The Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba offers a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.), a thesis-based program leading to a Master of Science degree (M.Sc.), a course-based Masters of Science degree (M.Sc.) and a pre-master's program to qualify students for the master's programs. Detailed information on our programs, requirements and expected timelines can be found in the Graduate Handbook. Below we provide an overview of each of our programs.
Pre-Master's
The pre-master's program is one-year program for students who show promise, but lack sufficient background to be admitted into one of the Master's programs. Students in the pre-master's program will be asked to take a maximum of 10 courses (30 credit hours) of which a maximum of 8 (24 credit hours) may be taken in Computer Science. Courses will be chosen in consultation with the Graduate Associate Head and will be chosen to suit the individual student’s background and correct any program deficiencies prior to admission to the Master’s program.
M.Sc. (thesis)
The M.Sc. thesis-based program consists of a combination of course work and a research component. For the course-work component, student must complete of 15 credit hours of course work, including a required 3-credit hour Research Methodologies; all courses must be at the 7000 level. To ensure that students graduate with sufficient breadth, no more than 6 credit hours will normally be taken in any single major area (Applicants, Fundamentals and Theory). The research component is undertaken with guidance from a faculty advisor, and consists of a formal thesis proposal, a written thesis and a thesis defense. The M.Sc. thesis-based program is designed to be a two-year program, depending on the student's progress.
M.Sc. (coursework)
In the coursework M.Sc. program, students are required to take a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work, 18 credit hours of which must be at the 7000 level (the remaining 6 credit hours may be at either the 7000-level or the 4000-level). To ensure sufficient breadth, there must be at least 6 credit hours at the 7000 level in each of the major areas (Applications, Fundamentals, Theory). This program is not for students intending to pursue a Ph.D., however, transfers into the thesis-based M.Sc. option are possible. The program is designed to be a two-year program. There is also a co-op option for students in the course-based M.Sc. program allowing students to gain relevant industry experience prior to graduation.
Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program is designed to be a 3-5 year program consisting of course work and a substantial research component. For the course requirements, students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses at the 7000 level beyond those taken during a Master's degree, and their combined graduate courses (M.Sc. + Ph.D) must demonstrate sufficient breadth. Students must also pass a candidacy exam. The research component consists of a thesis proposal, a written thesis and a formal thesis defense.