Study Computer Science in Canada — Computer Science in Canada

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Study Abroad

8 min readFeb 14, 2020

Canada has been a popular destination for Indian students for more than a decade now. While conventional courses like Management, Medicine, Humanities and Arts, offered by Canadian universities, have already made their mark around the world, there are now great opportunities for those who want to pursue a course in Computer Science in Canada and make a viable career in this field. Computer Science (CS) is a relatively new field of study that covers a broad range of topics and options. A master’s degree in the field of Computer Science in Canada prepares students for many computer-related careers in the west and provides a solid foundation in related science and mathematical principles.

In this study abroad article, we will inform you about the top Computer Science programmes for Indian students in Canada, and some of the related details for those who want to apply. But first, let’s see why Canada is a great choice for a higher degree in computer science.

Study Computer Science in Canada — Why Pursue Computer Science in Canada?

Canada offers internationally recognised degrees.
It is relatively straightforward to acquire a student visa and admission at Canadian institutions.
There is a great variation in the types of programs that are offered by the Canadian institutions in the field of computer science.
Canada pays attention to the rapidly changing industry requirements and offers a rigorous theoretical background to students, so they understand the subjects better.
For better real-world applications, Computer Science is combined with other disciplines as well such as Mathematics, Statistics, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
1–3 years of post-study work permit option is available to graduates.
Lower living expenses than the US, UK and Australia

Study Computer Science in Canada — What is Computer Science?

Computer science (CS) is used as an umbrella term to cover various specialist and vocational degrees involving computers and technology. A relatively new field, Computer Science, deals with the theoretical foundations of information and computation, taking a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. It is considered as a foundational science subject which leads to knowledge in other areas. Read Study in Canada without IELTS

Study Computer Science in Canada — Career Opportunities

There’s no organisation or industry in our economy that can function without a computer today. Most of the sectors rely on data and software programmes. Hence, graduates in Computer Science are rated high in the job market around the world. Since Canada offers degrees that are recognised all over the world, a CS graduate from Canada can expect to have a soaring career. As per the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, a 13% growth in Computer Science jobs is expected by 2026. Besides, as per a survey by Career Cast in 2013, a Computer Science degree will lead to one of the most satisfying jobs in America. It’s one of the few degrees you can graduate with and find a job almost immediately, without having to worry about post graduation or further training. There are many areas where Computer Science professionals can make a career. Some of them are Forensic Science, Security Systems Development, Technical Writing, Banking, Medical Applications such as Bioinformatics and Tomography, Business Equipment, Game Design, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and GIS Systems.

Study Computer Science in Canada — Salaries of Computer Science Professionals in Canada

After completing a course in Computer Science, graduates work at an average pay-scale of USD 40,000 — USD 60,000 P.A. (INR 21–33 lakhs). According to a study by CTV News, a Computer Science professional is the 8th highest paid executive in Canada.

JOBS IN CANADA IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

TOP COMPANIES IN CANADA FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATES

Study Computer Science in Canada — Canadian Universities with Top-Ranked Computer Science Departments

1. University of Toronto

Ranked 11th for Computer Science & Information Systems by QS Subject Rankings 2019, University of Toronto has been at the forefront of education for over 50 years. Here are some of the best CS courses at the university.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Degree: Honours Bachelor of Science Course Duration: 3 yearsComputer Science Programmes to choose from:

Data Science Specialist (Science Program)
Computer Science Specialist
Focus in Artificial Intelligence
Focus in Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing
Focus in Computer System
Focus in Computer Vision
Focus in Game Design
Focus in Human-Computer interaction
Focus in Scientific Computing
Focus in Theory of Computation
Focus in Web and Internet Technologies

Popular Master’s Programmes:Masters in Applied Computing Masters in Information MSc Computer Science

2. University of British Columbia

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia was ranked 51st in the world and 3nd in Canada (QS World University Rankings 2020).

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Computer Science (BA) — The Computer Science BA program offers computer software design and a broad choice of other studies in computing. Here are a few details about this programme -

Computer Science (BSc) — The Computer Science BSc program is open for students with general science background and offers choices in mathematics courses, computer software design, and a broad choice of other studies in computing. It gives you the freedom to pursue interests both within and outside Computer Science.

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) — Recognized internationally for excellence in research and teaching with a conscious focus on interdisciplinary programs, the Department of Computer Science encourages diversity both within its community and areas of computer sciences.

1. Degree — Masters of Science

2. Tuition fee — CAD 8,952 per annum

3. Requirements -

Online application
Transcripts
Recognised undergraduate degree with a minimum of 76% of marks (B+ grade)
Letters of reference
Statement of purpose
English language proficiency scores

Data Science (BSc) — Data Science is an in-demand field that focuses on making decisions supported by data. It’s grounded in statistics — to formulate relevant questions and determine the answer based on data — and in computer science — to manipulate and visualize data efficiently.

Computer Engineering — Computer Engineering provides opportunities to the student to learn how to develop, design, and test software, computer networks, and protocols. Applicants can select an option in Software Engineering, as well as a Minor in Honours Mathematics.

3. University of Waterloo

A relatively new university, University of Waterloo has become one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities with 35,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. With over 70 courses available and a faculty made up of 80+ industry experts, UW’s computer science department sets students up for success.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

BBA/BCS in Business Administration and Computer Science double degree -

Degree — Bachelor’s/First professional degree
Duration — 5 years
Area of study — Computer science, Business Administration and Management
Tuition fee — 31,646.00 CAD

Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) Honours -

BMath Honours in Computer Science -

MMath in Computer Science -

Degree — Master’s degree
Application deadline — First week of June (for admission in January 2021)
Requirements -

Graduate Research Fields

Algorithms and Complexity
Artificial Intelligence
Bioinformatics
Computer Algebra and Symbolic Computation
Computer Graphics
Cryptography, Security and Privacy
Formal Methods
Health Informatics
Human-Computer Interaction
Information Retrieval
Machine Learning
Programming Languages
Quantum Computing
Scientific Computing
Software Engineering
Systems and Networking
Tuition fee — CAD 7,042.00 tuition fee and CAD 682.90 incidental fees per term (as of January 2020)

MMath in Computer Science — Quantum Information -

Degree Master’s degree
Application deadline — First week of June (for admission in January 2021)
Tuition fee — CAD 7,042.00 tuition and CAD 682.90 incidental fees per term (as of January 2020)
Requirements -

McGill is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best universities, so it’s no surprise its computer science department is top-ranked. McGill students get to choose from 10 program options in computer science, with the possibility of paid work terms to help gain valuable on-the-job experience.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT McGILL UNIVERSITY

5. University of Alberta

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Alberta is one of the largest of its kind in Canada. It’s also the oldest, having been founded in 1964 — more than a decade before the first personal computer hit the market. Today, the department offers courses and research opportunities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Games, Robotics, and Computer Graphics.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Degree — Bachelor’s/First professional degree
Area of Study — Computer Engineering, General, Computer Software Engineering

6. Simon Fraser University

British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University may not be the first school that comes to mind for computer science, but it stands with the best in Canada. SFU is internationally recognized for its research facilities, which have won many awards. The Computer Science program has a unique partnership with China’s Zhejiang University. Undergraduate students can obtain two degrees and learn Mandarin at the same time.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMES AT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

SFU-ZJU Graduate Dual Degree Program (GDDP) — Launched in September 2010, the GDDP is a unique program in Canada, and the first of this kind, jointly developed by Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), China. The program builds on the highly successful and award-winning SFU-ZJU Undergraduate Dual-Degree Program (DDP) and allows students to experience graduate studies in both China and Canada.

Degree — Masters of Science
Language — English or Chinese

Professional Master Of Science In Computer Science — The Professional Master of Science in Computer Science program is ideal for students who wish to work in the industry upon graduation. Students can choose from a specialization in Big Data, Visual Computing or Cybersecurity. This cohort-based program trains computational specialists who can later construct models, develop algorithms, and write software using state-of-the-art graduate-level knowledge and techniques.

Degree — Masters of Science
Requirement — A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science or a related field, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a scale of 0.00–4.33)

Study Computer Science in Canada — FAQs

Q. My undergraduate degree is not in computing or computer science, should I still apply?

A. It depends on the university criteria. One will have to check if the students with other academic backgrounds can apply for higher degree courses in computer science in a certain university or not. However, if the university allows students from different backgrounds to apply for higher degrees in Computer Science, additional programs are advised to strengthen the subject understanding.

Q. What are some of the fundamental skills necessary for a Computer Science major?

A. An aspiring student must seek to obtain a strong high school background in math and science, build strategic-thinking skills, develop strong oral and written communication skills and develop her/his ability to work in a team environment.

Originally published at https://admission.buddy4study.com on February 14, 2020.