Computer Science (MSc, PhD)
We live in the digital age. Modern technology has made the world faster and more connected. Most industries rely on data and software programs. As a result, computer science impacts everything, from scientific research to health development, transport, banking, communications, and more.
Our graduate programs in computer science focus on six main research areas:
- Artificial intelligence and deep learning
- Data science and data analytics
- Human-centred computing and computational media
- Software engineering
- Systems, communication, and cybersecurity
- Theoretical computer science
The University of Regina's graduate degrees in Computer Science are accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council (CSAC). The Department of Computer Science was one of the first four departments in Canada to be accredited in 1982. We are the only computer science department in Canada to have been accredited continuously since then.
We offer the following graduate programs:
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science (thesis-based)
]Students taking the Master's thesis route must pursue research supported by the Computer Science department. This program requires 15 credits of coursework as well as 15 credits of thesis research as well as the thesis defense. Two non-credit Computer Science seminar presentations are also required.
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science (project-based)
The project-based Master’s route requires 21 credits of coursework, 9 credits of professionally-oriented project research, and the project report, presentation, and defense. Two non-credit Computer Science seminar presentations are also required.
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science (Data Science) (course-based)
The Master's program in Data Science consists of 30 credits of coursework. In this full-time program, students learn about data-focused programming, along with foundational concepts in the data science lifecycle, statistics, and machine learning. Advanced topics on applied machine learning, big data analytics, cloud computing, and methods for communicating about data science projects will be covered. The program will conclude with a professionally-focused seminar series and a capstone project.
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science (Human-Centred Computing) (course-based)
The Master's program in Human-Centred Computing consists of 30 credits of coursework. In this full-time program, students learn about human-computer interaction theories and principles, methods for the design and implementation of software interfaces, and techniques for evaluating software with human subjects. Advanced topics on computer graphics, animation, mobile computing, virtual and augmented reality, and information visualization will be covered. The program will conclude with a professionally-focused seminar series and a capstone project.
Doctorate (PhD) in Computer Science
Students must hold a thesis-based Master of Science in Computer Science to be eligible for this program.
The doctoral program consists of at least 9 credit hours of course work and 51 credit hours of research resulting in the defense of a dissertation. The major portion of the program consists of original research under the guidance of a supervisory committee. Two non-credit Computer Science seminar presentations are also required. Successful completion of the doctoral program requires a minimum of three years.
Some programs have the option of part-time graduate study.
Computer Science Meet Your Faculty
Quick Facts
Why Study Computer Science at the University of Regina?
Our faculty and students contribute to the worldwide research effort in computer science, by inventing new ways of applying computation to human problems, analyzing the effectiveness of computational techniques, and testing them in applications. Past researchers have contributed to fundamental advances in animating plant growth and motion, and current researchers are contributing in multiple areas.
The U of R’s Computer Science graduate programs involve interdepartmental, multi-institutional and inter-institutional collaboration that attracts graduate students and faculty members from all over the world.
A Choice of Routes - Thesis, Project, or Course-based
Master’s students have the choice of three program routes: thesis, project or coursed-based. The course-based Master of Science provides the choice of two areas of study: Data Science or Human-Centred Computing.
Accreditation
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Regina was one of the first four departments in Canada to be accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council in 1982 and is the only Computer Science department in Canada to have been accredited continuously since then.
Expert Faculty Members
Our faculty members are high-achieving, award-winning teachers and researchers. Our distinguished professors include Dr. Sandra Zilles, the U of R’s Canada Research Chair in Computational Learning Theory.
Our faculty research interests include:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Knowledge discovery in databases and data mining
- Enviromatics and ethics
- Temporal representation and reasoning
- Robot motion planning
- Computer animation and software engineering
- Design and analysis of algorithms and computational geometry
- Bayesian networks and computational learning theory
- Computer and communication networks
Co-op Work Terms
Co-op work terms provide you with career-related work experience, job search skills, and a higher chance of obtaining full-time employment upon graduation.
A co-op designation can be added to the Master of Science in Computer Science programs, with the following requirements:
- You must be registered full-time in the Computer Science program
- You must complete at least two U of R 800 level Computer Science courses before applying for the co-op program
- You must obtain a minimum grade point average of 80 per cent
Students in the Data Science or Human-Centred Computing programs who want to pursue Co-op must complete specific program courses before they can begin any Co-op work terms.
Attaining a Co-op work term is a competitive process through the Centre for Experiential and Service Learning. Acceptance to a Co-op work term is subject to the approval of the Co-op Grad Coordinator.
Facilities
The facilities in computer science include:
- aRMADILo Lab
- Animation Software Design Lab
- Computer Graphics Lab
- Computational Learning Theory Lab
- Constraint Processing Lab
- Data Mining Lab
- Granular Computing/Web Based Support Systems Lab
- Online Auction Research Lab
- Regina Integrative Cognitive Experimentation (RICE) Lab
- Rough Set Technology Lab
- Web Intelligence Lab
Computer Science Frequently Asked Questions
For admission to the Master of Science programs, you must have a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science with an overall average of at least 70 per cent, and a computer science average of at least 75 per cent.
CS 713 Applied Machine Learning
Machine learning approaches applied to real-world problems. Topics include classification, regression, clustering, decision trees and random forests, Bayesian networks, deep learning, face and object recognition, time-series forecasting, anomaly detection, natural language processing, and machine translation.
CS 731 Human-Centered Interface Design and Implementation
Practice of designing and implementing usable software. Topics include processes for human-centered interface development, task analysis, usability requirements, user-centred design, design patterns, prototyping, and modern graphical user interface libraries, builders, and environments. Students will undertake a milestone-based project leading to the design and implementation of a web-based application.
CS 807 Interactive Hardware and Embedded Computing
Hardware design for physical and pervasive computing systems. Wired and wireless communication protocols; sensors and actuators; resource constraints; location- and context -awareness. Applications include wearable computing, wireless sensor networks, robotics and automation, and the internet of things. Embedded hardware platforms such as ARM (raspberry Pi) and AVR (Arduino).
CS 808 Advanced Animation Software Design
Principles of animation. Current research areas in animation software design. Features and architecture of animation software. Timelines, motion pathways, parametric key framing kinematics, gaseous phenomena, and facial animation.
CS 809 Interactive Entertainment Software
This course surveys current research on the design and implementation of interactive entertainment software, including computer games. Topics include: interactivity, principles of interactive entertainment, hardware platforms, current software development tools and languages, game loop, design of virtual worlds and virtual characters, real-time requirements, incorporating multimedia resources, and aesthetics.
Yes! Once you have been accepted as a fully-qualified graduate student with no conditions or holds on your admission, then you are eligible to apply for our scholarships, awards, or graduate teaching assistant positions.
NSERC scholarships are available to students enrolled in our program. Additionally, we frequently provide teaching assistantships to eligible students.
Faculty of Science Graduate Funding
- Paul W. Riegert Memorial Scholarship in Graduate Studies
- Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship
- Saskatchewan Innovation and Excellence Graduate Scholarship
Apply for these scholarships, and more, by visiting our Graduate Awards Portal (GAP), the U of R online graduate scholarship application system.
All Graduate Funding Opportunities
Visit our Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website to learn about all graduate funding opportunities including:
- National Scholarships (including Tri Council funding)
- Awards to Study Abroad
- FGSR Funding/Special Awards
- Funding for Indigenous Students
- Funding for International Students
- Other Awards and Scholarships
- External Scholarship Opportunities
- External Student and Faculty Awards
Yes! Mitacs Globalink is a student mobility and research funding program in Canada with many options for travel for graduate students for the purpose of conducting research. Some programs are open to all countries and applications are accepted throughout the year, while other programs are limited to partner countries and are call-based.
What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
Upon successfully completing your graduate program in computer science, you will be ready for the next step of your career. The jobs that graduates go on to include:
- Artificial intelligence researcher
- Software development engineer
- Enterprise software tool developer
- Systems integration engineer
- Computer and information research scientist
- Computer network architect
- Cybersecurity and data manager
- Clinical research coordinator
