Alberta University - MSc Computing Science

 

Set against the backdrop of Edmonton's vibrant city life, the University of Alberta offers an enriching and rigorous Master's program in Computing Science. Established in 1908, this Canadian powerhouse university is globally recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, exceptional scholarship, and community engagement. The university nurtures a diverse and inclusive community of students, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to pursue their academic ambitions.

Situated in the province of Alberta, famed for its magnificent landscapes, Edmonton offers a fulfilling student life with numerous recreational and cultural activities. The university's students appreciate the city's vibrant music and arts scene, thrilling sports events, and sprawling parks.

Thesis-Based Master's Program

In this program, students focus on an area of their choice, conducting extensive research leading to the creation of a master’s thesis. This experience provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply into their selected field of study, contributing to their knowledge and skills development.

Course-Based Master's Programs

Unfortunately, as of July 2021, the general course-based MSc in Computing Science has been indefinitely discontinued. However, course-based programs like MSc in Multimedia (MM) and MSc in Internetworking (MINT) continue to be available.

Students enrolled in the course-based M.Sc program are mandated to earn 30 credits in graduate courses, which include a 6-credit capstone course.

 

Admission Requirements

Securing admission to the M.Sc. program at the University of Alberta is a competitive process. Applicants are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent in a field akin to the B.Sc. Specialization in Computing Science program. Typically, three-year degrees fall short of meeting the university's admission criteria.

Once admitted to the graduate program, some students may need to enroll in certain undergraduate courses to fulfill background requirements. These requirements will be clarified prior to registration. Moreover, an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, over the last 20 half courses, is a prerequisite for application.

Research Opportunities

Applicants to the M.Sc. thesis program must identify a research area and name up to three faculty members as potential supervisors while applying. This directs the professors' attention to the application, facilitating potential collaborative opportunities. Prior contact with the chosen professor is not a prerequisite.

Applicants from other Disciplines

In recent years, the university has seen a surge in applications from students outside of Computing Science interested in the graduate program. Such applicants might be extraordinary graduates from other disciplines, individuals whose Computing Science degrees were obtained a while ago, or students with other types of deficiencies.

Under exceptional circumstances, such students may be considered for the program if they have significant professional experience in Computing Science, have made extraordinary achievements in their primary discipline, or hold a scholarship from a recognized funding agency.

These students must prove knowledge equivalent to completing six undergraduate Computing Science courses across four areas: Theory, Computer Systems and Architecture, Software, and Applications. This can be achieved by completing relevant courses at recognized institutions before applying or taking the respective courses at the University of Alberta's Department.

Fast Track to a Ph.D.

Outstanding students may be eligible to transition to the Ph.D. program without completing their M.Sc. degree. However, this is possible only if the student exhibits exceptional performance during the first year of the M.Sc. program, demonstrating their remarkable abilities in courses and research, and if they receive robust support from at least two faculty members.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the M.Sc. in Computing Science have a wealth of opportunities at their disposal, in Canada and globally. The burgeoning field of computing science presents career prospects in academia, government, healthcare, and a broad range of industries, such as finance, telecommunications, entertainment, and transportation.

Overall, the Master’s in Computing Science program at the University of Alberta equips its graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and shape the ever-evolving digital world, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a global leader in the field. The university's commitment to academic excellence, a thriving student community, and a vibrant city life make it an excellent choice for ambitious, forward-thinking students.

 Alberta University - MSc Computing Science