Graduate Programs
The Department of Computer Science offers advanced study in two streams: research-focused (PhD and MSc thesis or project) and professionally-focused (course-based MSc in Data Science or Human-Centred Computing). Note that an earlier course-based MSc option is no longer available.
For complete information and details about any of our graduate programs, click the corresponding Learn More button. If you have any further, specific questions, please contact us.
Quicklinks for Graduate Students
Research-focused
Professionally-focused
Take your skills to the next level and advance your career with one of our professionally-focused programs. With the flexibility to have your first semester online, and with course offerings fixed for each program, you can choose the pathway to the next stage of your career. These programs follow strict and carefully considered academic curricula which start with fundamental and foundational courses, progress into topically-relevant courses, and conclude with a seminar and capstone project course.
Frequently Asked Questions
The normal duration is 2 years (6 terms) full-time or twice as long if you are pursuing your degree part-time. Full time study consists of taking two courses per semester. The majority of students complete in 5 to 7 terms. The maximum duration is 5 years (15 terms).
A full course load is two courses per semester. Your course instructors will assume that you are able to spend half of your time on their course. If you choose to exceed the full course load (e.g., taking three courses per semester), you will only have one third of your time to spend on each course. As a result, you may find it difficult to meet the course instructor’s expectations in terms of time commitments.
If you choose to proceed with a course load that exceeds 6 credits, be mindful of how you are dividing your time between these courses, and perform a self-assessment before the deadlines for dropping courses.Thesis: 5 classes, 2 seminar presentations, 1 thesis. This option is research-focused. The thesis reports on an attempt at original research. Thesis option is recommended if you plan to pursue a PhD.
Project: 7 classes, 2 seminar presentations, 1 project report. This option is research-focused. The project report is similar in format to a thesis, but typically shorter, and does not necessarily describe original research. This option is not recommended if you plan to pursue a PhD.
Course: 10 classes including capstone project. This option is professionally-focused.