Graduate Information
By choosing Acadia's graduate program in computer science, you will increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge through additional coursework and study, and you will further develop your research skills through challenging projects and development of a thesis with your supervisor. You will benefit from our small class sizes and collaborative approach to research – developing a high degree of contact and collaboration with your supervisor and gaining skills by working with groups with fellow researchers. Many of our research projects are collaborative in nature, where you will be working and reflecting with your supervisors and groups of students while pursuing your own particular research project.
Be Inspired
The Jodrey School of Computer Science is a strong leader in the Acadia Institute for Data Analytics (AIDA), creating many opportunities for you to work with local business and industry partners using data to help solve problems of interest. AIDA is hosted with the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre - its programming helps you connect with local businesses and entrepreneurs. Acadia was the first in the world to produce a Web Census – a full polling of all web servers in the publically addressable Internet – and has been prolific in performing research on the results and on improved methods for learning about the structure of the web. Our expertise in artificial intelligence, mobile computing, and multi-agent systems is enhanced through collaboration amongst our researchers and students in the Cooperative Intelligent Distributed Systems Group and the Intelligent Information Technology Research Laboratory.
Research Interests
- Agent-based distributed systems applications
- Artificial Intelligence
- Autonomic computing
- Computer-supported co-operative work
- Data compression
- DBMS performance
- Distributed systems
- Graph theory algorithms
- Handheld and wireless technologies
- Intelligent agents and adaptive software systems
- Intelligent information retrieval and integration
- Knowledge management
- Logic theory and algorithms
- Machine learning
- User modelling and user adapted interfaces
Selecting courses
You can choose from three different program routes (project, thesis, and course), and you will select at least one course from each of three topic areas in computer science: application, systems, and theory.
- The thesis-based MSc in Computer Science is a research-oriented program where you will work closely with your faculty supervisors on cutting-edge research. Your work will result with an MSc thesis that will be held in the Acadia library. Many graduate students, along with their supervisors, go on to publish their research work at computer science conferences.
- In the project-based MSc in Computer Science, you will complete a project instead of a thesis. Your project will supervised by faculty and will usually involve participation in some research-related activities.
- The course-based MSc in Computer Science will extend your knowledge in the field without involving a thesis. You will explore courses in the various topic areas, expanding the breadth of your expertise.
Some of Acadia's Computer Science courses are cross-listed (available for both graduate and undergraduate students). When choosing courses, a maximum of 1/3 of your courses (excluding 0 credit-hour courses) can be cross-listed with undergraduate courses. You cannot take a graduate course that is cross-listed with an undergraduate course for which you already have an Acadia credit.
Thesis based Program at a Glance
The program normally requires two years of study. Courses take place in-person at Acadia University.
Year One -
First Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5960
Thesis
Year One -
Second Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5960
Thesis
Year One -
Third Term
- COMP 5960
Thesis
Year Two -
First Term
- COMP 5960
Thesis
Year Two -
Second Term
- COMP 5960
Thesis Completion
Project based Program at a Glance
The program normally requires 12-16 months of study. Courses take place in-person at Acadia University. You will complete the 15 credit-hours of advanced coursework over the Fall and Winter semesters. The number of courses you can register for is dependent on the availability of courses in each semester.
Year One -
First Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5950
Project
Year One -
Second Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5950
Project
Year One -
Third Term
- COMP 5950
Project
* COMP 5923 may be offered in either Fall or Winter semester, but not both.
Course based Program at a Glance
The program normally requires 12-16 months of study. Courses take place in-person at Acadia University. You will complete the 21 credit-hours of advanced coursework over the Fall and Winter semesters. The number of courses you can register for is dependent on the availability of courses in each semester.
Year One -
First Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory
Year One -
Second Term
- COMP 5923*
Research Methods in Computer Science - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory
Year Two -
First Term
- COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory - COMP 5xx3
Advanced course in applications/systems/theory
Co-op education
Students in all three program options are welcome to enrol in our Co-op Education program. You'll earn eight months of valuable industry experience (two four-month placements) and income while you complete your degree requirements.
- Work terms are not for academic credit and are in addition to your required coursework.
- You will apply to Co-op in your first year of study. You must complete two terms of coursework before your first Co-op term.
- You must complete both Co-op terms prior to your final full term of study.
Join us at Acadia University to pursue a graduate degree in an environment built on research, community, and close cooperation between faculty and students. As a small university, we can provide you with an experience that you won't find in a large institution or research university. The small size of our programs means you'll form real bonds with your professors and your fellow students. Your thesis supervisors will be accessible and attentive to your needs.
Graduate coordinator
Dr. Elhadi Shakshuki
Masters Program
Research