Post Baccalaureate Professional Computer Science Degree (BCS)

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Post Baccalaureate Professional Computer Science Degree (BCS)

What Will I Learn in the BCS Degree Program?

A post-baccalaureate computer science degree (BCS) is a comprehensive program designed to teach you all the technology skills required for a B.S. degree in Computer Science.  This includes programming, software design, theory, and computer architecture. Ideal for career changers, the degree focuses on giving students the foundational knowledge to succeed in the field. Students master core programming skills and the critical thinking necessary for data structures and algorithms. The curriculum also dives into practical areas like software engineering principles, computer systems, and key concepts in databases and networking. Graduates are prepared either to immediately pursue jobs as software developers and engineers or to confidently transition into a graduate-level Master's program. 

 BCS Degree Courses

The curriculum focuses heavily on software engineering, teaching you data structures, object-oriented design, and collaborative development skills. Additionally, you'll gain expertise in computer architecture, from Unix/Linux systems to operating systems. You will gain deep programming experience, as well as expertise in computer science theory and ethics. 

Degree Requirements

University Core

At University of Portland, the Core Curriculum enhances your Computer Engineering minor with liberal arts courses that sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making skills, preparing you to analyze data with precision and purpose.

The Core

Careers and Outcomes

If you are already in a role that requires software engineering skills, the BCS degree has a distinct advantage over a Computer Science master’s degree.  You will be learning programming fundamentals that are immediately valuable to a software-related career.  And you can finish the BCS Degree in half the time. This program empowers you to take your career in a new direction by adding a full complement of computer science skills to your existing bachelor’s degree.  You can complete this program in only one year (two semesters). 

BCS Degree Jobs

With a BCS Degree, you could pursue careers like:

  • Software Developer
  • Data Scientist
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer
  • Systems Architect
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Game Developer
  • Mobile App Developer
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The UP Difference

Take a closer look at what makes University of Portland stand out.  

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Engineering Program in Oregon, Money Magazine 

Average Engineering Class Size 

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%

of Students Receive Financial Aid or Scholarships

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Ready to Pivot into Tech?

In UP’s post-baccalaureate computer science program, you will develop deep programming experience and master data structures, all while examining computer science theory and ethics. You’ll be prepared for high-demand careers in virtually every industry, making it a valuable investment for the future.

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