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.

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• Admission requirements - entry to the university
• Your first year
• Admission requirements - admission to the major
• Sample courses
• Career opportunities

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

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Admission requirements - entry to the university

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of 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.

Important to know: You cannot choose a computer science major at the time of application. Admission into the major requires the completion of university level courses. Follow the information listed below under your first year and admission to the major for further details.

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Your first year

You can complete the computer science major as part of a BA or B.Sc. program. Admission into the computer science major requires the completion of university-level courses. Choose the appropriate degree below and have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you will need to take before you apply to the computer science major.

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

Bachelor of arts students (BA or iBA)

1. Both LS courses must be in the same language. If your first language is not English and you do not meet the standards for entry into regular first-year English courses you may use English 1020 and 1021 to fulfill this requirement. Such students are permitted to complete up to an additional six credit hours in English CRW courses at the 1000 level in order to fulfill the CRW requirement.
   
   
2. Selection of a mathematics course depends on your background and ability. You should refer to the math course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester course. If you are completing Mathematics 1090/1000, you will be required to complete Mathematics 1001 as well.
   
   
3. Elective can be in any subject, including science courses.
   
   Note: It is not required to take Computer Science 1003 in the second semester, students will not fall behind in their degree if this course is taken in the third semester. Both Computer Science 1001 and 1002 introduce many concepts and skills that may be new to students who have not previously studied computer science. With each course having a 3 hour weekly lab session, in addition to regular classes, we often recommend that students take these courses in separate semesters to maximize their development, achievement and to smooth their workload.

Bachelor of science students

These recommendations are the same for all bachelor of science Computer Science majors, including Data-centric Computing, Smart Systems and Visual Computing and Games.

1. Selection of a mathematics course depends on your background and ability. You should refer to the math course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester course. If you are completing Mathematics 1090/1000, you will be required to complete Mathematics 1001 as well. 
   
   
2. Electives can be in any subject, including science courses.
   
   Note: It is not required to take Computer Science 1003 in the second semester, students will not fall behind in their degree if this course is taken in the third semester. Both Computer Science 1001 and 1002 introduce many concepts and skills that may be new to students who have not previously studied computer science. With each course having a 3 hour weekly lab session, in addition to regular classes, we often recommend that students take these courses in separate semesters to maximize their development, achievement and to smooth their workload.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Computer Science or contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

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Admission requirements - admission to the major

Current Memorial 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).

Apply for the major

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.

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Sample courses

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.

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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.

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