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Computer Science

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Computer Science

Location

Location

  • School of Computer Science
  • McConnell Engineering, Room 318
  • 3480 University Street
  • Montreal, QC H3A 0E9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7071 ext. 00074
  • Fax: 514-398-3883
  • Email: grad.cs [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website:

About Computer Science

About Computer Science

The School of Computer Science is one of the leading teaching and research centres for computer science in Canada. We offer a Ph.D. program and several M.Sc. programs. All include coursework and research. In the basic M.Sc. programs, students must choose between the thesis option, and the non-thesis option, which requires a project. The Ph.D. program includes an option in bioinformatics, and the thesis M.Sc. program includes options in bioinformatics and in Computational Science and Engineering. Students are normally funded by their adviser's research grants; in the case of scholarship students, this typically takes the form of a 'top-up' to the scholarship. Research in the School covers a broad range of areas, including:

  • Theory: algorithms, combinatorial optimization, computational geometry, cryptography, graph theory, logic and computation, programming languages, quantum computing, theory of computation, and scientific computing;
  • Systems: compilers, computer games, distributed systems, embedded and real-time systems, modelling and simulations, networks, software engineering;
  • Applications: bioinformatics, machine learning, robotics, computer animation, graphics, and vision.

All students must consult the graduate program website , where up-to-date information about the graduate program is posted. Any questions concerning the program should be addressed to the Graduate Coordinator.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) (45 credits)
This program is designed for students with a strong interest in research in computer science who hold at least the equivalent of an undergraduate minor in CS. This program combines a strong course component with a research thesis. It is the usual (but not mandatory) entry point for students who wish to do a Ph.D., but is also the program of choice for students who want to find challenging and exciting jobs after their master's.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) — Bioinformatics (45 credits)
Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases, and the use of algorithms and statistics.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) — Computational Science and Engineering (45 credits)
This program option is to train graduates in state-of-the-art applications of numerical and modelling methods and computer technology to scientific and engineering problems. CSE is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary area with connections to the sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
This program is designed for students who want to obtain broad knowledge of advanced topics in computer science but without the requirement of a thesis. It offers an excellent preparation for the job market, but is not recommended for students interested in eventually pursuing a Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Computer Science
The Ph.D. program trains students to become strong, independent researchers in the field of their choice. Our graduates take challenging positions in industry or take academic positions at universities and research labs. In order to apply to the Ph.D. program, applicants should normally hold a master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related area, from a well-recognized university, but exceptional students can be admitted to the Ph.D. program directly without a master's degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Computer Science — Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases and the use of algorithms and statistics.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 18, 2013) (disclaimer)

Computer Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Computer Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Master’s (M.Sc.)

The minimum requirement for admission is a bachelor's degree (cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.2 or better, or equivalent) with the coursework in Computer Science indicated in the brochure “Information for Applicants to Graduate Programs.â€

The brochure supplements information in this publication and should be consulted by all graduate students.

Ph.D.

In order to apply to the Ph.D. program, normally applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree in Computer Science or a closely related area, from a well-recognized university. Students who hold a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science but have an exceptionally strong academic record may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program, but they must initially apply to the M.Sc. program. Students who are in the M.Sc. program have the option to be fast-tracked into the Ph.D. program at the end of their first academic year contingent on excellent performance as judged by the Ph.D. committee.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Curriculum Vitae – required for Ph.D. program
  • Statement of Purpose – required for Ph.D. program
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – required for degrees from outside Canada. Recommended for Ph.D. program.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: March 1 Fall: March 1 Fall: March 1
Winter: Sept. 1 (Ph.D. only) Winter: Sept. 1 (Ph.D. only) Winter: Sept. 1 (Ph.D. only)
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

Application documents are also available on our website at .

Deadlines: January 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for scholarship awards; otherwise, March 1 for admission to the Fall term.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 18, 2013) (disclaimer)

Computer Science Faculty

Computer Science Faculty

Director
Gregory Dudek
Emeritus Professors
R. De Mori; Ph.D.(Politecnico di Torino)
T.H. Merrett; B.Sc.(Qu.), D.Phil.(Oxf.)
M.M. Newborn; B.E.E.(Rensselaer Poly.), Ph.D.(Ohio St.), F.A.C.M.
C. Paige; B.Sc., B.Eng.(Syd.), Ph.D.(Lond.)
G.F.G. Ratzer; B.Sc.(Glas.), M.Sc.(McG.)
G.T. Toussaint; B.Sc.(Tulsa), Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Professors
D. Avis; B.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(Stan.)
L. Devroye; M.S.(Louvain), Ph.D.(Texas) (James McGill Professor)
G. Dudek; B.Sc.(Qu.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.) (James McGill Professor)
L. Hendren; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Qu.), Ph.D.(C'nell), F.R.S.C. (Canada Research Chair)
P. Panangaden; M.Sc.(IIT, Kanpur), M.S.(Chic.), Ph.D.(Wisc.)
B. Reed; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (Canada Research Chair)
K. Siddiqi; B.Sc.(Lafayette), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Brown) (William Dawson Chair)
D. Thérien; B.Sc.(Montr.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wat.) (James McGill Professor)
Associate Professors
M. Blanchette; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Wash.)
X.W. Chang; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Nanjing), Ph.D.(McG.)
C. Crépeau; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(MIT)
N. Friedman; B.A.(W. Ont.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
M.T. Hallett; B.Sc.(Qu.), Ph.D.(Vic., BC)
P. Hayden; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Oxf.)
B. Kemme; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Univ. of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany), Ph.D.(ETH, Zurich)
J. Kienzle; Eng.Dip., Ph.D.(Swiss Fed. IT)
M. Langer; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(McG.)
X. Liu; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Tsinghua), Ph.D.(Ill.)
M. Maheswaran; B.Sc.(U. Peradeniya), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Purdue)
B. Pientka; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Tech. U. of Darmstadt, Germany), Ph.D.(Carn. Mell)
J. Pineau; B.Sc.(Wat.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Carn. Mell)
D. Precup; B.Sc.(Tech. U. of Cluj-Napoca), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Mass.)
M. Robillard; B.Eng.(École Poly., Montr.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
C. Tropper; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Brooklyn Poly.)
C. Verbrugge; B.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McG.)
A. Vetta; B.Sc., M.Sc.(LSE), Ph.D.(MIT)
Assistant Professors
H. Hatami; B.Sc.(Sharif), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)
W. He; B.Sc.(Harbin), M.Sc.(Tsinghua), M.Eng., Ph.D.(Ill.)
P. Kry; B.Sc.(Wat.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
D. Ruths; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Rice)
J. Waldispuhl; B.Sc.(Nice & Sophia-Antipolis), M.Sc.(Paris VII), Ph.D.(École Poly., France)
Faculty Lecturer
J. Vybihal; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.)
Associate Members
D.J. Levitin (Psychology)
D. Schlimm (Philosophy)
R. Sengupta (Geography)
B.F. Shepherd (Mathematics & Statistics)
T.R. Shultz (Psychology)
R. Sieber (Geography)
Adjunct Professors
P.J. Mosterman, T. Perkins, I. Rekleitis, G.O. Sabidussi, M. Tabaeh Izadi, H. Vangheluwe
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 18, 2013) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) — Bioinformatics (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Thesis) — Computational Science and Engineering (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Computer Science

Required coursework: Students must take eight graduate courses, of which at least five are computer science courses. These courses should be chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor (or co-supervisor) and the Progress Committee.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Computer Science .

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Computer Science — Bioinformatics

Faculty of Science—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 18, 2013) (disclaimer)
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