| |||||||||||||||
General
Central ideas of computer science, computer engineering and computer security are built on mathematical foundations. Our programs incorporate a high level of abstract thinking using mathematical concepts and notation as well as mathematical logic. The programs include foundational mathematics courses every term for the first two years and are, therefore, not appropriate for students who lack mathematical interests or who are weak in basic mathematical skills.
At the heart of field is the interaction of hardware and software. Our undergraduate program provides a fundamental understanding of the theoretical principles of software and digital systems within the context of modern technology. Upper-year courses go beyond the core areas of systems, theory, programming and hardware to study robotics, graphics and visualization, multimedia and computer music, database systems, artificial intelligence, programming languages, operating systems, computer networks, user interfaces and more.
In addition to developing the core professional skills, it is also important that the student obtains an understanding of the human and social aspects of computer systems, and how computer science relates to other disciplines. Besides formally pursuing a double major, each degree program includes opportunities to take elective courses outside the normal computer science curriculum. Students are encouraged to select electives that develop their other interests and which meaningfully expand their understanding of the implications of their chosen discipline.
BSc, BASc and BA programs
- Computer Science is offered in both honours (4 year) and bachelors (3 year) forms;
- the Computer Security program is a specialised honours (4 year) program;
- the iBSc is also offered as an honours program;
- the BASc in Computer Engineering is offered as a 4 year honours program.
Each is described in more detail at the menu links provided on the left.
Why the BA? ... the BSc? .. the BASc?
An undergraduate degree should provide as broad an education as possible while also focusing on one or more areas of particular interest to the student.
Computing (whether it be computer science, computer security or computer engineering) is a discipline that has exciting interactions with almost every facet of modern life, and as such the study of liberal arts subjects or science subjects is an integral component of the degree program. The breadth provided by the study of subjects that are not computer science and not mathematics build the "whole person".
If your interests span, for example, philosophy, political science, history, social science, languages and other cultures, or other liberal arts fields then the BA is for you!
If the physical sciences or the natural or biological sciences set you on fire ... then the BSc or BASc is for you!
In either case, for some of your courses, you'll sit in the very same mathematics and computer science or computer engineering classes as students in the other degree programs.
Whichever program you choose, remember that your ability to communicate - to write, speak, listen, read - are just as important as your ability to understand computer systems!
The iBSc in Computer Science
A key component is our international focus. We believe that a modern education for our globalized world should include experience beyond the borders of Canada. Currently we offer both an international summer school program through which students can take a course at one of our partner institutions abroad as well as the iBSc which incorporates language and cultural studies as well as a required term abroad into the framework of a BSc degree in Computer Science.
Computer Science and Teaching
Computer Science can also be part of your BEd degree – whether concurrent or consecutive. Providing young people with insight into computer science that extends beyond programming, is a challenge for which we need dedicated professional educators. Can you meet that challenge?
printer friendlyWhat our alumnis say...
As physical exercises strengthens your body, York University education strengthens and empowers your mind to approach real world problems in anylitical and logical way. If you want to to broaden the power of your thinking ability, York University is the righ place that will give you.
... Mohamed Said Mahamud
I have very good memories of York University, and of the Department of Computer Science in particular. I have met some very interesting people there who remain my friends to this day. The faculty was very approachable and I learned a great deal from them!
... Peter Olsar
YorkU Comp. Sci. was a pivotal stepping stone for me - I probably wouldn't be at Accenture today without it. Personally, it's the process (HOW) of learning that's taken me this far and I've realized that this was far more important than WHAT I've learned; YorkU Comp. Sci. has certainly equipped me with this.
... Husein Ali
Hard working and stayed in the computer room every night !
... Nelly Ng
Computer Science degree from York University gave me the solid foundation to work at Nortel Networks' R&D labs.
... Sri Parameswaran
The world of computers is constantly evolving. I left York with a stable foundation of understanding in various areas of Computer Science to allow me to quickly learn new technical skills. Being able to quickly build new skills on top of the foundation I already had, has probably given me the most opportunities, and opened the most doors, once I had graduated.
... Brian Gordon
I learned what I needed to know about programming and how to do it right. The languages and specific technologies I'm learning at IBM. They simply assume you can learn, and learn fast, that's why we went to university. I'm glad I went to York, I had fun and learned a lot, and I'm well rounded. Many others schools may churn out impressive engineers who can do logarithms in their head but they don't know much about philosophy or politics. And that helps a lot when trying to make chit-chat with your new manager, believe me.
... Mark Crowley
