The Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree is a joint program offered by the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carleton University and the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa under the auspices of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS). 

Carleton offers graduate students an opportunity to augment their knowledge and expertise by combining coursework and research in a wide range of areas, e.g., algorithms, computer security, distributed and parallel computing, computer gaming, computer graphics, robotics and GIS. 

Graduate students in the MCS program can select from over 50 courses that are offered by the OCICS either at the School of Computer Science or the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. 

Typically graduate students will engage in one-year in-depth research in which the student specializes in their area of interest.  

Students enrolled in the co-op program can apply to work at a local high-tech company for work up to eight months.

The School of Computer Science also offers an MCS in Human-Computer Interaction and a MASC in Biomedical Engineering.

A Collaborative Specialization in Data Science is also available.

This program has one pathway Option: Thesis.

Capital Advantage

Many high technology companies, e.g., Alcatel, IBM, Mitel, Thales, Cognos (IBM), Research Labs, e.g., National Research Council, Communication Research Centre, and a large number of Government of Canada departments are located in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. 

The technology cluster allows students to conduct joint research with the private and public sectors. 

Graduating students have a large range of employment opportunities from research to development in designing new software security products, creating computer games, designing animation software, building robots, medical imaging and devices, and data mining and business intelligence.

Fields of Specialization

• Algorithms and Complexity
• Knowledge-Based and Intelligent Systems
• Software Engineering
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• Computer and Internet Security

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency (If Applicable)
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Letters of Reference (2 required)
• Statement of Intent (1 required)
• CV/Resumé (1 required)

• Students typically require a minimum of 11.0 GPA.
• By equivalent is meant an honours degree in a program that includes at least twelve computer science half-credits, two of which must be at the 4000-level, and eight half-credits in mathematics, one of which must be at the 3000- or 4000-level.
• Applicants who have a general (3-year) bachelor's degree, or who otherwise lack the required undergraduate preparation, may be admitted to a qualifying-year program.