MSc in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science offers a program leading to the Master of Science (MSc) degree. Graduate research undertaken in the department includes topics in computational logic and algebra, computational intelligence, algorithms, parallelism, and combinatorics.

Program Requirements 

Our graduate program offers two options:  thesis-based MSc and project-based MSc.

The thesis-based MSc is appropriate for students who may select a career in either industry or academia, with the possibility of continuing on to a PhD after graduation.  This 2 year program consists of course work and thesis research.  Full-time students normally take four half-credit graduate-level courses during the first year. Every MSc candidate must prepare and defend a thesis during their second year. This thesis research will demonstrate a capacity for independent work of high scientific calibre.  Course selection and thesis research is done in consultation with the student's assigned supervisor. 

In September 2017, a new project-based MSc will be available. This option may be of interest to students who wish to proceed directly to careers in industry after graduation, and do not wish to continue to PhD studies.  Students must complete six half-credit courses during their first year. They must also complete a one-credit project under the direction of their faculty supervisor. The total duration of the project-based MSc is normally 16 months, which makes the option faster to complete than the thesis-based option.

Part-time studies are also available.

Facilities 

Full-time graduate students will be provided with shared office space during their two years of study. A campus-wide fibre optic network links all the University's academic computing facilities. The department's computers form an integral part of this resource. Most computers on campus can be accessed from microcomputers in any of the laboratories. The department maintains an 8-CPU Linux-based server. The department has three microcomputer laboratories (D205, J301 and J310) containing Pentium PCs running Windows and Linux. 

Further information

Additional information on Academic Regulations, Registration Fees and Graduate Courses in Computer Science is found in the current Brock University Graduate Calendar. For further information, see the Graduate Studies website, or contact the department graduate director (Dr Ombuki-Berman, bombuki@brocku.ca).