Computer Science
Computer Science Major (HBSc)
Program Overview
Computer Science is a fast paced and exciting field. After a short 2 or 3 decades, computer science now pervades in virtually every other academic discipline. In the Computer Science program, students will have the chance to prepare for graduate studies and professional work in any field of application for Information Technology. Students will explore a wide range of subjects and problem areas by looking at theoretical computer science, numerical analysis, data management systems, computer graphics and artificial intelligence, systems, and software engineering. This program provides fundamental knowledge of the foundations of computer science: modern computer software and hardware, theoretical aspects of computer science, and relevant areas of mathematics and statistics. This program is intended to be combined with other programs.
Complementary Programs: Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Management & Finance, Geographic Information Systems, Biology (esp. Bioinformatics), Physics, Chemistry and a cornucopia of others.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Computational thinking and problem solving.
- Solid understanding of algorithms
- data structures
- and software design principles.
- Ability to identify computational problems
- select appropriate tools for solving them
- and build a solution that is technically sound and effectively solves the problem.
Careers for Graduates
- Software Engineer in any field of application of computer science
- Information Technology consultant
- Systems Designer
- Data modelling and visualization
- Mobile App Developer
- Entrepreneurship and high-tech innovation
- Computer security
Further Education
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Financial Engineering
- Business Administration
- Project Management
- Knowledge/Skills Certifications
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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2.0 elective credits: Explore courses in other disciplines; this will also help to fulfill degree-level breadth requirements.
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Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Attend CTL’s Facilitated Study Groups to help you understand the course content.
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Get writing support at CTL’s Writing Centre.
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Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
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Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on CLNx.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Join the Association of Mathematics and Computer Science Students (AMACSS) and get involved in their events.
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Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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Attend the Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 core credits as follows: CSCB07H3, CSCB09H3, CSCB36H3, CSCB58H3, CSCB63H3, and 0.5 credit from: MATB24H3, STAB52H3.
- Students are urged to take a writing course in first or second year (see list of courses in the Calendar).
- Meet with the Department Academic Advisor or CS Program Supervisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
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Visit CTL’s Math & Statistics Learning Centre for tutoring services.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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Speak to professors and program advisors so you know what to keep in mind for grad school.
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Explore careers through AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
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Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.
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Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
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Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 core credit in numerical computation and theory of computing: CSCC37H3, and 0.5 credit from: CSCC63H3, CSCC73H3.
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1.0 CSC elective credit: choose any two C- or D-level CSC courses other than CSCD03H3 (Year 3 or 4).
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
- Check the department website for summer research and scholarship opportunities.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in AMACSS or another student group or club.
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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Ensure you have fulfilled your degree-level breadth requirements.
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
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Get your personal statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- AMACSS - Association of Mathematical and Computer Science Students (https://amacss.org)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
- ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactSusan Calanzasusan.calanza@utoronto.ca647-601-4645https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/cms/computer-science-mathematics-statistics
- Computer Science LibrarianElizabeth O'Brienelizabeth.obrien@utoronto.caARC main floor416-208-2708https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Association of Mathematical and Computer Science Studentshttps://www.amacss.org/
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2020 there will be 1.4 million new computer science jobs.