Computer Science

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Start your application

Program overview

​The Computer Science program provides the bedrock for exciting careers at the forefront of innovation in private industry or entrepreneurship. It helps students build skills and novel ideas for designing and implementing software, as well as developing effective algorithms to solve computing problems and plan and manage organizational technology infrastructures. Cutting-edge companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Autodesk, and Microsoft frequently hire graduates. Alumni are also actively engaged in entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating start-ups.

Completing this program

  • Core Course: Research Methodology in Computer Science.
  • Seminar: Students are required to give a departmental seminar on the results of their research.
  • Software Engineering Specialization: Four additional courses from a list approved by the Department of Computer Science.
  • Additional Courses: May include Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Computer Graphics, Scientific Computing, HCI and Visualization and others.
  • Thesis: Students will complete a thesis based on original research.

Specializations

Software Engineering

Outcomes

Technology sector, business start-ups, computer science research, IT, software development.

A master’s degree in computer science will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

One core course and four electives

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Two years full-time

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.

  1. Placeholder Profile Image

    Usman Alim

    Accepting Inquiries
    Visualization and Computer Graphics
  2. John Aycock

    John Aycock

    Accepting Inquiries
    Systems
  3. Mario Costa Sousa

    Mario Costa Sousa

    Accepting Inquiries
    Interactive Computer Graphics and Visualization
  4. Philip Fong

    Philip Fong

    Seeking Students
  5. Dr Marina Gavrilova

    Dr. Marina Gavrilova

    Accepting Inquiries
    Biometric Technologies Lab Director, SPARCS Lab Director
  6. Majid Ghaderi

    Majid Ghaderi

    Accepting Inquiries
    Computer Networks
  7. Placeholder Profile Image

    Peter Høyer

    Unavailable
    Quantum algorithmics
  8. Christian Jacob

    Christian Jacob

    Accepting Inquiries
    Data Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human
  9. Michael Jacobson Jr

    Michael Jacobson, Jr.

    Accepting Inquiries
    Computational number theory, Public-key cryptography
  10. Frank Maurer

    Frank Maurer

    Accepting Inquiries
    Engineering immersive analytics applications

Admission requirements

GPA

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. Post-degree CS courses may be considered when calculating GPA. Exceptions to GPA requirement may be considered for those with demonstrated research excellence.

Minimum education

Four year degree in computer science or another field with 3rd or 4th year courses in the following areas: Theory of Computation; Software Engineering; Systems (OS, Compilers, Distributed Systems, Networking); Application (AI, Graphics, Databases, etc.).

Work samples

None

Documents

None

Reference letters

Two letters of reference dated within twelve months of the application.

Test scores

Optional: Special consideration will be given to those with GRE scores of at least 600 verbal, 750 quantitative, and 720 analytical (5.5 in the new format). Applicants from outside Canada are expected to apply with GRE scores.

English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

  • TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based). Our institution code is 0813
  • IELTS score of 7.0, or higher (Academic version)
  • MELAB score of 83, or higher
  • PTE score of 68, or higher (Academic version)
  • Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of B,B,B (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: apply by May 1 | submit all supporting documents by June 1
  • International students: apply by Jan 1 | submit all supporting documents by Jan 15

 

For admission on January 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: apply by Sept 1 | submit all supporting documents by Oct 1
  • International students: apply by May 1 | submit all supporting documents by May 15

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Department of Computer Science

602 ICT Building
856 Campus Place NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.3528

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Faculty of Science

University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Science's website

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