Computer Science

Computer Science

Location

Location

  • School of Computer Science
  • McConnell Engineering, Room 318
  • 3480 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 0E9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7071
  • Fax: 514-398-3883
  • Email: grad.cs [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: cs.mcgill.ca

About Computer Science

About Computer Science

The School of Computer Science is one of the leading teaching and research centres for computer science in Canada and offers several graduate programs. The Master of Science (M.Sc.) Thesis and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are research-centric programs preparing students for research careers in academia or industry. They both offer an option in bioinformatics. The Master of Science (M.Sc.) Non-Thesis program is targeted at students looking for careers in applied research and development in industry. In all programs, students will be exposed to cutting-edge computer science developments. Research in the School covers a broad range of areas, including:

  • Theory: algorithms, combinatorial optimization, computational geometry, cryptography, graph theory, logic and computation, programming languages, quantum computing, theory of computation, and scientific computing;
  • Systems: compilers, computer games, distributed systems, storage systems, database systems, embedded and real-time systems, systems for data science, networks, software engineering, and model engineering;
  • Applications: bioinformatics, many areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning, bioinformatics, robotics, computer animation, graphics, vision, and Human Factors in Computing.

More information can be found on the School's website.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

This program is designed for students with a strong interest in research in computer science who hold at least the equivalent of an undergraduate minor in CS. This program combines a strong course component with a research thesis. It is the usual (but not mandatory) entry point for students who wish to do a Ph.D., but is also the program of choice for students who want to find challenging and exciting jobs after their master's.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Thesis): Bioinformatics (45 credits)

Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases, and the use of algorithms and statistics.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

This program is designed for students who want to obtain broad knowledge of advanced topics in computer science but without the requirement of a thesis. It offers an excellent preparation for the job market, but is not recommended for students interested in eventually pursuing a Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science

The Ph.D. program trains students to become strong, independent researchers in the field of their choice. Our graduates take challenging positions in industry or take academic positions at universities and research labs. In order to apply to the Ph.D. program, applicants should normally hold a master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related area, from a well-recognized university, but exceptional students can be admitted to the Ph.D. program directly without a master's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science: Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases, and the use of algorithms and statistics.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)

Computer Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Computer Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

M.Sc.

The minimum requirement for admission is a bachelor's degree (cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 or better, or equivalent) with the coursework in Computer Science and Mathematics as listed on our School's website. The website supplements the information in this publication, and should be consulted by all graduate students.

Ph.D.

In order to apply to the Ph.D. program, applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree in Computer Science or a closely related area from a well-recognized university. Students who hold a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science but have an exceptionally strong academic record may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program, but they must initially apply to the M.Sc. program. Students who are in the M.Sc. program have the option to be fast-tracked into the Ph.D. program at the end of their first academic year, contingent on excellent performance as judged by the Ph.D. committee.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Curriculum Vitae – required for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs
  • Statement of Purpose – required for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) is optional for all programs.

For further details about each required document, consult the School of Computer Science's website.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the School of Computer Science and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

For further details on our admission requirements, please visit our website at cs.mcgill.ca/graduate/future/overview/.

Scholarship Deadlines: December 15 for applicants who wish to be considered for scholarship awards; otherwise, December 15 for International and February 15 for Canadian students for admission to the Fall term.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)

Computer Science Faculty

Computer Science Faculty

Director
M. Blanchette
Emeritus Professors
D. Avis; R. De Mori; T.H. Merrett; M.M. Newborn; C. Paige; D. Thérien; C. Tropper
Professors (Post-Retirement)
N. Friedman; C. Tropper; G.F.G. Ratzer
Professors
L. Devroye; G. Dudek; B. Kemme; J. Kienzle; X. Liu; P. Panangaden; B. Pientka; B. Reed; M. Robillard; K. Siddiqi; A. Vetta
Associate Professors
M. Blanchette; X.-W. Chang; J. Cheung; C. Crépeau; C. Dubach; H. Hatami; P. Kry; M. Langer; M. Maheswaran; D. Meger; J. Pineau; D. Precup; D. Ruths; C. Verbrugge; J. Waldispuhl
Assistant Professors
O. Balmau; J. Guo; Y.Li; H.C. Lin; E. Patitsas; R. Rabbany; M. Ravanbakhsh; S. Reddy; B. Richards; R. Robere; D. Rolnick
Faculty Lecturers
G. Alberini; D. Beccerra; J. Errington; F. M'hiri; M. ElSaadawy; J. Vybihal
Associate Members
L. Addario-Berry (Math & Stats); S. Baillet (Neurology and Neurosurgery); P. Bashivan (Physiology); D. Bzdok (Biological and Biomedical Engineering); L. Collins (Neurology and Neurosurgery); J. Ding (Medicine); B. Fung (Information Studies); S. Gravel (Human Genetics); D. Nowrouzezahrai (Electrical and Computer Engineering); T. O'Donnell (Linguistics); P. Savadjiev (Diagnostic Radiology); D. Schlimm (History and Philosophy of Mathematics); M. Sonderegger (Linguistics); T Shultz (Psychology); Y. Yang (Mathemtics and Statistics)
Adjunct Professors
S. Andrews; D. Bahdanaum; M.G. Bellemare; X. Chen; F. Diaz; K. Dziugaite; G. Grant; W. Hamilton; S.E. Kahou; T. Kuo; A. Louis; I. Rekleitis; B. Shepherd; X. Si; A.R. Soriano; A. Szantner; D. Tarlow; A. Trischler
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 8, 2023) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Thesis): Bioinformatics (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The M.Sc. in Computer Science; Non-Thesis offers an in depth study of advanced topics in computer science, mainly through course-based work. The program includes the possibility to complete a short research project or to conduct an internship for practical experience.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science

Required coursework: Students must take eight graduate courses, of which at least five are computer science courses. These courses should be chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor (or co-supervisor) and the Progress Committee.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science: Bioinformatics

Faculty of Science—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)
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