You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

Program Requirements

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, students in the M.Sc. in Computer Science select one of the following two options when they apply to the program:

  • thesis option: 18 credits of coursework, plus a 12-credit M.Sc. thesis (COSC 549)
  • project option: 24 credits of coursework, plus a 6-credit M.Sc. project (COSC 550)

All coursework credit must be selected by the student in consultation and with the approval of the supervisor(s) from a list of core courses in Computer Science (COSC), Optimization (COSC or MATH), and Data Science (DATA or STAT) before being submitted to the program coordinator for approval. Other courses in similar disciplines like Computer Science courses offered by UBC Vancouver (CPSC) and courses available through the Western Dean’s or similar agreements are eligible subject to approval of the supervisor and program coordinator. The supervisory committee may require additional coursework, if deemed necessary for successful completion of the program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. are:

  1. Research Skills (COSC 690).
  2. Comprehensive requirement.
  3. Thesis proposal oral examination.
  4. Doctoral Dissertation (COSC 649).

Students are admitted to candidacy after completing the first three requirements.

Additional requirements may be established by the student's supervisory committee. For detailed information on how each requirement is met (see COSC Ph.D. program).


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