Computer Science

Construct new applications for the Internet. Design software for hand-held devices. Explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Boost your career options as an IT professional. These opportunities and more are available when you choose Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is the study and application of cutting-edge digital information technology. This technology is essential in fields as diverse as aeronautics, genetics, business and music. The tremendous growth of the computer industry has made it a dynamic and exciting field of study.

Career Opportunities

Information processing is one of the largest industries in the world. As a result, professional opportunities for Computer Science graduates are virtually limitless. Many U of S grads have gone on to work for major industry leaders such as Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Nortel and Pixar. Many have also started their own companies providing Internet services or design and consulting services. Further opportunities abound in areas such as software engineering, network installation and maintenance, database management, animation, graphics, and instrumental, mobile and wireless communication technologies.

A Stepping Stone...

A degree in Computer Science provides an excellent academic background for students interested in web development, software design, animation and graphics, telecommunications and other computer-related areas such as business, physics and engineering. Nearly all careers today require computer-related skills or will require them in the future. Interest in almost any discipline can mesh with a Computer Science degree. Both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science are also offered at the U of S.

"By choosing Computer Science, you keep your options open. You can combine your interests with Computer Science to pursue a career in any field you like."

Julita Vassileva, Professor

The U of S Advantage

The Department of Computer Science at the U of S has been consistently ranked as one of the top Computer Science departments in Canada. The Department offers a well-rounded curriculum that delivers solid classroom instruction by excellent and approachable professors, offering laboratory experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

Obtain 12 or 16 months of practical on-the-job training experience with a sponsoring company such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, IBM, SMART Technologies Inc. and the University of Saskatchewan just to name a few!

Choose Your Program!

The Department of Computer Science offers a wide range of options allowing students to customize a degree suited to their particular interests and allows them to prepare for graduate studies in Computer Science. Topics include:

Programming Languages
Software Design
Operating Systems
Graphics & Image Processing
Software Engineering
Networking & Internet Applications
Databases
Math & Logic
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Human Computer Interaction
Algorithms & Theory
Mobile Computing
Bioinformatics
Professional Internship Program

A Major in Computer Science

Students majoring in Computer Science can choose from one of the following degrees:

B.Sc. Three-year
B.Sc. Four-year
B.Sc. Honours
B.Sc. Honours in Software Engineering
B.Sc. Honours in Bioinformatics
Post-Degree Specialization Certificate – for students who have completed or are completing a degree in another discipline

Students who begin their studies in other colleges, including Engineering, may also enter these programs with or without transferring to the College of Arts & Science.

Professional Internship Program

After completion of year three in the four-year Bachelor of Science degree program, students may be eligible to participate in the Professional Internship Program. Students acquire practical training and valuable experience in their prospective career area over the span of a 12- or 16-month placement in a supervised work environment. The Professional Internship Program adds experience to the student’s resume, assists the student in establishing professional contacts, and provides an income for the student prior to the fourth year of study.

"By participating in the internship program, I hope to gain real world experiences that will open my eyes to a whole new appreciation of Computer Science."

Debby Bates, Internship Student

A Specialty in Software Engineering or in Bioinformatics

Computer Science is the place to study Software Engineering at the U of S. The nationally accredited Arts & Science Software Engineering honours specialization is the first of its kind in Canada. This program is very popular with students and employers alike and is a highlight of the Department of Computer Science.

As well, an interdisciplinary program in Bioinformatics is available for students. This new program offers the computational and life science skills to help unravel the secrets of genomes.

"I choose to study Bioinformatics (an interdisciplinary program offered by the Department of Computer Science) because it allows me to combine my aptitude for computers and mathematics with my interest in biology. Computers, running programs employing state-of-the-art algorithms, have emerged as a powerful tool in studying a huge variety of biological problems - problems which I personally find extremely interesting."

Brett Trost, B.Sc., Computer Science

Research Opportunities

There are multiple opportunities in the Department to gain research experience as an undergraduate student.

Students pursuing an Honours degree can take one of our research classes in their upper years. These classes allow you to work with a Professor to perform a research project and/or write a research paper in an advanced area of Computer Science.

Students may apply to do an exchange at Technische Universitat Darmstadt in Darmstadt, Germany. You will initially take an intensive German course to learn the language and then work with a Darmstadt Professor to complete a research project. Projects are done in English.

Additionally, there are many opportunities to work with a Professor as a summer student researcher. Working in this type of position is a great way to participate in research in the Department before you graduate.

Outstanding Students & Faculty

- Undergraduate students, Travis Calder, Christoph Dittmann, and K.C. “Cinnati” Loi with coach Dr. Christopher Dutchyn competed in the ACM-ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest) World Finals.

- Chantel Spies, a Computer Science NSERC undergraduate summer research assistant presented her work on aspect mining in bio-informatics software at the Rising Stars of Research student conference.

- Dr. Regan Mandryk, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, has been awarded the prestigious NSERC University Faculty Award.

- Dr. Carl Gutwin, Professor of Computer Science, has been awarded a position as Canada Research Chair in Next Generation Groupware.

Getting Involved!

To enhance your student experience, join the Computer Science Students’ Society, an active club which puts on social events that enhancing your student experience.

Related Interests

If you are interested in Computer Science, you might also be interested in:

Relevant Links

For more information available online for Computer Science: