Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Get ready for a career in tech
Are you passionate about technology and problem-solving? With VIU's Computer Science Diploma, you'll learn the skills to land entry-level jobs in information technology (IT). You can work toward a career in IT support or software development. You could even start your own IT business. This diploma gives you a foundation to join the IT workforce in only two years.
Why study computer science at VIU?
In this computer science program, you work on real projects and gain practical experience in many of the courses. You learn a project-based approach, and you'll enter the workforce with the skills employers look for.
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Career opportunities with a computer science diploma
There's never been a better time to study computer science. This diploma opens doors to many exciting careers in technology in BC and beyond, including.
- IT support
- programmer
- software developer
- small business owner
About the Computer Science Diploma program
In this program you gain practical skills working with a computer and build a solid foundation for working in computer-related fields. VIU computer science programs are designed in accordance with the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) accreditation standards.
In the program you learn:
- software development principles, practical and theoretical
- computer systems, hardware and software
- database systems and applications
The program includes electives, and we recommend you take business courses that useful in the computing industry.
Courses and Concentrations
Students are required to complete all of the courses listed in all three tables, but the courses in the third table can be completed at any time. Normally, students complete two of these courses in First Year, and the other three in the following year.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 112 - (Applications Programming) | 3 |
| CSCI 115 - (Web Page Techniques) | 3 |
| CSCI 159 - (Computer Science I) | 4 |
| CSCI 161 - (Computer Science II) | 4 |
| CSCI 162 - (Topics in Computer Science) | 3 |
| CSCI 251 - (Systems and Networks) | 3 |
| MATH 121 - (Calculus I) | 4 |
| MATH 123 - (Logic and Foundations) | 3 |
| Additional required courses (see below) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CSCI 260 - (Data Structures) | 4 |
| CSCI 265 - (Software Engineering) | 3 |
| CSCI 310 - (Intro to Human-Computer Interaction) | 3 |
| CSCI 311 - (Web Programming) or CSCI 375 - (Intro to Systems Analysis) | 3-4 |
| CSCI 331 - (Object Oriented Programming) | 3 |
| CSCI 370 - (Database Systems) | 3 |
| CSCI 400 - (Computers and Society) | 3 |
| Additional required courses (see below) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 31-32 |
| Additional Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| In addition to the above courses, students must complete the following courses. The courses can be completed at any time, but must be completed before the diploma is awarded. | |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| Computer Science Elective (200-level or above)* | 3 |
| Electives** | 6
|
* Students intending on continuing into the B.Sc. Major in Computer Science should take CSCI 261 - (Computer Architecture & Assembly Language)
** Recommended electives include ACCT 100 - (Financial Accounting I), MGMT 192 - (Principles of Management), MGMT 292 - (Organizational Behaviour)
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Minimum “B” grade in Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12, or equivalent.
Notes on Admission
- Applicants lacking admission requirements may take upgrading courses. Please check with an Advisor for details.
- Students may complete some of the courses before enrolling in the diploma program.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
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 $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) | 310.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type) | 1,300.00 |
| Total | 7,330.74 |
* The above table is an example of fees for 30 credits. Students taking more than, or less than, 30 credits should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 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 $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) | 310.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type) | 1,300.00 |
| Total | 26,711.94 |
* The above table is an example of fees for 30 credits. Students taking more than, or less than, 30 credits should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
September 2, 2025. The Computer Science Diploma program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Karen Cheung Email: Karen.Cheung@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Huizhu Lui Email: Huizhu.Liu@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Students must submit official interim or final grades to determine eligibility upon applying. Final document deadline for conditional acceptance: July 31, 2025 |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
Fall 2025
Application Fee:
$153.00
Waitlist:
Yes
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 Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve-basis. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca |
|||
Beyond the Computer Science Diploma
With this diploma you have the option of moving into the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. All the credits you earn in the diploma can be used towards the full degree.
Learn more about the diploma
For more details on how the Computer Science Diploma can help you launch your tech career, visit the department page.