Science major in the Bachelor of Arts at 糖心logo入口was monumental for me because it meant that I could tailor my degree to prioritize my strengths and help me avoid my weaknesses.”
Peter I., Bachelor of Arts in Computer ScienceRead Peter's story
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the聽English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the 糖心logo入口Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you鈥檙e unable to visit 糖心logo入口in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current 糖心logo入口students walk you through UBC鈥檚 residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Computer Science (BA).