Bachelor of Computer Science
The School of Computer Science faculty and staff are dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to succeed at 杏吧原创. This page is designed to help you plan your courses and craft your student experience. Use this page to learn more about the different facets of your undergraduate program, including academics, campus life, co-op, and more!
On this page
Preparing for your Studies
Program Requirements
Laptop Requirements
Your Undergrad Advisors
Are you a first-year student with questions about registration or looking for tips on selecting courses?
Watch this fantastic video prepared by students from the 杏吧原创 Computer Science Society
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Book a one-on-one meeting with a member of the 杏吧原创 Computer Science Society (CCSS) between June 28 and July 10. This is a great opportunity for first-year and transfer students to learn about academic life at 杏吧原创 from a current student. To book a time, please visit the .
You can also connect with one of our academic advisors for academic guidance by emailing scs.info@cunet.carleton.ca, or by visiting the School of Computer Science main office in Herzberg 5302 between 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 p.m.
Academics
Courses and Registration
Welcome to 杏吧原创 and your Bachelor of Computer Science degree program! More information on registration, course selection, electives and prohibited courses, and your academic audit can be found by following the link below:
Honours vs Major Degree
The School of Computer Science offers both an Honours degree and a Major degree. Both are 20.0 credit degree programs in which you obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and both offer a co-op option.
However, the Honours degree requires you to take , which teaches valuable advanced problem-solving techniques that will remain useful for your entire career. It also allows you to take either or , which gives you experience in doing independent work. The required written report in these courses is valuable, especially if you want to advance in a software career
The Honours program also has higher , and you may not choose a program stream designation unless you are in the Honours program.
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The Honours degree is generally recognized as a more distinguished degree than the Major degree. However, employers are usually more concerned about your academic grades and the kinds of projects that you have been working on, as opposed to the exact title of your degree. Keep in mind that an Honours Project that has been well done, may help to convince an employer of your ability to work independently, perform analysis and write well-written reports, which are valuable skills in industry.
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Not necessarily. Many universities indicate that they require an Honours degree or equivalent to get into a Master’s program, so the Honours degree is better if you intend to apply for a Masters or Ph.D. in computer science. However, a student with high grades from a Major degree may still be considered for graduate work.
Program Streams and Minors
A is a series of area-specific courses that you take as part of your degree which allows you to specialize in a particular field of study. If you intend to apply for a job within a particular field corresponding to one of our streams, then the stream will allow you to be more prepared/trained for that field of work. Some streams begin in first year, allowing you to take a stream-specific course during each year of the program. Other streams have course-specific requirements that only begin in third year.
You can find a comparison of stream requirements by following the link below:
In addition to your Major (i.e. Computer Science), students in the BCS program may add a maximum of two program elements to their degree. Program elements include Minors and Streams. This means that BCS students can choose up to one Stream and one Minor, or two Minors. Students are not permitted to have two Streams. You may view the to see the requirements of the specific Stream or Minor that you are interested in. Adding a Minor or a Stream is optional. Students can add a Minor or a Stream using the Change of Program Elements Form on 杏吧原创 Central. If you have any questions about adding a program element to your degree, please consult with an Undergraduate Advisor.
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Some minors are prohibited due to significant course overlap with precluded courses or prohibited courses listed in a minor requirement. Please always refer to the most recent for the most up-to-date list of prohibited courses. If you notice significant course overlap or prohibited course requirements in your chosen minor, please consult an Undergraduate Advisor before submitting a Change of Program Element (COPE) Form. Please note: the COPE form does not prevent you from selecting a prohibited minor. It is your responsibility to verify eligibility beforehand.
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No. If you do not choose a stream, you will still come out of the 20 credit program with a Bachelor of Computer Science degree. There are plenty of elective courses that allow you to tailor your degree to cover a variety of different topics. You do not need to be in the stream to take most stream-related courses, provided that there are no restrictions and that there is space for you in the course. Keep in mind, however, that some courses are restricted to students registered into a particular stream. Selecting a stream will help to guarantee that you will be able to take those required stream-related courses.
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Taking a stream will allow you to specialize in a particular area. If that area matches the area of an employer, you may be better suited for that particular job. For example, having a degree with a Software Engineering stream designation will tell a prospective employer that you have a bit of a specialty in that area, so it may provide a slight advantage in getting your resume closer to the top of the pile for a job that requires a focus on software engineering. But then again, an “A+” student without that stream is better than a “B” student with that stream, since all students do courses in software engineering anyway. Therefore, high grades are likely more valuable than a stream designation.
MCS Accelerated Pathway
The MCS Accelerated Pathway allows Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons.) students a chance to fast-track their Master’s of Computer Science studies, enabling you to reach your academic and career goals sooner.
Minor in Computer Science
The Minor in Computer Science consists of 4.0 credits in computer science (COMP) courses. Enrolment is limited and not all programs are allowed to add computer science as a Minor. Please consult the to view the Minor requirements.
Co-op
鈥淵ou have access as a 杏吧原创 co-op student to a lot of different employers. And it doesn鈥檛 just have to be here in Ottawa. I鈥檝e gotten interviews with companies in other cities, even Vancouver and Edmonton.鈥 – Eric Tran, BCSM.
Co-operative Education combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. As a co-op student, you alternate study terms at 杏吧原创 with four, eight, twelve or sixteen month work terms. Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience鈥攇iving you a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
Your first potential co-op admission is in the fall term of your second year, with your first potential work term taking place in the summer term of your second year. You are required to take complete four terms of work to receive the co-op designation. Students generally follow the schedule shown below:
Work-Study Sequence
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Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Term Pattern Fall S Fall S Fall W Fall S Fall S Winter S Winter S Winter S Winter W Winter S Summer Summer W Summer W Summer W Legend
S: Study
W: WorkMore information on the co-op program can be found on the 杏吧原创 Co-op website, but here are a few links to help get you directed to information on co-op for your Bachelor of Computer Science:
Student Clubs and Societies
杏吧原创鈥檚 extensive network of clubs and societies is another great way to meet new people and pursue your interests outside the classroom. With more than 170 active clubs and societies to choose from, you will certainly find a venue for your academic, social, political or charitable interests. Here is a list of clubs and societies that are related to computer science:
Student Wellness and Support
University success is achieved by not only maintaining good study habits and attending class, but also by taking care of yourself. There are many resources and services on campus and in the community to help you better understand, manage and improve your mental health and wellness throughout your degree and beyond.
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- Health and Counselling Services
- Computer Science Teaching Assistants
- School of Computer Science Undergraduate Advisors
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- The SSSC also offers a
- 2SLGBTQ+ Resources
- From Intention to Action (FITA)
- Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC)
- Centre for Indigneous Support and Community Engagement (CISCE)
- AVP Indigenous Teaching, Learning and Research
- Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO)
- Get Help Now 鈥 Crisis/Urgent Counselling Support