Master of Applied Computing

The Master of Applied Computing program features an applied emphasis that extends across every aspect of the program curriculum. The objective of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to apply what they learn through lab-based or seminar courses, a co-operative education option with a capstone project, or to engage in practical research.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MAC program, students must meet the general admission requirements of the University, and must have an honours degree in Computer Science or a closely related area that includes courses in data structure, object-oriented language, programming, and software engineering. A final year average of at least B+ is usually required, along with a cumulative average of at least B+ in all computer science courses.

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee, which considers all prior university grades, letters of reference and indications of support from potential supervisors.

 
Co-operative Education

Additional information pertaining to Co-operative Education is located in the General Regulations of the Graduate Academic Calendar.

 
Program Requirements

The Master of Applied Computing program can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis.

FULL-TIME

Students who pursue the degree on a full-time basis choose one of three options.

Students who choose the Thesis option take a total of four courses. It is anticipated that students in the Thesis option will take five terms or 20 months to complete their degree.

  • CP600 - Practical Algorithm Design (required)
  • CP601 - Seminar in Technology Entrepreneurship (required)
  • two additional courses at the 600 level from those offered by the program
  • CP699 - Master's Thesis.

Students who choose the Co-operative Education option will complete a total of 7 courses plus an 8 month paid co-operative education component in terms 3 and 4, arranged through Co-operative Education. Students complete two terms of coursework prior to the Co-op component. Following that, students return for one final academic term in which they will take 1.0 credit CP680* - Capstone Project designed to help them connect their work and academic experiences.

  • CP600 - Practical Algorithm Design (required)
  • CP601 - Seminar in Technology Entrepreneurship (required)
  • four additional courses at the 600 level from those offered by the program
  • an 8 month paid co-op (terms 3 and 4)
  • CP680* - Capstone Project.

Students who choose the Coursework option will complete a total of 8 courses. It is anticipated that students in the full-time, coursework option will take three terms (12 months) to complete the degree.

  • CP600 - Practical Algorithm Design (required)
  • CP601 - Seminar in Technology Entrepreneurship (required)
  • six additional courses at the 600 level from those offered by the program. 

PART-TIME

The MAC program can be completed on a part-time, coursework basis. Students in the part-time cohort will complete the following:

  • CP600 - Practical Algorithm Design (required)
  • CP601 - Seminar in Technology Entrepreneurship (required)
  • six additional courses at the 600 level from those offered by the program.
With the approval of the Graduate Co-ordinator and the Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral studies, students may choose some of their electives from courses offered by other master's programs at Laurier. Part-time students will also be considered for CP680* - Capstone Project if they are interested in doing so; these decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Coordinator.