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Applied Computer Science (BACS)

Apply computational thinking to solve real-world problems.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Locations
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Major

Why choose this program?

Learn the skills to design, manage and deploy complex technologies within organizations. By learning to lead teams that analyze and tackle problems, you can help organizations overcome challenges and succeed in today’s increasingly connected digital world. 

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

  • Overall average final grade of 70%
  • Academic math – final grade of min. 65% 
  • Grade 12 English – final grade of min. 65%
  • 3 additional acceptable university-prep courses – final grade of min. 60%

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

The Bachelor of Applied Computer Science is offered for full- time study on the Halifax Campus. You can also choose to begin your first year of study on the Agricultural Campus in Truro as part of the Truro Start program.  

You can follow along with our suggested course schedules, or you can tailor your degree and experience by choosing from a range of options including co-op, certificates and minor options, or diving into innovation and the world of emerging technologies. 

You’ll have the opportunity to gain work experience through co-op placements with companies like Microsoft, CGI, IBM, the Government of Canada and Ubisoft and earn up to $10,000 per work term. 


The following Applied Computer Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Computer Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Applied Computer Science 

  • Bachelor of Applied Computer Science with Co-op

  • Minors in a range of subjects from the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Management, Science, and the College of Sustainability.

What you will learn

Develop solutions to real-world problems using technology. By taking courses in computer science and management, you’ll learn to combine a deep understanding of technology with problem-solving, communications, and business skills. You'll analyze problems, manage and lead teams to tackle those problems, and communicate solutions and opportunities back to the wider organization. 

Sample courses may include:

 

  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Introduction to Web Design and Development
  • Society and Technology Before Automation

  • Communication Skills: Written and Oral 

  • Data Structures and Algorithms 

  • Software Development 

  • Introduction to Database Systems

  • Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Computer Science 

  • Introduction to Software Engineering 

  • Designing User Interfaces 

  • Network Computing  

  • Human Computer Interaction 

  • Advanced Database Systems 

  • Information Retrieval 

  • Cloud Computing  

By the end of your degree, you will have the technical and practical skills that all organizations need to succeed in today’s digital workplace 

Careers

Choosing Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie opens you up to a world of opportunity and is key to finding effective solutions in a range of fields — from business and science to entertainment and medicine. 

Future studies may include programs at the graduate level in applied computer science, computer science, and digital innovation.