MSc in Computer Science

The MSc in Computer Science emphasizes both academic and applied research that can meaningfully contribute to further research, industry partnerships and government programs. There are multiple research areas students can choose to study, and interaction with other disciplines is encouraged as many faculty work with industry partners and other departments at the University of Guelph.

The MSc program is a thesis-based full­-time, 24 month program (continuous enrollment of up to 6 semesters) during which students will complete five courses, give a public seminar, conduct research and successfully defend a thesis. Applicants also have the option to apply for a collaborative specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or a collaborative specialization in One Health while pursuing a thesis-based MSc degree in computer science.

We strongly encourage all applicants to get in touch with prospective graduate faculty research advisors BEFORE applying. Finding a SoCS advisor is mandatory for admission to the MSc.CS program, and is the responsibility of the applicant. You can review SoCS faculty Areas of Research and current graduate opportunities to assist you in finding a suitable SoCS graduate faculty advisor.

How to Apply

Please apply online at Applying to Guelph.

Application Deadlines

Available spaces in the MSc program fill quickly, so it is in your best interest to submit your application and all required supporting documentation early. Our application deadline dates for each semester of enrollment are as follows:*

  • Spring 2024: February 1, 2024
  • Fall 2024: June 1, 2024
  • Winter 2025: October 1, 2024

*The application deadlines are for both Domestic and International applicants. We strongly encourage International applicants to apply a minimum of 9 months in advance of the semester's start date to ensure study permits can be processed in time for admission. Please see the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS) Recommendations for International Applicants for suggested application timeline.

Please note: Application processing times may vary and take approximately two to three months for decision. Please also ensure that you have all required application documentation submitted by the specified deadline, or your application will be considered incomplete.

Admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of both the University and the School of Computer Science (SoCS). For admission to the MSc in Computer Science program, entrants require the following:

  1. Four-year honors degree in computer science: Admission to the MSc in Computer Science requires a four-year honours degree in computer science, or a four-year honours degree in another discipline with a minor in computer science. Entrants who have a four-year honours degree in another discipline and a minor (or equivalent) in computer science must have taken a minimum of 10 computer science-related courses.
     
  2. A minimum B average: Applicants are required to have a minimum average of 75% (or 'B') during the previous two years of full-time university study for an accredited university undergraduate degree. For information on international degree admission requirements, please see: International Credential Evaluation and select country. Admission average is calculated using the last 2 years of university-level study.
     
  3. A faculty research advisor: Each MSc candidate will conduct thesis research by working closely with a chosen School of Computer Science (SoCS) faculty research advisor. We strongly encourage all applicants to get in touch with prospective Graduate Faculty Advisors BEFORE applying. Finding a SoCS research advisor is mandatory for admission into the MSc.CS program and is the responsibility of the applicant.

    You can review SoCS faculty Areas of Research to assist you in finding a suitable faculty advisor.

    We also recommend that applicants review Tips for Finding a Research Advisor to assist you in communicating effectively with SoCS faculty.
     
  4. English proficiency test: An English proficiency test will be required for any applicant whose first language is not English.*
     

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Requirements, the School of Computer Science (SoCS) requires all of the documentation noted on the application page including:

  1. Academic Transcripts
     
  2. A current resume or CV
     
  3. Statement of Interest that lists specific computing science topics (3-5) that you wish to research and explains why these topics are of particular interest to you. This document will help us direct your application to the appropriate professor(s). Please refer to the faculty research areas for specific topics. The Statement of Interest should be a maximum of one page in length.
     
  4. Two Academic References
     
  5. A test of English proficiency is required of all applicants whose first language is not English.*

    *Please note, the English test may not be more than two years old at the time of admission. The proof of English proficiency requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances. For example, applicants may be eligible for an English Waiver who have conferred a degree in a country where English is the native language AND in an accredited university where English is the language of instruction (e.g. Canada, UK, USA, Australia, etc.). School of Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee approval is required.
     
  6. The Declaration of Committement form is an additional document required for applicants of the One Health Collaborative Specialization ONLY
     
  7. The GRE is NOT required

Fees & Funding

Visit Guelph Graduate Fees for the approximate costs of studying at the University of Guelph. Please also review the cost of living information for domestic and international students to determine the approximate cost of living fees (as these are in addition to tuition).

Normally, MSc students are (at minimum) partially funded by the School of Computer Science. That is, a minimum funding stipend of $16,500 per year (maximum 2 years) is guaranteed to all international and domestic MSc students who are able to secure a graduate faculty advisor and admission to the program. Funding is provided as a combination of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA).

For more information about types of funding and scholarships available, please visit fees, funding and scholarships.

For more information and requirements, please visit the MSc Program Graduate Calendar, or download our Program Brochure.

Please note, we will not be able to pre-evaluate any documents, and must receive all the required documentation before your application can be evaluated. If you need further assistance, please contact our Graduate Program Assistant.