Master's Program
UNB's Master's program in computer science (MCS) provides students with an opportunity to explore advanced knowledge in computer science. The balance between courses and research can follow one of two options: Master's by Thesis, which requires fewer courses and has a more substantial research project, and Master's by Report, which includes more courses and a limited research component. A Master's degree can typically be completed within 20 months of full-time study. Part-time study is also possible.
A new co-op option can be added to the MCS by thesis or report. The co-op option incorporates 8-12 months of work terms. This helps students financially and also provides valuable job experience at an advanced level.
MCS by thesis
An MCS by thesis provides a research-oriented options to students wishing to make an original contribution to research in the field of computer science. Due to the focus on research associated with thesis preparation, an MCS by thesis requires fewer courses (course requirements) than a MCS by report. Students typically follow this timeline:
• first term (Sept. - Dec.): finding a research area/supervisor; courses (typically 3)
• second term (Jan. - Apr.): courses (typically 2), preparation of proposal
• third term (May - Aug.): proposal (beginning of term), then research. Discussion with supervisor about workload expectation.
• fourth and fifth term: completion of research, thesis writing, thesis revisions and defense
Theses must be completed according to our policies and procedures, as well as the regulations and guidelines of the School of Graduate Studies.
MCS by report
An MCS by report provides students with the opportunity to make a contribution to research, but places more of an emphasis on classroom-based learning. Reports follow the same guidelines as the MCS by thesis, but are typically of shorter length and may involve more development than original research.
MCS co-op
The co-op option offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in conjunction with their academic studies. More information about the MCS co-op can be found here.
Part Time Studies
UNB also offers the options of an MCS degree through part-time study. Part-time graduate students are required to provide a study plan in consultation with their supervisor. Part-time graduate students are subject to limitations on the allowable course load and time spent working towards their graduate degree at the university. Currently, a part-time student must not take more than two courses or 6 ch, whichever is less, per term (not including the thesis or report), and must not use university resources on a full-time basis. There is no limit on the allowable hours of employment for part-time graduate students. However, part-time graduate students are often excluded from many available financial support sources, such as NSERC/SSHRC, GRA and student loans, fully or to a certain extent. A part-time degree will also take more than the estimated 20-months allotted for completion of a degree as a full-time student.
