Bachelor of Computer Science
Faculty of Mathematical and Computational Sciences
OVERVIEW
Computer Science programs enable innovation and discovery in most fields. Computer science encompasses theory and practice, theoretical ideas about how information is represented and processed, and practical techniques for creating new software. UPEI offers computer science degree options, including honors, major, minor, specialization in video game programming, and cooperative education.
Mathematical and computational sciences are experiencing a “boom.” Everyone is collecting data, and they need people with the skills to manage, analyze, and extract useful information from it. Mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists are trained to do this.
Course structure
Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.
Note: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course.
Common Core
All degree programs in the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences are built on a common core of courses that should be completed in the first two years of study. This common core consists of the following courses:
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MATH 1910 | Single Variable Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1920 | Single Variable Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2610 | Linear Algebra I | 3 |
| STAT 1910 | Intro to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| CS 1910 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 1920 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| One of: UPEI 101 UPEI 1020 UPEI 1030 |
Writing Studies Inquiry Studies University Studies |
3 |
| Total Semester Hours of Credit |
Common Breadth Requirement
Students must take at least 15 semester hours of credit beyond the core course requirement in courses outside the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, and of these 15 semester hours of credit, at least six must be from outside the Faculty of Science.
Common Advanced Courses
Students in all degree programs in the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences must complete MCS 4210 Professional Communication and Practice (writing-intensive) and MCS 3050 Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences.
Computer Science encompasses both theory and practice; theoretical ideas about how information is represented and processed, and practical techniques for creating new software.
Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.
Requirements for a Major in Computer Science
The Major in Computer Science requires a total of 120 semester hours of credit, as described below.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
| The Common Core | 23 |
| CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 2620 - Comparative Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 2910 - Computer Science III | 3 |
| CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 2820 - Programming Practices | 3 |
| MATH 2420 - Combinatorics I | 3 |
| MCS 3320 - Theory of Computing | 3 |
| CS 3420 - Computer Communications | 3 |
| CS 3520 - Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 3610 - Analysis and Design of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 3620 - Software Design and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 3710 - Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 4810 - Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 4820 - Software Systems Development Project | 3 |
| One elective in Mathematical and Computational Sciences (at the 2000 level or higher) | 3 |
| MCS 3050 - Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences | 1 |
| MCS 4210 - Professional Communication and Practice | 3 |
| Additional general electives: | 48 |
| Total Semester Hours of Credit |
Requirements for a Major in Computer Science with a specialization in Video Game Programming
The Major in Computer Science with a specialization in Video Game Programming requires 120 semester hours of credit, as described below.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
| The Common Core | 23 |
| CS 3130 - Mobile Device Development - Android | 3 |
| CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 2910 - Computer Science III | 3 |
| CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 2620 - Comparative Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 2820 - Programming Practices | 3 |
| MATH 2420 - Combinatorics I | 3 |
| MCS 2050 - C++ Technology Lab | 1 |
| CS 3110 - Video Game Design | 3 |
| MCS 3320 - Theory of Computing | 3 |
| CS 3420 - Computer Communications | 3 |
| CS 3520 - Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 3610 - Analysis and Design of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 3620 - Software Design and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 3710 - Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 4350 - Computer Graphics Programming | 3 |
| CS 4360 - Advanced Computer Graphics Programming | 3 |
| At least two of: CS 4120 - Machine Learning CS 4440 - Data Science |
6 |
| CS 4650 - Video Game Architecture | 3 |
| CS 4810 - Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 4830 - Video Game Programming Project | 6 |
| One elective in the Mathematical and Computational Sciences (at the 2000 level or higher) | 3 |
| MCS 3050 - Tutoring in Mathematical and Computational Sciences | 1 |
| MCS 4210 - Professional Communication and Practice | 3 |
| Additional general electives | 23 |
| Total Semester Hours of Credit |
Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science
Students may obtain a Minor in Computer Science by completing at least 21 semester hours of credit in Computer Science, defined as follows:
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CS 1910-1920 - Computer Science I & II | 6 |
| CS 2520 - Computer Organization and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 2920 - Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| plus 3 semester hours of credit in Computer Science at the 3000 level or higher, and an additional 6 semester hours of credit in Computer Science at the 2000 level or higher |
9 |
| Total Semester Hours of Credit |
Co-operative Education
Combining classroom studies with practical work experience
The UPEI Co-op Program is an integrated approach to university education that enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students can apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will have the notation entered on their transcripts and on the graduation parchment.
Students accepted into the program complete at least three paid work terms, which are normally 14 weeks in duration, and three professional development courses. Credits earned through completion of work terms are counted as general electives.
The Co-op option is available to full-time students in any MCS Major or Honours program. Applications to the Co-op Education Program are normally made after the first year of study. MCS students must complete 126 semester hours of credit to graduate with the Co-op designation.
Visit the Co-operative Education Program website for more information.
Admission Criteria
What's required for Science admission?
Refer to Undergraduate Admissions page for information on admission.