Computer science deals with the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and with practical techniques for their implementation and application.

Virtually every discipline – practical, theoretical or creative – is experiencing the influence of computers. The ever-increasing dependence on computer technology in our daily lives presents rich opportunities for those interested in the design of new applications and systems. Every career can benefit from a deeper understanding of computing. The technology skills a major in computer science helps develop will make you indispensable and relevant no matter your position.

Computer Science at Memorial

We offer individual courses and full programs so any student can develop their computer skills and interest regardless of their career trajectory. Memorial’s Co-operative Internship in Computer Science (CICS) provides an opportunity for you to obtain rewarding placements in computer industries. The internship program includes a paid placement of eight to 16 months so you can explore career options and develop workplace skills at the same time.

We offer major, minor and honours programs leading to either a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science. Joint programs are available in:

• Applied Mathematics/Computer Science (B.Sc. major)
• Computer Science/Economics (B.Sc. major)
• Computer Science/Physics (B.Sc. major and honours)
• Computer Science/Pure Mathematics (B.Sc. major and honours)
• Computer Science/Statistics (B.Sc. major and honours)

Admission requirements

New Memorial students

You cannot choose Computer Science as your major at the time of application to Memorial.

If you're interested in completing Computer Science, apply for admission into the Faculty Science or the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of science or bachelor of arts, respectively, as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science for bachelor of science. Applicants without a laboratory science subject should apply for bachelor of arts.

Sample first year

Admission into the computer science major requires the completion of university level courses. Wondering what courses you should take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses you need to complete before applying for the computer science major.

Admission to the major for current students

Entry into the computer science major is competitive and selective. Selection is based on students' cumulative average in all courses across all subjects.

To be eligible for admission to the computer science major, you must complete the following 24 credit hours (8 courses):

• Computer Science 1001 and 1002, a minimum of 65% in both courses is required
• six credit hours in critical reading and writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English courses
• Mathematics 1000 and 1001 (or 1090 and 1000)
• six credit hours in other courses

There are a limited number of spaces available. There is no minimum average grade that can guarantee acceptance as it depends on the grades of others who apply, but it is likely to be at least an 'A' average (80 per cent or higher).

Students who wish to major in computer science must submit a completed online application form on the Department of Computer Science website. The application form is available from March 1 to May 31 for students applying for fall admission, and from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 for students applying for winter admission. Further details can be found on Department of Computer Science website.

Sample courses beyond first year

The following is a sample of some of the courses you may study in the computer science major (pre-requisites may be required in certain cases):

COMP 2001 - Object-Oriented Programming and Human-Computer Interaction
COMP 3301 - Visual Computing and Applications
COMP 4300 - Introduction to Game Programming

The Department of Computer Science has a full list of undergraduate courses on their website.

Career opportunities

A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts, with a major in Computer Science, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• computational scientist
• computer architect
• game programmer
• cyber security
• systems analyst/designer
• robotics programmer
• software developer

Our students work in national and international firms such as IBM, Apple, Microsoft, EA Games, as well as in the oil and gas sector and in local industry.

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.