The Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree is a joint program offered by the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carleton University and the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa under the auspices of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS). We offer graduate students an opportunity to augment  their knowledge and expertise by combining coursework and research in a wide range of areas such as algorithms, computer security, distributed and parallel computing, computer gaming, computer graphics, robotics and GIS. Learn more about Ottawa-Carleton Joint Institutes.

Graduate students in the MCS program can select from more than 50 courses that are offered by the OCICS either at the School of Computer Science or at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Typically graduate students will engage in a one year in-depth research, in which the student specializes in their area of interest. Students enrolled in our co-op program can apply to work at a local high tech company for up to eight months.

The School of Computer Science also offers a MCS in Human-Computer Interaction and a MASC in Biomedical Engineering.

A Collaborative Specialization in Cybersecurity and Data Science is available.

Capital Advantage

A large number of high technology companies (e.g., Alcatel, IBM, Mitel, Thales, Cognos/IBM), research labs (e.g., National Research Council, Communication Research Centre) and Government of Canada departments are located in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The technology cluster provides students with an opportunity to conduct joint research with the private and public sector. Graduating students have a large range of employment opportunities from research to development in areas such as designing new software security products, creation of computer games, designing animation software, building robot, medical imaging and devices, and data mining and business intelligence.

Fields of Specialization

  • Algorithms and Complexity
  • Knowledge Based and Intelligent Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Parallel and Distributed Systems
  • Computer and Internet Security

Research Highlights

  • Building recommender systems in social networks
  • Secure and usable software installation on smartphones
  • Mapping the human protein interaction network
  • Games of hide & seek and black holes

Program Information

Length: 2 years

Entry Terms: Fall

Fall Application Deadline: January 15

More Deadline Information »

Contact: grad.scs@carleton.ca

Experiential Learning: Co-op

Pathway Options: Thesis

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