Master of Computer Science

Its aim is to prepare students to develop expertise with sufficient breadth and depth in the areas of software engineering, cybersecurity, software systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence and IT. This program is based on current provincial and regional organizations’ and institutions’ IT and computer science needs and requirements, including requirements for the expertise of highly qualified computer scientists.

Our master’s program will cover areas that require highly-skilled graduates (e.g., applied artificial intelligence, cybersecurity) and individuals with skills in those areas are currently in high demand. In addition, those areas are critical for our diversified economy and support organizations and companies that constantly require higher-level software development (e.g. software development project management) and data analytics.

What You Can Expect

Hands-on learning, a close-knit campus community, and caring faculty.

Develop Skills

Be proficient with the fundamental and advanced knowledge in algorithms, coding, and computer architecture.
Apply advanced software engineering and software systems skills and knowledge required for designing, developing and testing high-quality software.
Perform system integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science.
Model, evaluate and specify the correct tools in software engineering projects.

Get Workplace-Ready

Use collaborative software and hardware tools effectively for the project-based development of software and hardware applications and systems.
Select and apply specialized, effective and efficient computing algorithms to solve practical problems.

Evaluate and Problem Solve

Critically analyze current technical advancements, state-of-the-art in hardware and software methodologies, scopes and limitations on and approaches in the field of computer science.
Demonstrate the advanced ability to evaluate algorithmic and software-based solutions to a given problem using the tools defined by the computer science discipline.

Advance Science Communication

Communicate effectively through technical or research papers, the presentation of concepts or projects and collaboration with peers.
Use effective strategies for technical writing and editing in areas such as computer science and information technology.

Application & Admission

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Computer Science, students will normally hold a four-year computer science or related undergraduate degree from an accredited university, with a minimum 75% (B+) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
The following are course prerequisites (or equivalent ones) that the applicants should have completed in the bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field in order to take the master’s degree core courses:
- Introductory Programming
- Introductory Statistics
- Computer Organization
- Data Structures II
- Theory of Computing
- Computer Networks

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in the English language, both written and oral, is required for international students whose primary language of instruction was not English, and who wish to pursue graduate studies at Algoma University.
It is required that applicants demonstrate an appropriate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin.
We must receive a test score to complete an application.
English Language Requirements (for International Students):
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no individual band lower than 6 (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
- TOEFL (IBT): 93 overall, minimum 20 in each band
- Cambridge Assessment Test (CAE): 176
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): 70, minimum 60 in each band
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 65 overall, minimum 60 in each band
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 115, no band lower than 95
- Four [4] or more years of full-time studies in an approved post-secondary school (outside Canada). The first degree must have been completed in English from a recognized institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
- Successful completion of ILAC’s University Pathway Program (PW 3.3)

Application Submission and Processing Timelines

SPRING 2025 INTAKE (Brampton Campus only):
- Application opens on October 29, 2024
- Domestic and onshore international applicants:
  - Application deadline: March 15, 2025
  - Documents are accepted until March 31, 2025
- Offshore international applicants:
  - Application closes on February 15, 2025
  - Documents are accepted until February 28, 2025
FALL 2025 INTAKE:
- Application opens on November 15, 2024
- Domestic and onshore international applicants:
  - Application deadline: July 4, 2025
  - Documents are accepted until July 15, 2025
- Offshore international applicants:
  - Application closes on June 1, 2025
  - Documents are accepted until June 15, 2025

Tuition Fees

Please review our Tuition and Ancillary fees for the Master’s Programs.

Program Details

Our Master of Computer Science program is offered at two campuses, Brampton and Sault Ste. Marie.
This course-based Master’s Program can be completed in one year (three consecutive semesters).
Students admitted to this program will complete eight required and two elective courses.
The list of required courses includes:
- Data Analysis with Python
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Advanced Topics of Computer Networks
- Cloud Computing
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- Graduate Seminar
- Advanced Topics in Human-Computer Interaction
Currently, we do not offer any specialization, but students can take Special-topics courses as electives and will cover a wide range of current topics in the field throughout their program.
The program does not offer work placement as part of the curriculum.
Students admitted into our program are expected to maintain a minimum grade of 70% on each graduate course and a minimum cumulative average grade of 70% [B] in any given academic term for progression to the subsequent term.
There is no guaranteed funding for this program.
A limited number of entrance scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence as demonstrated through the application for admission to the program.

Faculty

Dr. Miguel Garcia-Ruiz, Graduate Officer, Full Professor
DR. A B M Bodrul Alam, Assistant Professor
Dr. Zamilur Rahman, Assistant Professor
Kyle Gauthier, Graduate Student of the Master of Computer Science

Research Areas

Human-computer interaction
Usability
Computer graphics
Olfactory interfaces
Multi modal interfaces
Virtual reality and games user research
Cloud computing
Optimization
Reliability analysis
Reliable resource management
Graph theory and its applications
Complex network analysis
Big graph data and data science

Program Length

One year (three consecutive semesters)

Program Type

Course-based Master’s Program

Program Location

Brampton Campus
Sault Ste. Marie Campus

Program Outline

The program aims to prepare students to develop expertise with sufficient breadth and depth in software engineering, cybersecurity, software systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IT. The curriculum is based on the current IT and computer science needs and requirements of provincial and regional organizations and institutions, focusing on areas with high demand for highly-skilled graduates, such as applied artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. These skills are considered critical for a diversified economy and support organizations and companies needing higher-level software development (e.g., software development project management) and data analytics. The program is offered at two campuses: Brampton and Sault Ste. Marie. It's a one-year program (three consecutive semesters) consisting of eight required courses and two electives. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade of 70% in each graduate course and a minimum cumulative average grade of 70% [B] in any given academic term to progress. The program does not include a work placement.

Outline:

The Master of Computer Science program includes eight required courses and two elective courses. The required courses are: Data Analysis with Python Introduction to Cybersecurity Advanced Software Engineering Advanced Topics of Computer Networks Cloud Computing Neural Networks and Deep Learning Graduate Seminar Advanced Topics in Human-Computer Interaction Students can choose special-topics courses as electives, covering a wide range of current topics in the field.

Assessment:

The text specifies that students are expected to maintain a minimum grade of 70% on each graduate course and a minimum cumulative average grade of 70% [B] in any given academic term for progression to the subsequent term.

Teaching:

The program emphasizes hands-on learning within a close-knit campus community, supported by caring faculty. The provided faculty list includes: Dr. Miguel Garcia-Ruiz (Graduate Officer, Full Professor), Dr. A B M Bodrul Alam (Assistant Professor), Dr. Zamilur Rahman (Assistant Professor), and Kyle Gauthier (Graduate Student).

Careers:

The program aims to prepare students for careers in areas with high demand for highly-skilled graduates, such as applied artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as higher-level software development and data analytics.

Other:

The program is offered in the Spring and Fall semesters. The Spring 2025 intake is available in Brampton only. The application deadlines vary depending on the intake and applicant type (domestic, onshore international, offshore international).