Program Requirements

Normally, students in the program will be expected to complete a thesis; however, students who have substantial relevant work experience may be permitted to take the non-thesis option, which must include a graduate research project course.

Each candidate submitting a thesis will be required to undertake an oral defence of the thesis.

Thesis Option Requirements

• 2.5 credits in course work
• Fulfilment of the graduate seminar requirement
• 2.5 credits Thesis.

Non-Thesis Option Requirements

• 4.0 credits in course work
• Fulfilment of the graduate seminar requirement
• 1.0 credit in graduate project (a project may be completed in one or two terms)

1. Course selections must be approved by the student's academic adviser, and must include at least (see OCICS course listing):
• 0.5 credit in software engineering
• 0.5 credit in the theory of computing
• 0.5 credit in either computer applications or computer systems
2. The graduate seminar requirement includes a seminar presentation and participation in at least ten sessions in the joint graduate student seminar series.
3. Both course and thesis work may be completed either by full-time or part-time study.
4. A candidate may be permitted to carry out thesis work off campus provided suitable arrangements are made for supervision and experimental work, and prior approval is given by the Institute.

Co-operative Option

A co-operative option is also available to full-time students in the Masters of Computer Science. Co-operative education is based on the principle that academic studies combined with work experience are desirable for effective professional preparation.

In addition to all other requirements for the degree, students admitted to the co-operative option must satisfactorily complete two work terms placements with a suitable employer in order to graduate with a co-op designation on their transcripts and diplomas. It is desirable that the work placements be related to the student's research. Placements are subject to the approval of the Supervisor of Graduate Studies and of the student's research supervisor. These work terms are four months in duration and students will conduct job searches through the university's co-op office. During a work term, students will register in one of the co-op work term courses: COMP 5906 (CSI 6901) or COMP 5907 (CSI 6902). While on a work term, students in this option are limited to taking one additional 0.5-credit course, or registering in their thesis.

Students in the co-op option normally apply for admission to the co-operative option during their first academic term. This option requires an initial study period of two academic terms, typically followed by two work terms and a final academic period to complete the remaining requirements of the degree. The student must submit a work term report or make a formal oral presentation upon the completion of each work placement, and receive a grade of Satisfactory in order to meet the requirements for the successful completion of that work term's requirement.

Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree

The following completion times are estimates only, based on full-time study, and are intended to provide guidance only.

Students are urged to check with the supervisor of graduate studies to determine the exact requirements of the degree program and other related information. Part-time students should calculate the completion times requirement by doubling the time estimates given below.

Students should complete the course work within the first two terms.

Selection of courses should be done in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. Approval from the Graduate Supervisor of the Institute is only required for courses not listed as valid OCICS courses. Subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor, M.C.S. students may take courses in other relevant disciplines. At least half of the course credits of an M.C.S. student must be valid OCICS courses. At most, two Fourth Year undergraduate courses may be taken with the permission of the Graduate Supervisor. A thesis supervisor and thesis topic must be selected by the end of the second term. The supervisor of graduate studies should be formally notified of this selection. The expected completion time for the M.C.S. degree is four to six terms of full-time study depending on the type of thesis and the area of research.

Students wishing to pursue the co-op option normally apply for admission to the co-operative option during their first academic term. This option requires an initial study period of two academic terms, typically followed by two work terms and a final academic period to complete the remaining requirements of the degree. The student must submit a work term report or make a formal oral presentation upon the completion of each work placement, and receive a grade of Satisfactory in order to meet the requirements for the successful completion of that work term's requirement.

Program Requirements

• A minimum of 1.5 credits at the graduate level in at least three different research areas (see OCICS course grouping by area).
• The admission committee and the student's advisory committee may impose additional program requirements according to the student's background and research topic.
• The thesis weight will be of 8.5 credits.
• Presentation of at least two seminars in the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science seminar series: Minimally, the student must make one presentation for the graduate seminar, and one presentation for the departmental seminar.
• A comprehensive examination (COMP 6907) involving breadth and depth components.
• A written thesis proposal (COMP 6908) defended at an oral examination.
• A research thesis (COMP 6909) defended at an oral examination.

Guidelines for Completion of Doctoral Degree

The following completion times are estimates based on full-time study.

• During the first term, the student and his or her faculty adviser should select graduate courses related to their area(s) of research and interests. Approval from the Graduate Supervisor of the Institute is only required for courses not listed as valid OCICS courses.
• Subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor, Ph.D. students may take courses in other relevant disciplines. At least half of the course credits of a Ph.D. student must be valid OCICS courses.
• An advisory committee comprised of three to five faculty members must be established before the student registers in the comprehensive examination. The committee is responsible for the comprehensive examination, the thesis proposal, and for guiding the student's research. The advisory committee must include at least one representative from SITE. The advisory committee must be approved by the director or associate director of the Institute.
• Comprehensive examinations (see COMP 6907) must be taken within the first 4 terms.
• All course requirements must be completed within the first 6 terms.
• Within the first 8 terms, the student must submit a written thesis proposal and defend it in an oral examination (see COMP 6908).
• The expected completion time for the Ph.D. program is approximately twelve terms depending on the type of thesis and the area of research.
• Before the completion of the program, the student is expected to present at least two seminars in the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science seminar series.

Residence Requirement

Students must fulfil a residence requirement of at least four terms of full-time study.