Computer Science


The study of computing ranges from hands-on applications to pure theory, and includes the analysis of algorithms, the study of computer architectures, operating systems, networks, and software design.

Overview

The study of computing includes the analysis of algorithms, the study of computer architectures, operating systems, networks, and software design.

Ranging from hands-on applications to pure theory, Computer Science introduces students to all facets of the discipline.

It also gives you an appreciation of the historical, ethical, and social context of computing, and the responsibility of the computer professional and casual computer user in a modern society.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Bachelor of Science (BSc), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, computer science courses are designed to address the needs of a wide variety of users, from the casual to the professional.

Whether you want to learn more about certain software or to develop advanced programming skills, Mount Allison has a computer science course for you.

Introductory computer science courses offer an overview of programming skills, the use and application of popular software, and the essentials of computing.

More advanced courses deal with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the role of computers in society to the design and implementation of advanced hardware or software systems.

Specialized areas include:

  • theory of computation
  • cryptography
  • artificial intelligence
  • databases
  • computer graphics
  • networks
  • software and hardware design

All courses in the computing curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical application, with many of the offerings having a significant project component in which students are given the opportunity to apply the classroom material to real-world problems.

New! BA in Computer Science and Music — allows students to combine their interests and abilities in both technology and music, focusing on the practical applications of technology and the production of creative outputs that use technology

 

Related programs:


Degree options

At Mount Allison, there are different degree options in Computer Science depending on your interests and career goals.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science

As a Bachelor of Arts student with a major in Computer Science, you'll combine your computer science courses with courses in arts and letters, humanities, and social sciences.

BA honours Computer Science is also available.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science

As a Bachelor of Science student with a major in Computer Science, you'll combine your computer science courses with courses in chemistry, physics, and other science courses.

BSc honours Computer Science is also available.

Minor in Computer Science

A minor in Computer Science consists of a selection of core and elective computer science courses and can be combined with any degree.

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Computer Science +

Some complimentary majors can be combined with Computer Science to create a unique degree. These include:

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Michael Cormier
Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science

» Dr. Michael Cormier and Dr. Lauren Beck collaborate across disciplines to create new web-based metadata app

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Computer Science graduates include:

  • computer network specialist
  • logistics specialist
  • web developer/website designer
  • computer engineer/programmer
  • software/programmer analyst
  • database developer/administrator
  • systems architect/analyst
  • video game/multimedia/applications developer
  • intelligence officer
  • computer designer
  • electronic commerce specialist
  • software developer
  • security architect/network security analyst

Alumni Spotlight

Micah Stairs ('17)
BSc, honours in Computer Science and Mathematics
Google software engineer

» Micah Stairs ('17) creates endowment fund to support future programmers

Testimonials

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Mount Allison's Computer Science program was the perfect foundation for me. The program itself covers all the essentials and the learning continues outside the classroom. The competitive programming competitions gave me a chance to learn new ways of thinking, providing a toolbox of skills that made tech interviews a breeze. Furthermore, the research opportunities are outstanding here: I would argue I had more experience than most of my friends in larger institutions.


Graeme
Zinck
'20
Honours Computer Science, minors in Commerce and Mathematics
Charlottetown, PEI

Extras

Students attending CanCWiC (the Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing) in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Experiential learning

Each summer, faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer research opportunities for undergraduate students. The students acquire valuable research experience while interacting with professors and other undergraduate students.

There are also many opportunities for students to attend internationally-recognized conferences and programming competitions.

Math and Computer Science students, recipients of awards at the Science Atlantic Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Conference

Programming competitions

Mount Allison students have a strong record of participation in the annual International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), which for universities in Atlantic Canada is a three-level competition: the Northeast North American (NENA) Regional contest, the North America Championship (NAC), and the World Finals.

/current-students/department-mathematics-and-computer-science

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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