Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
Cutting-edge companies such as Google and Apple have sought out graduates of the Computer Science program, which aims to give students the skills they need for careers ranging from private industry to academic positions at advanced research centres and universities. It helps students build skills and novel ideas for designing and implementing software, as well as find new ways to use computers, develop effective algorithms to solve computing problems, and plan and manage organizational technology infrastructure. As a program that usually takes about four years for an MSc graduate to complete, the degree requires course work, a single-authored scientific paper, and an oral candidacy exam, as well as submission and successful defense of a thesis.
Completing this program
- Core Course: Research Methodology in Computer Science.
- Seminar: Students will conduct a department seminar presentation based on their research.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
- Additional Courses: May include Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Computer Graphics, Scientific Computing, HCI and Visualization and others.
- Candidacy: Students will complete a research proposal, scientific paper and oral candidacy exams.
Outcomes
Technology sector, business start-ups, computer science research, academia, IT, software development.
A PhD in computer science is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Four 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.
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Accepting InquiriesVisualization and Computer Graphics -
Accepting InquiriesSystems -
Accepting InquiriesInteractive Computer Graphics and Visualization -
Seeking Students -
Accepting InquiriesBiometric Technologies Lab Director, SPARCS Lab Director -
Accepting InquiriesComputer Networks -
Seeking StudentsSocial Computing, Inclusive Design -
Accepting InquiriesQuantum algorithmics
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Accepting InquiriesData Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human -
Accepting InquiriesComputational number theory, Public-key cryptography
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
A thesis-based MSc., or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Work samples
None
Documents
- None
Reference letters
Two reference letters from within the 12-month period prior to 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.
Additional Requirements
Students are required to have completed 3rd or 4th year undergraduate courses in each of the following areas:
- Theory of Computation
- Software Engineering
- Systems (Operating Systems, Compilers)
- Application (Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Databases, etc.)
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (no less than 70 on reading and writing sections).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in writing courses.
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
Faculty of Science
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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