COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science at Queen’s University offers both research-based and non-research-based pathways, designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field. For the research-based M.Sc., students are required to complete CISC 897 Research Methods in Computer Science, four half-courses at the 800 level (excluding CISC 810 and CISC 885), and a thesis, which constitutes half of the work for the degree. The non-research M.Sc. can be pursued either through a project pattern or a coursework pattern. In the project pattern, students complete six half-course credits at the 800 level (excluding CISC 810), one of which may be CISC 897, alongside a Master’s Project (CISC 898). Courses must be selected from three core areas: Computer Systems, Theory of Computation, and Applications, and the project concludes with a written report evaluated by a board including the supervisor, another faculty member, and the department head or delegate. In the coursework pattern, students complete eight half-course credits at the 800 level (excluding CISC 810 and CISC 897), also covering the three core areas. Both patterns ensure that students gain in-depth theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and research or project experience, preparing them for advanced roles in industry or further doctoral studies.