Bachelor of Computer Science

Carleton’s Computer Science program teaches you the principles of solving computational problems while giving you up-to-date applied skills for working on cutting-edge projects and building the technology of tomorrow.

Computers and computer systems play a central role in business, communication, science, entertainment, and medicine. As the range of computer applications continues to expand, so does the demand for computer scientists.

Computer Science is an ever-changing discipline that studies the theory, design, and implementation of computer applications and systems. You will learn to use computing and information technology to help solve the problems that we face in business, science, and society today and those that we will face tomorrow.

The  Computer Science program at Carleton is organized into diverse streams so that you can develop a particular expertise.

All streams share a common core of computer science courses. No matter which stream you choose, you will gain expertise in all the fundamentals, including programming, algorithms, software engineering, databases and web applications.

Specialty streams

• AI and Machine Learning
• Algorithms
• Computer and Internet Security
• Computer Game Development
• Software Engineering

Multidisciplinary streams

• Management and Business Systems

Industrial Applications Internship Option

The Internship Option gives exceptionally qualified students an opportunity to get work experience that is tightly integrated with their Bachelor of Computer Science studies. Students in the internship option are both full-time Computer Science students and paid employees of the industrial partner.

Carleton’s initial industrial partner is Shopify, an Ottawa-based company that has created one of the world’s leading eCommerce platforms. In addition to providing students with a salary, Shopify covers the students’ tuition and educational expenses. Students are taught all the Computer Science fundamentals of Computer Science degree while working with professional developers at Shopify learning how the fundamentals apply to solve real problems for customers.

Graduates of this program will be exceptionally well-placed for a career in Canada’s top software development companies.

Combined programs

Computer Science can be combined with Mathematics.

Co-op opportunities

Our co-operative education program will provide you with industry experience and introduce you to a world of global technology.

Here are some of the places that have recently hired Carleton Computer Science students for co-operative education work terms:

• Nokia
• IBM
• Mitel
• Canada Border Services Agency
• CSIS
• Espial
• Entrust

The capital advantage

Ottawa boasts a vibrant high-tech sector, comprised of both established multinational firms and cutting-edge startups. As Canada’s national capital, Ottawa also offers a full range of employment opportunities with federal government departments and affiliated agencies.

Professional designation

Students graduating with a BCS (Honors) degree from Carleton‘s School of Computer Science can also earn an Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation. Carleton is the first university in Canada to make the ISP designation an integral part of their BCS (Honors) program.

This designation is given by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), the national association of IT professionals, which is also in charge of the evaluation and accreditation of the Bachelor of Computer Science programs in Canada as well as the code of ethics for IT professionals in Canada. The designation is awarded to Carleton graduates following two years of professional employment. No additional exams are required.

Program options

The Bachelor of Computer Science is available as an Honours degree, with the optional choice of streams, and a Major degree for those desiring a less-specialized program. We also offer a Combined Honours program with Mathematics.

Our Honours degree has been approved by the Canadian Computer Science Accreditation Council (CSAC). The Software Engineering stream has been approved by CSAC as a Software Engineering program. The degree is generally completed in four years, or five years if the co-op option is chosen.

Minors

Computer Science students can add another area of study, called a minor, to their program. Having this other area of specialization can often turn into a distinct advantage when applying for jobs. Visit the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar at carleton.ca/cuuc to see all the programs that offer a minor option. As well, students in other programs can opt to take the four-credit minor in Computer Science.

Future opportunities

Carleton Computer Science graduates go on to meaningful and rewarding careers in:

• Applications for biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computer gaming, business and mobile devices
• Large-scale software design and development;
• Software and systems security analysis
• Web services and infrastructure

Many Carleton Computer Science graduates continue to graduate school, where they study and research more advanced topics and work with research faculty in areas such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Security and more.

Welcome to Carleton University, Canada’s Capital University!

Carleton University, Canada’s Capital University, is a dynamic and innovative university with a strong commitment to teaching, research and learning. Our academic programs, campus community, capital location and global possibilities provide countless opportunities for learning to happen both inside and outside of the classroom.

Carleton University is located in Ottawa, a G7 capital city, which offers opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Known primarily as the seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa is that and so much more. It is home to over 130 embassies and high commissions from around the world, as well as numerous national organizations and museums. A large percentage of Canada’s major medical, clinical and life sciences research centres are located in the Ottawa area, as well as a technology industry comprised of over 1,900 companies.

Ottawa is also one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with a great number of neighbourhood parks and tranquil green spaces, waterways that wind through the city, and historical and architectural landmarks. The magnificent Gatineau Park, which features 165 km of hiking trails, is located in the National Capital Region.

Situated on a beautiful campus just minutes from downtown, Carleton has earned a reputation as one of the foremost universities in the fields of international affairs, commerce, journalism, and high technology. The wide range of nationally and internationally renowned programs offer the flexibility to choose the degree that suits your interests.

The best learning environments unite theory and practice. Research shows that experiential learning contributes to student engagement, deeper learning, improved academic outcomes, and enhanced work and life skills. At Carleton, we strive to provide students with real-life experiences that bring the classroom to the world and the world to the classroom. We emphasize hands-on research, community engagement, work experience and immersive learning.

Many of our programs feature co-op or practicum options, allowing students to develop their skills in a workplace environment. We also encourage undergraduate research, entrepreneurship initiatives and Community Service Learning. Having the paid "real-world" experience serves to complement all that is taught in the classroom and opens doors of opportunity upon completion of the undergraduate degree.

Carleton has a long history of attracting international students to our welcoming and inclusive campus. Today the university has approximately 4,500 international students from 150 countries, creating a diverse and supportive academic community. We are committed to giving back through education while pursuing contributions to the common good. These founding values are at the heart of the university’s focus on research, community partnerships and teaching excellence.