Your degree in Computer Science

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Computer Science, you’re learning how to break down complex problems, understand how everything fits together, and propose creative solutions. You’re also developing important technical and professional skills that can be applied in a variety of industries from technology to health care, earth sciences, and many others.

These skills may include:

Ability to break down real-world, high-level problems into simpler components that can be solved and implemented on a computer
Computer coding for maintainable, reusable software
Debugging and testing of information technology systems
Evaluation of the impact of design and implementation choices on computational resources such as time, space, and energy
Effective communication with stakeholders to map domain problems into computational solutions
Development of well-structured computer programs in multiple programming languages and at different scales
Adaptation to new technologies, including computer programming languages, frameworks, and techniques

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including hardware/software manufacturing, graphic design, engineering, health care, insurance, robotics, telecommunications, transportation, consulting, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academic backgrounds, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Artificial intelligence designer
Bioinformatician
Business analyst
Computer programmer
Data scientist
Database administrator
Deep learning engineer
Graphical user interface designer
Graphic designer
Information systems manager
Information technology analyst
IT infrastructure architect
Machine learning scientist
Multimedia developer

Network support analyst
Product manager
Programmer analyst
Project manager
Quality assurance analyst
Robotics technologist
Software developer
Software engineer
Software tester
Teacher/Professor
Technical sales representative
User experience designer
Video game developer
Website developer

Make the most of your specialization

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

UBC Computer Science website
Check out career workshops, volunteer and mentorship opportunities, job postings, co-op info, and more.
UBC Computer Science Student Society
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and volunteering.
Western Canada’s largest hackathon
Participate in a hackathon in term 2 and meet industry professionals at nwHacks.
UBC Launch Pad
Meet other tech enthusiasts in this student-run software engineering team.
UBC Competitive Programming Team
Challenge yourself alongside other students in an international algorithmic programming competition.
UBC Emerging Media Lab
Attend a workshop or become a volunteer in emerging technologies, such as virtual reality.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
ACM Student Research Competition
Present your original research at this international student conference in term 2 and receive cash prizes and awards
Mitacs Globalink Research Award
Apply to participate in 12 to 24-week research projects overseas.
#BCTECHSummit
Attend the conference, do some industry networking, or join an innovation challenge.
Major League Hacking
Check out upcoming hackathons and job opportunities.
Global Game Jam Vancouver
In term 2, attend the largest game jam event taking place around the world.
BC Game Jam
Join other developers and game enthusiasts to create video games based on a given theme in term 2.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Computer Science graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.