Computer Science Major (HBSc)

Admissions Category: Computer Science

Professor teaching at chalkboard

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:

MathematicsStatisticsApplied StatisticsManagement & FinanceGeographic Information SystemsBiology (esp. Bioinformatics), PhysicsChemistry 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
  • 3.0 core credits as follows: CSCB07H3CSCB09H3CSCB36H3CSCB58H3CSCB63H3, and 0.5 credit from: MATB24H3STAB52H3.
  • 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
Apply Theory to Practice
  • 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)
  • Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Speak to professors and program advisors so you know what to keep in mind for grad school.
  • Explore careers through AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
  • Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.
  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • 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: CSCC63H3CSCC73H3.
  • 1.0 CSC elective credit: choose any two C- or D-level CSC courses.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groupsDSL 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

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • Ensure you have fulfilled your degree-level breadth requirements.
  • Ensure you have fulfilled your degree-level C and D level course requirements.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • 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 Contact

Susan Calanza

E-mail: susan.calanza@utoronto.ca
Phone: 647-601-4645

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/cms/


Computer Science Librarian

Elizabeth O'Brien

E-mail: elizabeth.obrien@utoronto.ca
Location: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-208-2708

https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians


Academic Advising & Career Centre

Location: AC213
Phone: 416-287-7561

https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/


Department of Student Life

Location: SL157
Phone: 416-208-4760

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/


Association of Mathematical and Computer Science Students

https://www.amacss.org/

Did You Know?

Teacher helping student at computer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2020 there will be 1.4 million new computer science jobs.