Computing is one of the top degrees in North America in terms of career opportunities. That’s a good reason to consider studying it – but it’s not the only reason. It is also one of the most exciting and diverse subjects of study today, particularly at the Queen’s School of Computing. Whether you’re interested in computer science, software design, or game development, we can offer you a vast range of courses. We also offer a variety of innovative and exciting interdisciplinary programs, such as Biomedical Computing, Computing, Mathematics, and Analytics, Cognitive Science, and Computing and the Creative Arts. Offering an exciting learning experience in this ever-changing field, by fostering interaction across disciplines, Computing prepares you for countless careers and graduate degrees. Our 12 to 16-month paid internship option gives students an opportunity to gain experience in industry, while earning academic credits. Our outstanding professors are both internationally recognized experts and committed educators who take pride in giving you the skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need to excel as a computer scientist.
Top 5 Reasons to study Computing:
A major is an intesive course of study in one discipline, with approximately half of your courses within the discipline with room for an optional minor in any other Arts and Science discipline.
An intensive course of study with approximately two-thirds of your courses within the combined disciplines.
Computing and the Creative Arts Sepcialization consists of the majority of the courses in Computing and a SubPlan such as Art, Drama, Music or Film and Media with room for elective courses.
A Computing Minor can be combined with any Arts and Science Degree.
A less intense course of study leading to a 3-year degree.
For a full list of Degree Plans, see the Academic Calendar
Computing - MSc (research)
Computing - MSc (project)
Computing - MSc (coursework)
Computing - Msc specialization in Biomedical Informatics
Computing - MSc specialization in cybersecurity (research)
Computing - MSc specialization in cybersecurity (coursework)
Computing - MSc specialization in cybersecurity (project)
Computing - PhD
Computing - PhD specialization in cybersecurity
Queen’s internship option, unlike other co-op programs, avoids interrupting your studies with several short work terms. Instead, it offers 12- to 16-month industrial placements after second or third year through the Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP). These longer work terms result in employers who are willing to invest in training and supervision. Our interns regularly participate in significant projects with many of Canada’s leading high-tech companies, making a notable contribution, and often returning for permanent employment upon graduation.
Qualified students in any of the Plans leading to a Bachelor of Computing (Honours) degree may register in a 12- or 16-month Professional Internship program for their degree. Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement of 1.90 in at least 54.0 units must seek approval of the Chair of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Computing. These students have the opportunity to pursue a 12- or 16-month paid work term in a career-related position after completing their second or third year of study. Upon successful completion of the internship program, students’ transcripts will be annotated with a statement certifying that they have completed their degree with a Professional Internship.
Alumni Career Statistics
Computing Science is rooted in basic principles of mathematics and logic. Students in our computer science programs gain a strong basis in these areas as well as in the analysis of algorithms and theory of computation. Students see how these principles are applied to the creation of software and are given ample opportunity to refine their software development skills. Our computer science programs provide a broad training with the opportunity to focus on specific application areas like artificial intelligence, computer graphics, data mining, and human-computer interaction.
Where could Computing students go after graduation?
Taking time to explore career options, build experience and network can help you have a smooth transition to the world of work after graduation. Note that some of these careers may require additional training.
The Artificial Intelligence option of the Computing Major focuses on designing and programming machines to act like humans by continuously learning from the data collected through digital media and sensors. This is a good option for students who want to push the limits of machines in their ability to understand natural language, identify objects, generate artistic designs, and extract relevant information to find efficient solutions and support decision-making.
The Data Analytics option of the Computing Major offers a new way of understanding complex systems by building computational models that are consistent with the observed data about those systems and is a critical component of the operation of businesses and governments, as well as an important research tool. This is a good option for students looking to build applications such as understanding customers, making effective investment decisions, recommending shows on platforms like Netflix, detecting cyber-intrusions or financial fraud, and much more.
CoCA is an exciting new multi-disciplinary program for students interested in both Computing and the Arts. You'll learn how to direct, develop and use cutting-edge computer software programs for Music, Art, Drama, and Film production. As part of this offering, you will acquire the technical expertise to design and develop new applications and take full advantage of future trends in digital technology. You'll get the theoretical and historical background necessary to make critical judgements about new approaches to artistic expression and practical knowledge of the challenges faced by creative artists in a digital age.
Students who follow this program will find careers in the video-game and entertainment industries, art galleries, museums, and multimedia design and production, but also in more traditional computer industries as these increasingly adopt multimedia user interface design. There is no lack of jobs for students following this program, which include: 3D Game Developer; New Media Artist; Sound Designer; Art Management; 3D Animator; Computer Graphics Designer; Web Developer; Interaction Designer; Human Factors.
Depending on your path, you will learn the fundamentals of Creative Computing, Web Development, or Game Design. As you progress in your studies, you may express yourself in Computing and the Creative Arts, develop apps in Human Computer Interaction, delve into Neural and Genetic Computing, or learn about the latest advances in Computer-Assisted Surgery. Because computing is a rapidly evolving discipline, we offer 4th-year topics courses on emerging subjects year to year such as Deep Analytics Using Watson and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Students apply to Queen’s Computing (QD) through the OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) website (ouac.on.ca). Prerequisites include English 4U, Advanced Functions 4U, and Calculus and Vectors 4U. COCA students apply to Queen’s Arts (QA) and have no math requirements. Visit queensu.ca/admission for additional information regarding requirements and admission to Queen's.
Computing (BCMPH) Computing and the Creative Arts (BAH)
OUAC Code: OUAC Code:
QD (Kingston Campus) QA (Kingston Campus)
See Full Admission Requirements
After first year, in May, students will declare their area of study (major, minor, specialization, e.g.). The thresholds are competitive year to year and do change. The 2017-18 thresholds for Computing and all specializations (except Computing & the Creative Arts (COCA) and Computing and Math (COMA)) are: 2.3 Cumulative GPA with minimum B- in CISC 12# for PENDING LIST or 2.6 Cumulative GPA with minimum B in CISC 12# for AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE. For Computing & the Creative Arts (COCA) and Computing and Math (COMA) specializations, there is no AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE. To be admitted to PENDING LIST for the Computing & the Creative Arts (COCA) specialization, you require a minimum 2.3 Cumulative GPA with a minimum B- in CISC 12#. To be admitted to PENDING LIST for the Computing and Math (COMA) specialization, you require a minimum 2.3 Cumulative GPA with a minimum B- in CISC 12#.
Our alumni pursue a diverse array of career paths. Read about some of our alumni from the School of Computing.
Our Graduates rank among the best in Canada. They expand the horizons of science, technology, commerce and the arts by providing ever more powerful and general computing capabilities. Because Computing Science forms one of the pillars of our society, our graduates have no problem finding the opportunity that suits them, whether that be furthering their research career, developing their career in one of the leading IT companies around the world, or striking off on their own and developing an entrepreneurial opportunity.
You can join the School of Computing Grad Studies in a few simple steps:
Prospective Graduate students are encouraged to review our Frequently Asked Questions or to contact graduate-inquiries@cs.queensu.ca for further information about our programs. Information is available for research groups within the School of Computing and graduate students (email gcs@cs.queensu.ca ) are available to answer questions about their labs.
The academic year begins in September, so this is the normal date for admission to all graduate programs. Admission for January or May is possible for Ph.D. applicants.
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