This week is the start of the last term of my 2-year program (Computer Systems Technology aka CST aka programming) here at BCIT. It’s been a long, but enjoyable journey and I still have about 5 months to go. The nice thing about being in our final term, is our work load is supposed to be a little bit less hectic than our previous terms. Some people don’t seem to understand the sort of work load we BCIT students get, but if you are looking to take a course/program at BCIT, don’t underestimate it 
After my first 2 years on this program I will have accumulated 124 credits (give or take), whereas I have heard that say the 4-year Computer Science program has you walk away with that amount of credits. We typically have between 6-8 courses each term (or semester). Of course we have homework and assignments to match too! Granted, we do a lot more hands-on work which is great! I am enjoying it, I have had my shares of struggle, but the end is near. I am looking forward to joining the work force again.
This final term for my 2-year program consists of the following:
- Data Communications (my option) – COMP 4981, COMP 4985
- This covers TCP/IP, UDP protocols in both Windows and Linux environments. We utilize the C language.
- Computer Graphics – COMP 4560
- Theory on computer graphics, both 2D and 3D. Math and Programming
- Internet Software Development – COMP 4711
- Utilizing PHP, XML, and the MVC Framework CodeIgnitor
- Operating Systems – COMP 4735
- Theory (with some programming) on how OSes are implemented and such
- Computers and the Law – BLAW 3600
- Mainly Canadian Law and how it affects the Computer Industry
- Industry Project
- This doesn’t start till May, but goes for 6 weeks – We take on a program from an external company
So there is my current course list. I left out our PE (Physical Education) as it only occurs once a week for 50mins, which really isn’t very much but I guess it is supposed to get us out of our computer chairs and be more social?
Do I plan on continuing my education after I graduate? Sure, I would like to see how I can juggle a course here and there part-time. I can take the following 7 years to complete the last 2 years for my Bachelor degree. I have to look into how many courses I would have to take to complete it within the specified time.
Would I recommend the CST program to someone else? I would recommend it to one who is looking to go to school to learn programming. With this particular program, you can even start it with little to no computer experience.
Why did I take CST program? When I graduated from highschool (13-14 years ago) I wanted to enroll in the program then. Unfortunately, my highschool grades were not good enough to get into the program and I did not really know about being able to upgrade (silly eh?). When I was laid off a few years ago, the job postings I kept looking into all required that I had some sort of schooling, either a diploma or degree and related experience. I had related experience, but every one required some sort of schooling to back up the knowledge. I took an English competency exam and upgraded my Math and was accepted into the program.
Why take the program at BCIT? Their 2-year program allowed me to get a diploma and get back into the workforce sooner (my plan anyway). With the previous program I took at BCIT (Electrical and Industrial Electronics) I knew they were a hands-on institution, which is what I excel at. I love getting my hands dirty and playing with things and knowing I would get to actually do more programming than theory (we have had lots of theory) I knew it would be best for my learning style.
So there you have it. I’m in the final stretch of my diploma program and looking forward to the end. I’m used to being in school and living a student life (in a way) and I know it will be a transition to go back full-time work. I miss work quite a bit actually, and I hope to get a position somewhere where I can utilize not only what I have learned at BCIT for programming, but utilize other skills I have picked up during my adventure of life.