Balancing Theory and Practice

Our philosophy is to create a “dream it, build it” environment where you apply theory to real-world projects. Employers note that people with traditional master's degrees in computing or computer science have a high level of technical knowledge but low levels of practical knowledge or experience. We want to equip you with both.

Through the use of case studies and project-based courses, our program will give you practical skills in ways theory-focused degrees cannot. You'll learn from award-winning faculty and improve your ability to use Python, Java, SQL, C/C++, Java, Hadoop, Spark, Kali Linux, CUDA, MapReduce, Metasploit, Nmap, and more.

Each course in the program is designed to improve your overall competencies, mindset, and practical skillset so you can utilize and connect a variety of development tools, solve problems and innovate.

Program Options

This is a fully online program and you are not required to visit campus or reside in Canada to complete coursework. In rare cases, if an instructor indicates an in-person assessment is required, you will be made aware in advance and offered advisor support in planning for completion. Study permits and/or student visas are not required nor provided.

The program consists of eight courses or four credits (each 13-week course is weighted as a 0.5 credit), offered in either an accelerated option or a part-time option.

In the accelerated option, you take two courses at a time and can complete the program in four terms (16 months).

In the part-time option, you take two courses in your first and fifth terms only, and complete the program in six terms (about two years).

During each course, you are expected to spend about 10 hours a week studying and completing coursework.

Curriculum

All students must take CP600: Practical Algorithm Design. In this course, you gain an essential background to be able to move towards an area of specialization through additional coursework.

Another required course is CP601: Seminar on Technology Entrepreneurship. The course involves taking a technology idea and finding a high-potential commercial opportunity, gathering resources such as talent and capital, figuring out how to sell and market the idea, and managing rapid growth. The course also involves bringing incorporating a new technology idea into an existing business.

You will then choose six additional courses that cover a wide variety of topics, including: parallel programming, application development, algorithm design, data mining and analysis, big data, cyber-attack and defense, machine learning, technology entrepreneurship and more.

Sample Electives

Sample elective courses to choose from include:

• CP610: Data Analysis
• CP614: Applied Crytography
• CP631: Advanced Parallel Programming
• CP640: Machine Learning
• CP669: iPhone Application Programming
• CP670: Android Application Programming

• Start: Winter (January), Spring (May) and Fall (September)
• Format: Accelerated or Part-time
• Application deadline:
  • Winter intake: Nov. 15
  • Spring intake: March 15
  • Fall intake: July 15