Blockchain Graduate Training Path

Students who are enrolled in Master of Library Information Studies (MLIS), Master of Archival Studies (MAS), Dual and PhD degrees who have an interest in applying the Graduate Training Pathway will tackle fundamental information management issues relating to emerging technology via in-depth multidisciplinary study. Students who wish to participate in this program must apply and be admitted to the MAS, MLIS, Dual and PhD programs following the procedures from UBC iSchool.

Students who are enrolled in Master of Science in Business Administration (MSc.) and PhD degrees who have an interest in applying the Graduate Training Pathway will engage in fundamental technical issues in relation to emerging technology through intensive multidisciplinary study. Students who wish to participate in this program must first apply and be admitted to the Sauder School of Business MSc or PhD programs following the procedures from UBC Sauder School of Business.

Students who are enrolled in Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) and PhD degrees who have an interest in applying to the Graduate Training Pathway will research fundamental technical issues related to Blockchain through multidisciplinary study. Students who wish to participate in this program must first apply and be admitted to the Computer Science MSc or PhD programs following the procedures from UBC Computer Science.

Students who are enrolled in Master of Applied Science (MASc.) and PhD degrees will engage in fundamental technical issues in connection to this developing technology though detailed multidisciplinary study. Students who wish to participate in this program must apply and be admitted to the MASc and PhD programs. Please note that students admitted to the MEL and MEng may be admitted upon approval of a personalized study plan by the MEL or MEng Program Director and the Director of the Blockchain and Decentralized Trust Technologies Specialization.

If I join a Master's program during Spring Term, will I be able to join the Blockchain Graduate Pathway?
Yes. You can. You will start your first course in the spring term, but will only officially join the pathway in the fall. We admit students to the pathway on an annual basis.

When and how the classes (12-credits) are conducted? In-person or virtual class, during Summer or Weekends, full-time or part-time?
Before Covid 19, all the classes were conducted in person. During Covid 19, the classes are being held virtually with the schedule that best accommodates international students’ schedules. After Covid 19, we will be back to in-person classes. All the classes take place on weekdays. 

What are these 12-credits courses?
Currently, the courses are:
Foundations in Blockchain (3 credits)
Blockchain Software Engineering (3 credits) for students with an engineering background /Blockchain For Information Professionals (3 credits) for students with a social science background
Blockchain-pro Seminar (3 credits)
And one 3 credit elective course that we decide upon with your primary academic supervisor

Will these 12-credits courses accumulate towards my master's degree total credits or replacing some of my master's degree courses?
Yes, the courses will accumulate towards your master's degree total credits, but they may not replace the required courses in your master's degree. You will need to check with your primary supervisor as to which courses,
if any, may replace master's degree courses you would normally be required to take. At the time of admission, we usually meet with your primary supervisor to agree on your program of study in a way that best supports your learning objectives and we document
this in a student record form so that everyone is clear on the courses to be taken and work to be completed for the degree.

Will students receive a program certificate upon completion?
After the student finishes all the courses and the research internship, he or she will receive a certificate of completion.

Are there any fees for this 12-credit non-degree training program?
No. The program is funded by the NSERC CREATE grant. Students do not have to pay any additional fees. In fact, all students are eligible for financial assistance up to 25,000CAD

What the academic timeline is of the program. When do the courses have to be taken and when does the internship have to be taken? 

The Blockchain Graduate Pathway usually admits new students in the spring of each academic year, and newly admitted students begin their program in the fall term. Students take four courses during the program, Foundations of Blockchain, Blockchain Software Engineering/Blockchain For Information Professionals (depending on the student’s background), Blockchain Pro Seminar, and one elective course agreed by the pathway and the student’s home program.

These courses may be offered in different semesters. Students are encouraged to take the courses in a manner that accommodates their home program and overall study plan. As students have different home programs and study plans, when the courses are taken depends on individual circumstances. The internship usually takes place in the summer of the first academic year for Master's students, while Ph.D. students can do the internship at a later date. On average, students can expect to complete all the courses and internship within a year and a half, while some students are able to complete the program in less than a year.