TL;DR: BS Computer Science (BSCS) is a four-year CHED-regulated degree under CMO No. 25, series of 2015, the same policy that governs BSIT and BSIS, built on a minimum 146-unit curriculum covering algorithms, computing theory, and software engineering. BSCS requires a 162-hour internship and a Thesis, versus 486 hours and a Capstone Project for BSIS/BSIT. Neither BS Computer Science nor Computer Engineering has a PRC board exam in the Philippines; a 2023 PRC Freedom of Information response confirmed Computer Engineering "is not among the 45 Professional Regulatory Boards" the agency administers. PSA's 2024 wage survey recorded ₱66,180 to ₱96,360 in average monthly pay for programmer and developer roles, well above the ₱21,544 national average.
BS Computer Science is the most theory-heavy of the three computing degrees CHED regulates, and one of the most confused in casual conversation with both BS Information Technology and, separately, Computer Engineering. This guide breaks down BSCS's actual CHED-prescribed curriculum, how it differs from BSIT and BSIS under the shared policy framework, settles the genuinely confusing question of whether CS or Computer Engineering requires a board exam, and covers tuition and real graduate pay. For the IT-focused sibling degree, see our full BSIT guide.
What Is BS Computer Science?
BS Computer Science (BSCS) is a four-year undergraduate degree governed by CHED Memorandum Order No. 25, series of 2015, "Revised Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS), Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS), and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Programs," the same memorandum that regulates BSIT and BSIS. CHED's program description states BSCS "includes the study of computing concepts and theories, algorithmic foundations and new developments in computing," preparing students "to design and create algorithmically complex software and develop new and effective algorithms for solving computing problems," alongside software engineering standards and practices.
Primary job roles CHED's own PSG lists for BSCS graduates include Software Engineer, Systems Software Developer, Research and Development Computing Professional, Applications Software Developer, and Computer Programmer, with Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Quality Assurance Specialist, and Software Support Specialist as secondary roles.
Disclaimer: curriculum specifics and elective offerings vary by school under CHED's outcomes-based framework. Always confirm the current curriculum with your target school's computer science department.
BSCS vs BSIT vs BSIS: What's the Real Difference?
All three programs fall under CMO No. 25, s. 2015 and share a common computing foundation, but the memorandum itself distinguishes their focus clearly.
| Program | CHED's Stated Focus | Terminal Requirement | Internship Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSCS (Computer Science) | "Algorithmically complex software," new algorithms, computing theory | Thesis | 162 hours |
| BSIT (Information Technology) | Planning, installing, and managing IT infrastructure for organizations | Capstone Project | 486 hours |
| BSIS (Information Systems) | Bridging business processes and information systems | Capstone Project | 486 hours |
BSCS's curriculum should include courses across the ACM Computer Science Curricula 2013 knowledge areas: Algorithms and Complexities, Architecture and Organization, Discrete Structures, Human Computer Interaction, Information Assurance and Security, Networks and Communications, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Software Development Fundamentals, Software Engineering, and Social Issues and Professional Practice. BSIT instead follows the ACM Information Technology Curricula 2008 knowledge areas, weighted toward networking, systems administration, and platform technologies. For the full BSIT-side breakdown, see our BSIT degree guide.
BSCS Curriculum: What Subjects Will You Take?
CHED's CMO No. 25, s. 2015 sets a minimum of 146 units for BSCS.
| Curriculum Component | Minimum Units |
|---|---|
| General Education | 54 |
| Common Courses (shared with BSIT/BSIS) | 18 |
| Professional Courses | 48 |
| Professional Electives | 9 |
| Additional Math Requirement | 3 |
| Physical Education | 8 |
| NSTP | 6 |
| Total | 146 |
(Centers of Excellence for computing may reduce Professional Courses/Electives and the Math Requirement to a combined 48 units instead of 60, for a reduced minimum of 134 units, per the same CMO.)
The six common courses shared across BSCS, BSIT, and BSIS are Introduction to Computing, Computer Programming 1 (Fundamentals of Programming), Computer Programming 2 (Intermediate Programming), Data Structures and Algorithms, Information Management, and Applications Development and Emerging Technologies. CHED's own sample curriculum for BSCS then adds courses named directly in the memorandum: Discrete Structures 1 and 2, Object-Oriented Programming, Algorithms and Complexity, Automata Theory and Formal Languages, Architecture and Organization, Information Assurance and Security, Human Computer Interaction, Networks and Communications, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Software Engineering 1 and 2, Social Issues and Professional Practice, a Practicum, and a two-part CS Thesis Writing sequence. Recommended electives include Computational Science, Graphics and Visual Computing, Parallel and Distributed Computing, Intelligent Systems, and System Fundamentals.
Thesis vs Capstone: BSCS's Extra Requirement
BSCS students are required to complete a Thesis "focused on the theories and concepts of computing in the form of a scientific work," anchored specifically on computer science principles, per CHED's own PSG language. BSIS and BSIT students complete a Capstone Project instead, an applied undertaking such as a business application, an IT infrastructure project, or an information systems plan, that addresses an existing problem or need rather than functioning as a research thesis.
Internship requirements also diverge by program under the same CMO: the minimum is 162 hours for BSCS, compared with 486 hours for BSIS and BSIT, reflecting BSCS's heavier academic/theory weighting versus the more industry-immersion-heavy IT and IS tracks. Students in any of the three programs become eligible to enroll in the internship only after completing 70% of their curriculum's total units.
Disclaimer: while these hour minimums and the Thesis/Capstone split come directly from CHED's CMO No. 25, s. 2015, individual schools may add requirements on top of this floor. Confirm the current thesis and internship policy with your target school.
Does BS Computer Science Have a Board Exam?
No. BS Computer Science does not appear on the Professional Regulation Commission's list of regulated professions, so there is no PRC licensure exam standing between a BSCS graduate and employment. Graduates enter the workforce directly after completing their thesis and required internship hours.
Does Computer Engineering Have a Board Exam?
This is where real confusion sets in, because Computer Engineering sounds like it should be licensed the way Civil or Electronics Engineering is, and it isn't, at least not yet. Per an official Freedom of Information response from the PRC dated October 2023, "Computer Engineering is not among the 45 Professional Regulatory Boards" the Commission administers. There is currently no government-issued board exam or license required to practice as a computer engineer in the Philippines.
In place of state licensure, the Computer Engineering Certification Board (CpECB), a private, SEC-registered organization, offers voluntary industry credentials: Certified Computer Engineer (CCpE) for those with fewer than 10 years of experience who pass its certification exam, and Professional Computer Engineer (PCpE) for those with at least 10 years of practice. These are industry certifications, not government licenses, and are not required to work in the field. Separately, House Bill 3845, the proposed "Computer Engineering Act," remains pending in Congress; if passed, it would establish a formal PRC-administered Computer Engineering Board and licensure exam, but no such board exists as of this writing.
So the honest, plain answer for anyone comparing BSCS, BSIT, and Computer Engineering: none of the three currently has a PRC board exam in the Philippines.
How Much Does BSCS Tuition Cost?
Like BSIT, BSCS tuition ranges widely by school type, with lab and computing-infrastructure fees pushing it slightly above purely lecture-based degrees.
| School Tier | Approx. Tuition (BSCS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State university or college (SUC) | Free under RA 10931 | Subject to admission and retention requirements |
| Private university | ₱25,000–₱60,000+ per semester | Varies by school tier, lab fees, and Metro Manila vs. provincial location |
Disclaimer: tuition figures are approximate ranges and change by school year. Confirm the current rate directly with the admissions office of your target school. See our in-demand courses in the Philippines guide for how BSCS's cost compares with other popular degree choices.
What Jobs Can BSCS Graduates Get?
BSCS graduates commonly start as junior software engineers, applications developers, or QA/testing staff, then move toward senior software engineering, R&D, or specialized roles (machine learning, systems programming) with experience.
| Occupation (by industry) | Average Monthly Wage (PSA, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Applications programmers (insurance/pension) | ₱96,360 |
| Web and multimedia developers (entertainment) | ₱79,064 |
| Applications programmers (telecommunications/IT services) | ₱73,804 |
| Software developers (publishing) | ₱66,180 |
| National average, all occupations | ₱21,544 |
These PSA figures reflect established programmer and developer roles, not fresh-graduate starting pay specifically. SchoolFinderPH's own research on in-demand courses puts typical entry-level IT/CS pay at roughly ₱20,000–₱30,000 per month, rising to ₱40,000–₱65,000 for experienced professionals, while our highest-paying courses roundup shows senior IT/CS roles reaching ₱90,000–₱250,000+ at the top end, driven heavily by global remote work and specialized software roles.
Disclaimer: wage figures are averages across surveyed companies and internal research ranges, not guaranteed starting pay for any individual graduate. Actual offers vary by company size, role, location, and experience.
Which Schools Are Known for BSCS?
Strong BSCS programs are concentrated at research-oriented universities with dedicated computer science departments, including University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University Manila, alongside strong regional programs. See our full best IT schools in the Philippines roundup for a wider list, since program strength varies more by specific faculty and research output than by a single national ranking.
How to Decide If BSCS Is Right for You
Before committing to BSCS over BSIT or BSIS, weigh these questions:
- Do you enjoy theory and math, or hands-on deployment? If you'd rather prove an algorithm's correctness than configure a network, BSCS fits better than BSIT.
- Are you planning graduate study or a research-heavy software career? BSCS's Thesis requirement and algorithm-heavy coursework are the stronger foundation for that path compared to BSIT's Capstone Project.
- Does the board-exam question actually matter to your decision? It shouldn't tip the scale between BSCS and Computer Engineering, since neither currently has one; choose based on curriculum fit instead.
- What strand did you take in senior high? ICT strand students usually have the most direct preparation; see our ICT strand guide for how that pathway lines up with BSCS specifically.
Ready to find the right school? Browse schools or compare tuition and programs across hundreds of Philippine schools on SchoolFinderPH.
Sources
- CHED CMO No. 25, s. 2015 — Revised PSGs for BSCS, BSIS, and BSIT Programs (official document, via Internet Archive)
- Professional Regulation Commission — Freedom of Information response on Computer Engineering Licensure Exam
- Hamnus — The Reality of Professional Recognition for Computer Engineers in the Philippines
- Philippine Statistics Authority — 2024 Occupational Wages Survey
- SchoolFinderPH — BSIT Explained: Subjects, Jobs, and How It Differs from BSCS
- SchoolFinderPH — Best IT Schools in the Philippines
- SchoolFinderPH — In-Demand Courses in the Philippines
- SchoolFinderPH — Highest-Paying Courses in the Philippines
- SchoolFinderPH — ICT Strand Guide
