Master of Science
a) An undergraduate background of either:
A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.30 in the last two years (i.e., last 60 units or 10 full-course equivalents) of the undergraduate program
OR
A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.30 in the last two years (i.e., last 60 units or 10 full-course equivalents) of the undergraduate program.
In addition, candidates must have an undergraduate course at the 3rd or 4th year level in each of the following computer science areas:
- Theory of Computation
- Software Engineering
- Systems (Operating Systems, Compilers, Distributed Systems, Networking)
- Application (Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Databases, etc.)
The cumulative GPA for these courses must be at least 3.30.
Post-degree Computer Science courses may be considered in calculating the GPA. Exceptions to the GPA requirements may be considered for students with either:
- Demonstrated research excellence, or
- GRE General scores of at least 600 verbal and 750 quantitative and either 720 analytical (old test format) or 5.5 (new test format).
b) For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based test) or 97 (Internet-based test), or an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, or a MELAB score of 83 or above, or a PTE score of 68 or above. This requirement can also be met by completing Tier III of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of "B" on Academic Writing & Grammar III, "B" on Reading Comprehension & Proficiency III, and "B" on Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency III.
c) For students applying with degrees from outside Canada, GRE scores are generally expected and will be considered.
d) Two letters of reference.
Master of Science degree with a Specialization in Software Engineering (thesis-based)
Students applying for entry to the Master of Science with a specialization in Software Engineering will be assessed on qualification as in (a) above, but with a GPA of 3.00 and at least three years relevant experience in the software industry following the bachelor’s degree.
Doctor of Philosophy
For students applying with a Master of Science degree, all the requirements for a Master of Science (above) apply, plus a thesis-based Master of Science degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.30.
For exceptional students applying with a Bachelor of Science degree, all the requirements for a Master of Science (above) apply, plus a four-year Honours degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.70 and demonstrated research ability.
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Network Security and Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Software Security
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the following are required:
a) Undergraduate preparation of either:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science from a recognized institution; or
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution. In addition, candidates must have successfully completed an undergraduate course in each of the following areas:
- Computer programming with understanding of execution environments (e.g., CPSC 233 or equivalent)
- Algorithms and data structures (e.g., CPSC 331 or equivalent)
- Either Operating systems (e.g., CPSC 457 or equivalent); or Computer networks (e.g., CPSC 441 or equivalent).
b) Two letters of reference.
Alternate Routes to Admission: In exceptional circumstances (see Admissions - Qualifications), individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievement may be considered for admission to the post-baccalaureate certificate program. The candidate must provide the Information Security Program Director with evidence demonstrating the potential to successfully undertake this certificate program. Such candidates may also be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Program Director and be required to take additional courses to meet completion requirements.
Students who successfully complete one of the post-baccalaureate certificate programs, and who then apply to the other post-baccalaureate certificate program within 5 years of completing the first certificate, will not be required to submit reference letters or transcripts.
Program Descriptions