Why study this program?
The Computing Science Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in major areas of study, including Human-Computer Interaction, Algorithmics, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Communication Networks, Computer Games, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision and Multimedia Communications, Database Systems, Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Robotics, Software Engineering, Software Systems and Statistical Machine Learning.
The offered MSc programs are: a standard MSc in Computing Science, an MSc in Computing Science with specialization in Statistical Machine Learning and an MSc in Computing Science with specialization in Multimedia. The standard MSc in Computing Science is offered as a thesis-based program, as well as course-based program; the MSc in Computing Science with specialization in Statistical Machine Learning is offered as a thesis-based program; the MSc in Computing Science with specialization in Multimedia is offered as a course-based program.
The offered PhD programs are: a standard PhD in Computing Science and a program leading to a PhD in Computing Science with specialization in Statistical Machine Learning.
Further information may be obtained from the Graduate Program Administrator, Department of Computing Science.
Two routes to the MSc degree are available, a thesis-based route and a course-based route.
Course-based Route:
Students are required to complete 30 units in graduate-level courses, including a 6-unit capstone course.
Coursework (24 units)
Courses are to be chosen in consultation with an advisor and approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate).
- Seven 3-unit graduate-level (500 or 600 level) courses
- CMPUT 603 - Teaching and Research Methods
Coursework (15 units)
Courses are to be chosen in consultation with an advisor/supervisor and approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate)
- Four 3-unit graduate-level (500 or 600 level) computing science courses. This may include one 3-unit Special Topics course (CMPUT 605)
- CMPUT 603 - Teaching and Research Methods
Residence Requirement
The minimum period of residence for the thesis-based MSc is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. There is no full-time residence requirement for a course-based MSc.
Length of Program
Master’s students are expected to complete their program in less than two years.
The maximum time to complete the course-based MSc program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.
The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MSc program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Computing Science (CMPUT).
Multimedia courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Multimedia (MM).
The department provides financial support for students in thesis-based programs according to the guidelines given in the Department of Computing Science Financial Support Policy. In order to be considered for assistance, students must maintain satisfactory academic and teaching performance.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email csapplygrad@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1