CURRENT Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Computing Science
Admission to a post baccalaureate diploma in computing science is available for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. For information about the program's general regulations, refer to Continuing Studies.
Requirements:
All students must complete an approved program consisting of at least 30 credit hours which include the following:
CMPT 300-3 Operating Systems I
CMPT 307-3 Data Structures and Algorithms
CMPT 354-3 Database Systems and Structures
additional upper division computing science courses and/or computing science graduate courses (with instructor's consent) totalling at least 12 credit hours.
any other upper division courses listed in the Simon Fraser University Calendar to bring the total to at least 30 credit hours.
Courses must be selected in consultation with a program advisor so that the student achieves a coherent program of study. The student is responsible for satisfying the prerequisites of courses in the program. This may entail taking more or all courses listed in the lower division requirements of the major in computing science (depending upon the student's prior transcript).
PROPOSED administrative changes for the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Computing Science
Potential audience for a revised diploma:
students who have a degree that is not adequate for entering into the graduate program.
students who have completed a computing science degree more than 10 years ago would like to complete a refresher credential.
recent immigrants whose education is not accepted in Canada. Under the current rules, these potential students are unable to complete a second degree in the same discipline as their first degree.
Suggestions:
Alter the INTENTION of the Post Baccalaureate Diploma to allow greater flexibility in course work to be completed:
to allow students to meet the requirements for graduate studies but preserve the option of completing a credential should they choose not to continue with graduate work.
For example: Where students have an inadequate mathematics foundation for graduate work, the program requirements could include both lower and upper level math courses (MACM 101, 201, 316, MATH 151, 152, 232, 308). The current post bac does NOT include lower level requirements; only the completion of preqs (or waive) before taking the upper level course work.
to allow students to refresh their computing knowledge and still leave the door open for future graduate studies.
This would require no change in the current Post Baccalaureate Diploma but administratively, there would need to be a confirmation that students can be admitted to this diploma if they already have a cmpt degree.
After confirming this will be allowed by Senate regulations, new immigrant students with a computing science degree, can gain a Canadian credential that will allow them to work within their field of training.
This is not going to increase our DTO numbers as confirmed with Rob. Rob, alternatively, suggested we promote a CMPT BA as a second degree for these students and THAT warrants looking into.
Summary of Advantages:
Good for somebody looking for enhancement of a degree completed more than ten years ago.
Qualifying students for the graduate program are always having difficulty registering for courses and this program could make it easier for them.
It is an alternative to the second degree program; for those who have too much computing or no real need for a second degree.
Part-time students could take this program. Course scheduling could be in sync with this program so there may be more seats filled in the evening courses, hence, improvement of our FTEs per semester.
Notable changes in Administration of the new PBD
To simplify the recruiting process, approval to the PBD could be handled through the registrar’s office on admission. This would be subject to specific criteria for CGPA on the completed degree. The actual program of study would be designed by a committee reviewer.
The admission to the PBD has been closed as of two years ago, and therefore will need to be reopened.