MSc in Computing and Data Analytics (MSc CDA)

Information for Prospective Students

Science Building

Gartner projects that over 75% of enterprises will be using Artificial Intelligence by the end of 2024, driving a 5x increase in streaming data and analytics infrastructures. To meet this surge, the Government of Canada projects that there will be more than 13,500 digital technology and 16,000 AI jobs created in Canada over the next 10 years.

With these staggering levels of growth, there is a huge demand for data-savvy professionals with the ability to analyze, communicate, and innovate in a data-centric economy.  Simultaneously, the demand for conventional computing expertise (computer programming, product development, quality engineering, etc.) also continues to rise. 

Saint Mary’s Master of Science in Computing & Data Analytics (MSc CDA) is a graduate-level, 16-month professional program that balances its focus on these two growth areas:

  • Software design, development, customization, and management
  • Analytics and Business intelligence: the acquisition, storage, management, and analysis of huge amounts of data to improve efficiency, innovation, and decision making

MSc CDA’s primary focus is to develop highly qualified computing and data analytics professionals who will drive innovation and organizational success. MSc CDA prepares students for rewarding careers through experiential learning opportunities and intensive industry interaction.

Benefits of the MSc CDA

  • Develop in-demand skills and practical experience applying industry-relevant technologies, methods, and data sets to solve real-world problems.
  • Build your professional and technical portfolio: Java/J2EE, C#/.Net, JavaScript: node/angular/react,HTML5, PHP, iOS, Android, Rest API, Amazon Web Services(AWS), Azure, Cognos, SQL/MySQL, NoSQL/Mongo DB, Blockchain, R, Python, Tableau, Alteryx, Power BI, Hadoop, Spark, and Hive.
  • Explore advanced topics such as Deep Learning, Advanced NLP using Large Language Models (LLM’s), DevOps, MLOps, Cloud Computing, and the Intelligent Automation of Quality Assurance
  • Build your professional network through interaction with industry instructors, paid internships, sponsored projects, industry workshops, expert guest speakers, hackathons, and special events
  • Study with award-winning instructors from Saint Mary’s Faculty of Science and the Sobey School of Business, AACSB Accredited and the largest Canadian business school east of Quebec
  • Complete work integrated learning through industry-sponsored projects and paid internships.

Since the program’s launch, nearly 100% of graduates have received full-time job offers from Fortune 500 firms, SMEs, and start-ups alike. Meet our Graduates

 

Tribe Network Graduate Student Scholarship and internship opportunity - Successful recipients receive $10,000. Applicants can submit anytime.

Admission Requirements

Our next available cohort is September 2024.  Applications will open on September 15, 2023.

The MSc CDA follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, as outlined in the Graduate Academic Calendar.

In addition, applicants must meet or provide evidence for the following criteria:

  • Applicants require a four-year Bachelor of Science in Computing Science degree (or equivalent in a quantitative field) with a minimum cumulative GPA equal to 70%
    • Please check with the program for country specific GPA requirements
  • Letter of Intent describing how the program will benefit your educational and career goals
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae
  • Applicants must successfully complete a programming test 
  • Applicants must successfully complete a technical interview

How to Apply

Before applying, prospective students are required to complete a take home programming test to ensure they possess the background computing knowledge to be successful in the program. To demonstrate programming knowledge and expertise, the test requires you to write two to four programs in a programming language of your choice, and answer database questions including database queries. To access the test, please email cda.test@smu.ca  

Once you successfully complete the test, you will be invited to submit an application, which includes the following:

  • Transcripts for all post secondary institutions attended
    • If transcripts are in a language other than English, a notarized translation is required.  
  • Resume 
  • Letter of intent 
  • Three (3) recommendation forms
  • Official proof of English language proficiency (if required)

As soon as all required documents are on file, we conduct an initial review and if your application meets admission requirements, you will be contacted for a technical interview.  If you are successful in the interview, the Admission Committee will recommend one of the following: 

  • Early Admission: granted to exceptional candidates 
  • Regular Admission: you will be added to a pool of candidates that will be re-evaluated against the number of spaces available. If chosen for the cohort, you will be contacted by the Admission Committee

The Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, issues the official decision letter. Accepted students must complete a Seat Deposit Form and pay a non-refundable deposit of $5,000 by the deadline specified in the admission letter. Once payment is received, a student’s seat is confirmed and the student can register for the program. 

 

Application Deadline

The deadline to file your online application and pay the application fee is March 1, 2024. All required documents must be received by the university by March 31, 2024. When the program reaches capacity, incomplete applications will be closed and we will no longer accept new applications until admission opens for the next available cohort.

Estimated Program Tuition 

Canadian Students  $21,000

International Students  $41,000

Tuition and Fees are paid in four instalments at the beginning of each term (Sep 2024, Jan 2025, May 2025, Sep 2025). Please refer to FGSR for a complete listing of graduate tuition and fees.

 


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