Graduate Studies at SoCS
The School of Computer Science offers students an excellent opportunity for advanced research and graduate studies. With professors at the cutting edge of their fields, courses covering a wide range of computer science areas, and competitive financial incentives to eligible students, our graduate programs are the perfect added edge to your knowledge and skills!
Why Graduate School?
There are several different reasons as to why someone might choose to pursue graduate school. For example:
- Gaining a deeper understanding of a specific topic
Unlike an undergraduate, a master's degree focuses on the chosen topic. Any courses taken or research performed would all be concerning that topic. Furthermore, a Ph.D. consists of years of your own research into the topic, making you an expert in the field!
- Broadening career options and landing bigger jobs
Whilst an undergraduate degree can get your foot in the door for most professions, some sectors require extra credentials. This is especially true when looking at competitive and sought-after jobs such as those in cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Even if extra credentials are not listed on the job posting, they can certainly help you stand out from the competition!
Course-based vs. Thesis-based Master's
When looking at graduate schools you must choose between course-based master’s and thesis-based masters. Programs of either type require the same first steps of finding a supervisor and the funding. However, the differences in program structures and what you spend your time doing greatly differs.
So, what is the difference?
Course-based master’s offers a structured degree consisting of mandatory courses as well as possible electives and research-based semesters. These programs focus on the direct application of teachings and steer away from independent research and thesis writing.
Meanwhile, a thesis-based master’s is the complete opposite! These programs spend less time in classes and more time writing, developing, and researching an original thesis. Thesis-based programs generally consist of working on a thesis alongside your chosen supervisor. This can lead to developing complete papers for publishing should you choose to continue into your Ph.D.
Applying to Graduate School
The application process for graduate school can differ from your previous undergraduate experience. After choosing a program that interests you and reviewing the admission requirements, you must find an advisor that you are interested in working with. This includes reading about our research areas and contacting them to discuss potential research opportunities.
Alongside finding an advisor, graduate school requires applicants to have a minimum of two academic references. You can learn more about the process of finding references and asking for a letter by reading our article on the subject.
For step-by-step instructions on applying to Guelph’s graduate programs, click here.
Funding Your Education
Planning for financial support is very important as a graduate student. You must be aware of your income, graduate fees, and living expenses. Thankfully, there are various forms of funding for graduate students available at the University of Guelph.
To start, certain job positions are open to you that can help support you financially. These jobs include Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). Both these positions are in line with your degree and thus be completed during your studies.
Additionally, there are plenty of internal, external, and government-funded awards and scholarships offered to students. While some are automated in registration such as the School of Computer Science (SoCS) Funding, others must be individually applied to and might even have a set of requirements.
You must pay attention to what scholarships are available to you. Not only do some offer enough funding to cover most of your tuition, but it presents you as a better candidate for research positions as the advisor no longer has to find the funding for you themselves!
Our Programs
Click on the links below to explore and learn about the graduate programs offered by the School of Computer Science
Course-Based
Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence (MCTI)
Thesis-Based
Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence (MSc)
Ph.D. in Computational Sciences
If you are interested in any of our programs, do not hesitate to contact the Professors to discuss it with them. They are more than happy to talk and help you out!
For general inquiries contact gradonln@uoguelph.ca.