What Programs and Areas of Study Does BCIT Offer?

Updated

BCIT offers practical, applied education across six main study areas: Applied & Natural Sciences, Business & Media, Computing & IT, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Trades & Apprenticeship. Within those areas you can study through full-time programs, Flexible Learning (part-time) options, or short microcredentials. The right path depends on whether you want a credential to launch a career, upgrade skills while working, or sample a subject before committing.

The six main areas of study

BCIT organizes its programming into these fields:

Area of study What it generally covers
Applied & Natural Sciences Applied science and natural science disciplines
Business & Media Business programs plus media and production fields
Computing & IT Computing and information technology
Engineering Engineering disciplines
Health Sciences Health-related fields
Trades & Apprenticeship Skilled trades and apprenticeship training

This structure matters because it tells you where to look first. If your interest is, say, media production, you'd browse Business & Media rather than Engineering.

Full-time programs vs. Flexible Learning

BCIT draws a clear line between two ways to study:

  • Full-time programs — you apply to a program and study on a set schedule. This suits people who want an immersive credential, such as a diploma or degree, and can commit to full-time study.
  • Flexible Learning — part-time options designed for people who need to fit study around work or other commitments. This is the route to check if you can't attend full-time.

The distinction is practical, not cosmetic: it changes how you apply, how you schedule your studies, and how long completion takes. Decide which mode fits your life before choosing a specific program.

Microcredentials and shorter study

BCIT also offers microcredentials — short, focused credentials you can use to build or refresh skills, including for your resume. If you want a targeted skill rather than a multi-year program, this is the option to explore. Browse the microcredentials listing to see what's currently offered.

How to browse programs and check availability

  1. Start with "View Programs & Courses" on the BCIT site to see the full catalog.
  2. Narrow by area of study using the six fields above.
  3. Check program availability — BCIT provides a "View program availability" entry point, so confirm a program is open before you invest time in applying.
  4. Apply to a full-time program if that's your route, or explore Flexible Learning options if you need part-time study.
  5. Use the AI Assist tool if you want help finding your way around the catalog.

If you're still deciding

  • Attend an Info Session — BCIT runs these, including area-specific ones such as Business & Media sessions.
  • Register for Big Info — a broader information event.
  • Book a tour or spend a day as a student to see the environment firsthand.
  • Connect with an Advisor if you have questions that the catalog doesn't answer.

These options are useful when you know your general interest but not the exact program — for example, if you're drawn to Business & Media but unsure whether a diploma or a microcredential is the better starting point.

A note on what makes BCIT different

BCIT describes itself as different from a college or university, offering practical, flexible, applied education taught by instructors with direct, hands-on experience in their field. That framing is worth keeping in mind when comparing programs: the emphasis is on applied skills and industry-relevant training rather than a purely academic approach.