Computer Science Programs In Canada

Quick Facts

Credential
· Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS or BCompSci)
· Bachelor of Mathematics - Computer Science (BMath/CS)
· Bachelor of Science (BSc)
· Bachelor of Arts (BA)
· Bachelor of Arts & Science (BA&Sc)
· Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE)
· Bachelor of Computing and Financial management (BCFM)
· Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT)
· Associate of Science (ASc)
· Diploma

Program Length
· 3-4 years for bachelor's degrees
· 2 years for associate's and some applied degrees
· 2-3 years for diploma

Entry
· Bachelor's degree - direct entry; entry after 1 or 2 years of certificate, diploma or university study
· Associate's degree - direct entry
· Diploma - direct entry

Areas of Study
· General computer science, information technology (IT), information systems, computer applications
·Specialization areas include computer programming, software engineering. software development, software systems, operating systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data management, computer graphics, computer game development, digital image/ sound, microprogramming, databases, networks and administration, network security, cryptography, simulation and modeling, Web development and digital hardware.

Special Features
· Specialized research labs
· Opportunities to collaborate with professors on research projects
· Opportunities to participate in specialized competitions
· international exchange/ study abroad
· co-op/ work placement/ industry internships

Computers are connected to so much of what we do these days, and so there are many different ways to study computer science at the post-secondary level.

Entering direct from high school into university, you can take a competitive three- or four-year Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), Bachelor of Mathematics - Computer Science (BMath/CS), Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in computer Science. Whether you are interested in the theoretical or practical application aspects of computer science there are lots of majors options within this degree: computer games, software engineering, software systems, bioinformatics, computer graphics, computer game development, digital image/ sound, cryptography or digital hardware. Honours degrees are also available. Because computer science can affect almost every other area of study, there is a lot of flexibility in this field: often you can combine your computer science studies with other disciplines by doing a joint degree or by taking a minor in a wide choice of other fields. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) allows you to take either a major or minor in computer science, and some universities allow you to take a combined BA&Sc. degree, which is jointly offered by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts. Many schools will require all first-year computer science students to take a set of foundational courses, after which they can declare a major.

Other interdisciplinary degrees are another option, and are often offered jointly by two faculties within an institution. For example, the Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) or Bachelor of Computing and Financial management (BCFM). The interdisciplinary nature of computer science means universities may have a Faculty of Computer Science or Computing Science, or their computer science programs may be part of a Faculty of Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Mathematics. Universities may also offer two-year associate's or applied degrees, which are more vocationally-oriented, preparing students to become computer programmers, technicians, or other kinds of IT specialists. Some of these options include Associate of Science (ASc) and some applied degrees.

Similarly, community colleges often have computer or computing science Faculties, but there are also specialty computer training colleges. Community colleges may also offer four-year applied degrees; however, in general community colleges offer two-year diploma programs and one- to two-year certificates and diplomas in areas such as Web development, software development, programming languages, systems analysis and design, and networks/ network administration. Community colleges also often offer co-op/ internship opportunities so graduates are ready for employment.

At all levels, study generally combines classroom theory and learning with practical computer lab work. Co-ops and industry partnerships/ internships are often part of the curriculum, and a number of program-specific scholarships are available.

Check out CampusStarter's database of Canadian Computer Science Schools and Programs