Computer science undergraduate programs

The four-year BSc in Computer Science will give you a comprehensive understanding of computational systems and software.

In the first two years, the courses will give you a grounding in basic computer science and mathematics, with specialization options in the last two years. With sufficiently high standing, entrance into graduate study is also possible. The undergraduate degree blends courses in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, and technical writing. Students can also pursue a minor or take electives in other fields of study like business, philosophy, art or digital media.

Degree requirements can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Major

Most students complete a major degree. In the first two years, the course offerings aim to establish a firm grounding in basic computer science and mathematics, with specialization options in the last two years.

Graduates from these programs are well prepared to pursue careers in many industries. With sufficiently high standing, entrance into graduate study is also possible.

The undergraduate degree requires a mix of courses in the fields of computer science, software engineering, mathematics, and technical writing. Students can also pursue a minor or take electives in other fields of study such as business, philosophy, art or digital media.

Major with an option

In addition to completing the requirements of the Computer Science Major, you can pursue a Major with Option degree.

Major with Communications and Networks Option

The Computer Communications and Networks Option is for students who want focus their computer science skills in the area of communications and networking, developing the interdisciplinary skills so essential in today's workplace.

This degree option is strongly supported by a group of faculty members working in computer and communication networks, embedded real-time systems, network testing, and algorithms. With the carefully designed curriculum and the state-of-the-art lab facilities, this unique program provides students with the opportunity to build solid theoretical foundations and to gain hands-on working experience in network protocol design and testing, performance modeling and evaluation, distributed real-time systems, mobile computing, and network security.

Communications & Networks Option:

Major with Graphics and Gaming Option

Our innovative and award-winning group of graphics faculty have developed the curriculum to offer this unique program to students interested in gaming development, 2D and 3D computer graphics, image processing, perception and computational aesthetics, modeling, and animation.

Computer graphics and gaming-specific courses include a gaming development course in the first year, as well as an optional second year course on 2D computer graphics and image processing. In the third year, students take a course on 3D computer graphics and will work on projects including building interactive 3D virtual worlds to generate realistic images. In the fourth year, students will be able to choose among advanced courses in rendering, modeling, and animation, as well as special topics courses such as computational aesthetics, non-photorealistic rendering, perception and graphics.

Computer Graphics and Gaming Option:

Major with Software Systems Option

The Software Systems Option is for students who want to focus their computer science skills in the area of software engineering, developing the interdisciplinary skills so essential for careers in medical software and systems, transportation systems, financial software, data warehousing, banking or insurance.

The innovative curriculum gives students experience in the best practices in designing, implementing, testing, maintaining, and developing software and the management components of software engineering.

Software Systems Option:

Major with Theory Option

The Theory Option is for students who want focus their computer science skills in the area of theoretical computer science and developing their problem solving and abstract thinking skills.

The degree program includes the essential courses for a computer science degree with a theory focus. Theory students go on to careers in academia, research labs, and start-ups -  wherever creative and abstract thinking is needed.

Theory Option:

Want more options? Combined major degree programs bridge the gap between computer technology and applications in other disciplines (e.g. geography, health and information science, mathematics, music, physics, psychology, software engineering, statistics, and visual arts).

Honours

Our honours degrees are the department's most comprehensive programs. For students who are planning to pursue further studies and specialization beyond the undergraduate level, our honours programs provide greater depth and breadth.

Honours project FAQ's

Honours in Computer Science

With a minimum 6.0 (B+) average on all of the courses listed below, you can apply to the honours program upon completion of:

  • CSC 225, 226, 230
  • SENG 265
  • MATH 202 or 200 and 204
  • MATH 211
  • STAT 260

Alternatively, students can apply to the honours program if they have a minimum 6.0 (B+) average on all third-year CSC and SENG courses. Applications to the honours program are available from the Computer Science Advising Office. Learn more about admissions.

The honours degree requires additional math and computer science courses including a fourth-year project. In the honours program, you are required to maintain at least a GPA of 6.0 (B+) calculated over all required third-year computer science courses.

Honours with Software Systems Option

This program is for students planning to pursue further studies and specialization beyond the undergraduate level.

With a minimum 6.0 (B+) average on all of the courses listed below, you can apply to the honours program upon completion of: 

  • CSC 225, 226, 230
  • SENG 265
  • MATH 202 or 200 and 204
  • MATH 211
  • STAT 260

Alternatively, students can apply to the honours program if they have a minimum 6.0 (B+) average on all third-year CSC and SENG courses. Applications to the honours program are available from the Computer Science Advising Office.

Combined honours programs

Other degrees

Bachelor of Software Engineering

The accredited Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSEng) program is offered jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

This program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. Accreditation ensures that graduates of the program satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the provincial Association of Professional Engineers.

Co-operative education is mandatory in the BSEng degree program.

More about Software Engineering.

Course requirements for the BSEng program are listed in the Academic calendar.

A minor in Software Development is also open to students not enrolled in the BSEng or computer science programs.

General degree

A general degree is offered by the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. Students specialize in two subject areas, following the general degree requirements for both areas of study.

To complete a general program, register in the faculty of your first subject, ie. Science for Biology, and then meet with an Academic Advisor to declare your second general subject in Computer Science.

General degree course requirements

Minor

Students who complete their major or honours degree requirements in another department may complete a minor degree in computer science.

Students meet with their home faculty advising office to declare a minor in computer science.

Minor degree requirements