Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, an Institute of Eminence and a top ranked engineering college announced on Sep 12 that it has collaborated with Coursera, to launch an online Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Computer Science.
The degree requires no entrance exam and is open to students from diverse profiles, including those without a science or significant mathematics background. Anyone with a class 12 or its equivalent qualifications can apply. To maximize flexibility, students can take up to six years to complete this three-year degree. This will enable flexibility for learners to pursue the programme while working or along with pursuing any other degree programme. The programme also features an intermediate exit option of a diploma, which students can earn in about two years.
Designed to serve Indian and global audiences, BITS Pilani’s B.Sc degree will expand access to high-quality computer science education. The programme’s job-relevant curriculum, designed with inputs from various industry partners, will empower learners to develop advanced skills in software development, data analysis, and core systems, alongside leadership and soft skills.
This degree is the first bachelor’s degree from an Indian institute on Coursera, it is priced at Rs 3 lakh for Indian students and from USD 4000-6000 for Diaspora and foreign students
“We are honoured to partner with BITS Pilani as it reimagines a B.Sc degree for a digital future,” said Betty Vandenbosch, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “Through our partnership, we are opening up access to this premiere institute at an unprecedented scale — enabling more students to earn this highly sought-after computer science degree in a flexible, affordable way.”
“Our collaboration with Coursera gives us the platform to help ensure that our aspirational degree programmes are readily accessible to a large and diverse audience, irrespective of locational or other constraints.” said Prof. G Sundar, Director, Off Campus Programmes and Industry Engagement, BITS Pilani. “This collaboration will enable BITS Pilani to help address the need for equitable growth of the pool of technology talent across the country and the globe. This also empowers learners with knowledge and skills, which are highly valued by the IT industry, and serves to provide Indian institutions as major providers of high quality education, internationally as well.”
Accessibility to pursue education from anywhere
The 100% online programme can be accessed from anywhere in the world. By leveraging virtual and cloud labs, learners will apply their skills using simulations and real-world environments
Student support system and access to BITS Pilani’s alumni network
The degree prioritises building a digital network, using Zoom and Slack. Students will connect with peers around the globe in digital study groups and group projects. There will also be periodic live sessions so that students can connect with BITS Pilani’s faculty and peers in real-time. When needed, learners will be able to access career services, including CV reviews and job-interview preparations.
Upon graduation, students will gain access to the institute’s illustrious alumni network — a community that has spawned 900+ startups and 13 unicorns, including Zeta, MPL, Swiggy, BigBasket, and Groww.
Online applications open
Students can apply starting today, Sep 12, 2022, for the first cohort that begins in November 2022. The last date to apply is Nov 15, 2022. For details of the programme and to start the application, please visit https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bachelor-of-science-computer-science-bits.
