MSc in Computer Science in Canada at Acadia University

Program Overview for MSc in Computer Science in Canada:

Develop your IT R&D skills and experience. Whether you want to improve your employment choices or pursue a Ph.D. degree, Arcadia's Master of Computer Science will help you achieve your goals. 

By choosing Acadia's computer science graduate course, you will increase the depth and breadth of knowledge through additional courses and learning and further develop your research skills through challenging projects and writing papers with your supervisor. You will benefit from our small class teaching and collaborative research methods, establish a high degree of contact and cooperation with your supervisor, and gain skills through teamwork with other researchers.

Many of our research projects are collaborative in nature, and you will work and reflect with your mentor and student body while developing your own specific research project. 

Get Inspired:

The Jodrey School of Computer Science is a strong leader of the Arcadia Institute for Data Analysis (AIDA), creating many opportunities for you to collaborate with local businesses and industry partners and use data to help solve problems of interest. AIDA is held at the Arcadia Entrepreneurship Center, and its programs can help you connect with local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Acadia is the first company in the world to conduct a network census (a comprehensive survey of all publicly accessible network servers on the Internet). It has been prolific in researching improved results and methods to understand network structure. Our expertise in artificial intelligence, mobile computing, and multi-agent systems has been strengthened through the cooperation between the researchers and students of the Collaborative Intelligent Distributed System Group and the Intelligent Information Research Laboratory.

Computer scientists are problem solvers. The study of computer science allows students to use innovation and creativity to develop systems for many areas. The knowledge acquired by the students is applied in many fields such as medicine, business, and forensic science. Students at the Jodrey School of Computer Science acquire relevant, current, and in-demand skills.

These skills are gathered in state-approved state-of-the-art courses and relevant work experience supported by Acadia cooperative projects and industry partners. Computer science can be your main research field or combined with other disciplines such as biology, education, or music. A computer science degree allows students to find jobs in areas of personal interest. 

Computer science graduates have many opportunities. Some are studying for graduate school, while others are starting their careers as computer programmers. Graduates find jobs in software development companies, gaming, and multimedia companies, computer consulting companies, communications companies, IT departments, and service offices of large enterprises, national and provincial governments, technology companies, small companies, and their own companies. These and many options are available because a wide selection of arts, business, and science courses is part of the degree.

Research Interests

The eligibility for MSc in Computer Science in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Candidates for admission to the graduate programs of Acadia University must possess an honors degree, or a four-year bachelor's degree, from an approved university. Those candidates possessing a major in a field other than their graduate program will normally be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major. Special consideration may be given to those candidates wishing to change from one undergraduate field to a related graduate one.

Candidates must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60 credit hours) of university study, including coursework in an undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.

The number of students admitted to our graduate programs is limited, and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not ensure admission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Studies Officer by emailing gradadmissions@acadiau.ca.

Other Documents Required to support your application:

1. One Original Official Transcript from EACH post-secondary institution attended
2. Resume 
3. Statement of Research Interests: You will upload your Statement of Research Interests through the Applicant Status Portal once you submit your application form. There is no specific format or page limit for this statement. A statement of research interest is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience and the future work you intend to complete. It is a common component of a potential candidate’s application for post-graduate study. The statement is the primary way an admissions committee determines if a candidate’s interest and experience make them a good fit for their program/institution. A Statement should:
   • Articulate the broader field you are working within and the specific question you are interested in answering.
   • Provide a brief history of your past research/interest. How did this research propel you forward?
   • Describe your ongoing research. What questions are you actively trying to solve? What have you found so far? How are you connecting your research to the larger academic conversation? (do you have any publications under review, upcoming conferences, or other professional engagements?) What are the larger implications of your work? and
   • Describe the future trajectory of your research. What is the big picture? What further questions do you have, and how will you solve them? How can the institution to which you are applying for help you in that process? Does the institution have the necessary academic expertise and resources to help you complete the research?
4. Letter of Recommendation: Two (2) reference letters are required. 
5. Writing sample: Minimum of 10 pages. A research essay completed for an upper-level undergraduate course is appropriate. Please submit a copy free of the instructor’s mark and comments.

These are the test eligibilities for the MSc in Computer Science to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for MSc in Computer Science in Canada.

To encourage and recognize high scholastic achievement, Acadia University awards scholarships and awards to students entering the University and scholarships, prizes, medals and awards to those already in attendance. In general, please check the Scholarships and Financial Assistance page here. It is worth exploring these lists and communicating your desire to be considered for one or more of the, as applicable.

Incoming students will automatically be considered for entrance scholarships, provided they meet the criteria. 

Current students will automatically be considered for most undergraduate scholarships for which they qualify. Some awards do require an application. We will email any eligible current students, asking if they would like to apply, and will provide the award details.

Students who have been awarded a renewable scholarship may have the award extended up to four years, provided they meet the criteria. We will consider renewal on an individual basis for those students who are graduating from a three-year program and plan to return for a fourth year of undergraduate study.

Contact:

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Elhadi Shakshuki
elhadi.shakshuki@acadiau.ca
902-585-1524

Department
Jodrey School of Computer Science
Carnegie Hall, Room 310
27 University Avenue
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
cs@acadiau.ca
902-585-1331