Overview

Computer Science programs enable innovation and discovery in most fields. Computer science encompasses both theory and practice; theoretical ideas about how information is represented and processed, and practical techniques for creating new software. UPEI offers computer science degree options including honours, major, minor, specialization in video game programming, and co-operative education.

Mathematical and computational sciences are experiencing a “boom”. Everyone is collecting data, and they need people with the skills to manage, analyze, and extract useful information from the data. This is what mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists are trained to do. 

Employment prospects are among the highest of any field, and Honours graduates are well positioned to pursue graduate studies.

Meet Chris Vessey, UPEI sessional and laboratory instructor

UPEI instructor Chris Vessey
Faculty
Chris Vessey

Chris Vessey is a Systems Administrator, Laboratory Instructor, and a Sessional Instructor in the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at UPEI. Older than dirt itself, he’s been around UPEI in a teaching capacity since 2000, but also had a stint from 1990 to 1995 as a User Services Support Technician in what is now called ITSS.

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Course Structure

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


Note: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course. 


Common Core

All degree programs in the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences are built on a common core of courses that should be completed in the first two years of study. This common core consists of the following courses:

 

CourseCourse nameCredits
MATH 1910Single Variable Calculus I4
MATH 1920Single Variable Calculus II4
MATH 2610Linear Algebra I3
STAT 1910Introduction to Statistics3
CS 1910Computer Science I3
One of:
UPEI 1010
UPEI 1020
UPEI 1030

Writing Studies
Inquiry Studies
University Studies
3
IKE 1040Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island3
Total Semester Hours of Credit 23

Common Breadth Requirement

Students must take at least 15 semester hours of credit beyond the core course requirement in courses outside the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, and of these 15 semester hours of credit at least 6 must be from outside the Faculty of Science.

Common Advanced Courses

Students in all degree programs in the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences must complete MCS 4210 Professional Communication and Practice (writing-intensive) and MCS 3050 Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences. 

A student harnessing the power of a computer
A student harnessing the power of a computer
Computer Science encompasses both theory and practice; theoretical ideas about how information is represented and processed, and practical techniques for creating new software.

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


Requirements for Honours In Computer Science

 

The Honours in Computer Science requires a total of 126 semester hours of credit, as described below.

 

 Credits
The Common Core23
CS 1920 - Computer Science II3
CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture3
CS 2620 - Comparative Programming Languages3
CS 2910 - Computer Science III3
CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms3
CS 2820 - Programming Practices3
MATH 2420 - Combinatorics I3
MATH 2910 - Multivariable Calculus4
MCS 3320 - Theory of Computing3
CS 3420 - Computer Communications3
CS 3520 - Operating Systems3
CS 3610 - Analysis and Design of Algorithms            3
CS 3620 - Software Design and Architecture3
CS 3710 - Database Systems3
At least one of:
CS 4110 - Artificial Intelligence and Automated Reasoning OR
CS 4120 - Machine Learning
3
CS 4810 - Software Engineering3
MCS 4901 - Honours Research Project I: Research3
MCS 4902 - Honours Research Project II: Thesis3
Three electives in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences
(at the 2000 level or higher)
9
MCS 3050 - Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences1
MCS 4210 - Professional Communication and Practice            3
Additional general electives32
Total Semester Hours of Credit    126

 

Requirements for a Major in Computer Science

 

The Major in Computer Science requires a total of 120 semester hours of credit, as described below.

 Credits
The Common Core23
CS 1920 - Computer Science II3
CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture3
CS 2620 - Comparative Programming Languages3
CS 2910 - Computer Science III3
CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms3
CS 2820 - Programming Practices3
MATH 2420 - Combinatorics I3
MCS 3320 - Theory of Computing3
CS 3420 - Computer Communications        3
CS 3520 - Operating Systems3
CS 3610 - Analysis and Design of Algorithms            3
CS 3620 - Software Design and Architecture3
CS 3710 - Database Systems3
CS 4810 - Software Engineering3
CS 4820 - Software Systems Development Project3
One elective in Mathematical and Computational Sciences
(at the 2000 level or higher)

3
MCS 3050 - Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences1
MCS 4210 - Professional Communication and Practice            3
Additional general electives:45
Total Semester Hours of Credit    120

 

Requirements for a Major in Computer Science with a specialization in Video Game Programming

 

The Major in Computer Science with a specialization in Video Game Programming requires a total of 120 semester hours of credit, as described below.

 

 Credits
The Common Core23
CS 1920 - Computer Science II3
CS 3130 - Mobile Device Development – Android3
CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture3
CS 2910 - Computer Science III3
CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms3
CS 2620 - Comparative Programming Languages3
CS 2820 - Programming Practices3
MATH 2420 - Combinatorics I3
MCS 2050 - C++ Technology Lab1
CS 3110 - Video Game Design3
MCS 3320 - Theory of Computing3
CS 3420 - Computer Communications        3
CS 3520 - Operating Systems3
CS 3610 - Analysis and Design of Algorithms3
CS 3620 - Software Design and Architecture3
CS 3710 - Database Systems3
CS 4350 - Computer Graphics Programming3
CS 4360 -  Advanced Computer Graphics Programming3
At least two of: 
CS 4060 - Cloud Computing
CS 4120 - Machine Learning
CS 4440 - Data Science
OR CS 4610 - Wireless Sensor Networks
6
CS 4650 - Video Game Architecture3
CS 4810 - Software Engineering3
CS 4830 - Video Game Programming Project           6
One elective in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences
(at the 2000 level or higher)
3
MCS 3050 - Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences1
MCS 4210 - Professional Communication and Practice3
Additional general electives20
Total Semester Hours of Credit120

 

Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science

 

Students may obtain a Minor in Computer Science by completing at least 21 semester hours of credit in Computer Science defined as follows:

 

CS 1910-1920 - Computer Science I & II 6
CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture 3
CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms 3
plus 3 semester hours of credit in Computer Science at the 3000 level
or higher, and an additional 6 semester hours of credit in
Computer Science at the 2000 level or higher


9
Total Semester Hours of Credit 21
 
Co-operative Education
Combining classroom studies with practical work experience

A student works on an iPad

The UPEI Co-op Program is an integrated approach to university education which enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students are able to apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will have the notation entered on their transcripts and on the graduation parchment. 

Students accepted into the program complete at least three paid work terms of normally 14 weeks duration, and three professional development courses. Credits earned through completion of work terms are counted as general electives.

The Co-op option is available to full-time students in any MCS Major or Honours program. Applications to the Co-op Education Program are normally made after completion of the first year of study. MCS students must complete 126 semester hours of credit in order to graduate with the Co-op designation.

Visit the Co-operative Education Program website for more information.

Admissions Criteria
What's required for Science admission?

High School Graduates

Canadian High School Equivalency Chart

  • Grade 12 Academic English
  • Grade 12 Academic Mathematics
  • Two Grade 12 Academic Science subjects (acceptable subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, Oceanography, Animal Science, Environmental Science)
  • One additional Grade 12 Academic course

Please note: Successful completion of Grade 12 Chemistry (or equivalent) is required as a prerequisite for permission to register in CHEM-1110.

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

Fees and Funding
Faculty of Science Programs Tuition

UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards. 

Tuition

$7,170 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($717 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $8,410 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Science, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms. 

Celebrating Student Achievement

Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.

Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.

Faculty Members
Your mentors. Our professors.

UPEI has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made UPEI home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.