mcgill computer science phd acceptance rate

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home

UW-Milwaukee Academic Catalog

Computer science.

Computer Science, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy, the highest degree offered by the University, is conferred in recognition of marked scholarship in a broad field of knowledge as well as distinguished critical or creative achievement within a special area of the general field (the special area being the subject of the doctoral dissertation). The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science program in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is designed to meet the traditional high standards for such programs. The PhD in Computer Science is administered by the division of Computer Science in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Some aspects of the program are delegated to the CEAS Graduate Office.

The program is flexible, allowing the student to develop a plan of studies tailored to meet individual needs. Evaluation of the study plan is based on its appropriateness as a computer science program, the availability within the University of appropriate course offerings, and the availability within the division of Computer Science of a faculty member who is qualified to serve as the student’s major professor.

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 66 credits beyond the baccalaureate, including a dissertation. The student must also satisfy a residence requirement.

Many of the courses leading toward graduate degrees in CEAS are offered in the late afternoon or evening. So, students can complete much of their coursework on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Credits and courses, additional requirements, application deadlines.

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars .

An applicant must meet  Graduate School requirements  plus these program requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

• Applicants holding a MS degree in computer science will generally be admitted without deficiencies. Applicants holding a BS degree in computer science may be admitted only if they are exceptionally strong, such as with a record including successful completion of courses normally taken at the graduate level in computer science.
• Applicants holding MS degrees from domains outside of computer science may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies, provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the division of Computer Science. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree. The mathematics preparation must generally include mathematics equivalent to MATH 231 . Otherwise, the made-up deficiencies must be sufficient to assure that the applicant is able to proceed with advanced work directed toward the doctoral degree.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the basis of 4.0, in the highest degree granted. An applicant with a master’s degree in engineering or computer science having a GPA of less than 3.0, but at least equal to 2.75, may be admitted if substantial evidence can be submitted demonstrating that the applicant has the capacity to perform satisfactory doctoral work.
• All applicants are required to submit a brief (1 or 2 page) statement describing their professional goals and at least two letters of reference.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all international and domestic applicants.
• International students require proof of English language proficiency. Complete information is available at the  UWM Center for International Education .
• Applicants with a relevant master’s degree who intend to complete an additional master’s in Computer Science at UWM should announce their plans at the time of admission, and not later than the start of their second year into the PhD program.

Reapplication

A student who receives a master’s degree at UWM must formally apply for admission to the Graduate School as a doctoral student before continuing studies that will be credited toward the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

The minimum degree requirement is 66 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. The minimum credit  distribution of coursework to be undertaken must be as follows depending on the option selected.

The 6-credit requirement in mathematics and/or quantitative methods may be met by satisfactorily completing certain courses specified by the Department or by taking the minor in mathematics. When such courses also count for either the major or the minor area, the remaining credits may be taken as approved electives.

The student must achieve a 3.0 GPA separately in each of the following areas: the major area, the minor area, and the quantitative methods area.

The minor is normally in another area offered in the College or in the physical sciences or mathematics or in management sciences. Consideration of any other area as a minor requires the prior approval of the Department.

A minimum of 26 credits, excluding doctoral thesis, must be at the 700 level or higher.

Major Professor as Advisor

The Graduate School requires that the student must have a major professor to advise, supervise, and approve the program of study before registering for courses. The incoming student will be assigned to an initial Program Advisor at the time of admission. Prior to the completion of 12 credits (9 credits for part-time students), the student must select a major professor who will be the student’s thesis advisor. The student, in consultation with the major professor, develops a proposed program of studies which is submitted for approval. For subsequent changes, the student must file a revised program of study for approval.

Foreign Language

There is no foreign language requirement for the degree.

The program residence requirement is satisfied either by completing 8 or more graduate credits in two consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions, or by completing 6 or more graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions.

Qualifying Examination

Each student in the program must take and pass a Qualifying Examination to demonstrate that the student is qualified for doctoral-level work. The Qualifying Examination is a written exam and is structured in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. The examination is offered twice a year during the regular academic year. 

Students entering with only a bachelor’s degree or with a master’s degree in an area unrelated to their major may take the Qualifying Examination for the first time after earning 12 credits of graduate work at UWM and must successfully pass the exam before earning 30 credits of graduate work at UWM.

Students admitted after completing an appropriate master’s degree must take this examination no later than the semester immediately after 18 credits of graduate work have been earned at UWM.

A student may take the Qualifying Examination twice. On the first attempt, the student must attempt both Part 1 and Part 2 of the examination.

• If the student passes both parts, then the student has passed the entire examination and will be permitted to proceed toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
• If the student fails both parts, then the student must take the entire exam again at its next offering.
• If a student passes only one of the two parts, then the student must take the examination again at its next offering, but may choose to take only the part of the examination that was not passed on the first attempt.
• If a passing grade is not obtained on the second attempt of the Qualifying Examination, the student will not be permitted to proceed toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

A student who fails the qualifying exam twice is subject to dismissal from the PhD in Computer Science program. A student may appeal the failure and dismissal within 30 days of being notified of the failure. If the student does not appeal or the appeal is not granted, the College will recommend to the Graduate School that the student be dismissed. A student who is dismissed from the PhD in Computer Science program because of failing the qualifying exam may not be enrolled in the PhD in Computer Science program for a complete calendar year. This does not preclude the student from being enrolled in any other degree program offered by the University. A student who wishes to re-enroll in the program after a calendar year has passed must apply as any other student would, including payment of fees. A student readmitted after having failed the qualifying exam twice must take the qualifying exam in the first semester of matriculation and this will count as the student’s first attempt at the exam. The student may appeal this requirement prior to the first scheduled day of classes. If the student fails the qualifying exam on this first attempt, the student is permitted the customary second attempt as described above. All appeals must be in writing and directed to the CEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Doctoral Program Committee

The Doctoral Program Committee is proposed by the major professor in consultation with the student and the department. The Committee must include at least five graduate faculty (three from major area, one from minor area, and one from any area, including the major and minor areas). The last member may be a person from outside the University (such as another university, a research laboratory, or a relevant industrial partner), provided that person meets Graduate School requirements. The Committee may have more than five members, provided that the majority of the Committee members are from the student’s major field.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

A student is admitted to candidacy only after successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination conducted by the Doctoral Program Committee. This examination, which normally is oral, must be taken before the completion of 48 credits of graduate work toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science and should be taken within the first seven years in the program. Prior to the examination, the student must present a proposal for a doctoral dissertation project. The examination may cover both graduate course material and items related to the proposed dissertation project.

Dissertation and Dissertator Status

The student must carry out a creative effort in the major area under the supervision of the major professor and report the results in an acceptable dissertation. The effort of the student and the major professor to produce the dissertation is reflected in the PhD in Computer Science program requirement that the student complete at least 18 credits of doctoral thesis. 

After the student has successfully completed all degree requirements except the dissertation, the student may enter Dissertator Status. Achieving Dissertator Status requires successful completion of the Doctoral Preliminary Examination and prior approval of the student’s advisor, the Doctoral Program Committee, and the Computer Science GPR of a dissertation proposal that outlines the scope of the project, the research method, and the goals to be achieved. Any proposal that may involve a financial commitment by the University also must be approved by the Office of the Dean. After having achieved Dissertator Status, the student must continue to register for 3 credits of doctoral thesis per semester during the academic year until the dissertation is completed.

Dissertation Defense

The final examination, which is oral, consists of a defense of the dissertation project. The doctoral defense examination may only be taken after all coursework and other requirements have been completed. The student must have Dissertator Status at the time of the defense.

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

All pages in the 2024-2025 Catalog.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

McGill University – Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition (2024)

May 20, 2024

A Canadian public institution founded in 1821, McGill University offers undergraduate, continuing education, and graduate programs. McGill enjoys a strong reputation both within and outside of Canada. In fact, international students from more than 150 countries make up nearly 30% of McGill’s student body—the highest proportion of any Canadian research university. McGill is proud of its international reputation and goes to great lengths to attract and support international students . Americans are particularly attracted to McGill, with just over 12% of first-year undergraduates entering in the fall of 2023 hailing from the United States. Are you interested in applying to McGill University? In this article, we will discuss the McGill University acceptance rate, ranking, and tuition costs. First, though, let’s dive into a general overview of McGill.

McGill University Overview

Over 32,000 students attend McGill, including 9,710 international students. Undergraduates make up approximately two-thirds of the student body. In 2023, 6,728 undergraduates entered as first-year students, with the majority hailing from Quebec (3,274 or 48.66%). The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 16:1.

Academically, the 300 undergraduate programs are grouped into the following general programs or faculties :

• Business and Economics
• Engineering
• Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Math, Computing, and Technology
• Politics and Law
• Pure and Applied Sciences

Research opportunities at McGill abound, as the institution has more than 40 research centers, including the McGill Centre for Bioinformatics and the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy.

Where is McGill University?

There is no doubt that part of McGill’s appeal stems from its location in the multicultural province of Quebec. The university has two campuses: the bustling downtown campus in Montreal and the river-front Macdonald campus 20 miles away (about 30 minutes by shuttle) in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. The downtown campus is the main campus, and houses most of the faculties and departments, whereas the Macdonald campus houses the agricultural and environmental studies programs. Housing is available for undergraduate and graduate students on both campuses, and is guaranteed for all first-year students.

McGill University Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition (Continued)

While the official language of Quebec is French, the primary language of instruction at McGill is English and proficiency in French is not currently required. Even so, approximately half the population of Montreal speaks French as a first language and nearly half of each undergraduate class hails from Quebec, so one can and should expect to hear French spoken regularly on and around campus. In fact, for non-French speakers this level of exposure might be part of McGill’s appeal. Most McGill materials and resources are available in both English and French. Currently, students are not required to demonstrate French proficiency before graduating , although the Quebec government has proposed French-language requirements for students enrolling in 2025-2026 and beyond.

Montreal itself enjoys a reputation as a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and affordable city with a unique blend of French and English influences . It is a destination for lovers of history, art, and architecture, and also boasts strong music, theater, and food scenes. Popular off-campus student haunts include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the shopping, restaurants, and pubs on rue St. Denis, rue St. Laurent, and Crescent Street. Montreal is serviced by the Trudeau International Airport, and the city has a strong public transportation system.

McGill University Mission Statement

The mission of McGill University is the advancement of learning and the creation and dissemination of knowledge, by offering the best possible education, by carrying out research and scholarly activities judged to be excellent by the highest international standards, and by providing service to society.

McGill University Acceptance Rate

McGill is known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant student life, and enjoys a reputation as one of Canada’s leading research universities. However, unlike some of the more selective American universities, McGill combines its elite status with a moderately high (though still competitive) acceptance rate. Overall, the undergraduate acceptance rate at McGill hovers around 42%. In 2023 , 41,017 prospective first-year students applied, and 17,620 were offered admission.

In Canada, McGill has the fourth-lowest acceptance rate. It sits behind York University (27%), Western University (30%) and the University of Toronto (40%).

McGill does reserve a number of spots in each incoming class for residents of Quebec. Even so, the acceptance rate for international students at McGill is around 46%.

Acceptance rates also vary depending on academic areas of focus , with science and engineering programs being the most competitive. For instance, in 2023, the science programs received 14,411 applications, but accepted only 1,285 (or 8.9%) whereas the arts programs received a comparable 14,951 applications, but accepted 2,059 (or 13.8%).

McGill University Ranking

McGill University consistently ranks highly among the top global universities. In 2014, McGill ranked #30 in QS World University Rankings. In 2023, the Times Higher Education ranked McGill #36 in the world, whereas the US News & World Report ranked it #54 in Best Global Universities and #3 in Best Global Universities in Canada.

Moreover, according to the US News & World Report, McGill also boasts impressive subject rankings. For example, McGill is rated:

• #14 in Neuroscience and Behavior
• #36 in Arts and Humanities
• #39 in Environment/Ecology

McGill University Tuition

The total cost to attend McGill University depends on where you’re from, what you want to study, and where you choose to live. Predictably, residents of Quebec pay the least in tuition, followed by non-Quebec Canadians. International students pay significantly more, although American students might find tuition to be similar to, or even cheaper than, comparably-ranked institutions in the United States. When pulling tuition fee amounts from the McGill website, remember that all amounts are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD). If you are interested in the USD equivalent, be sure to convert the amounts.

The total McGill tuition costs includes both tuition fees (priced per credit) and University fees, which vary by program and residency status but generally include student services and administrative fees .

McGill tuition fees rose by 3% for the 2023-2024 academic year, and the Quebec Government has announced that the rates for the 2024-2025 academic year will increase by another 3%. For Canadian residents, the basic tuition fees per credit for the 2024-2025 year are as follows:

• For residents of Quebec: $72.68 USD per credit
• Rate 1, for students admitted in 2024: $302.75 USD per credit ($72.68 Quebec rate + $230.07 out-of-province supplement)
• Rate 2, for students admitted prior to Fall 2024: $226.86 USD per credit ($72.68 Quebec rate + $154.18 out-of-province supplement)

Students with dual citizenship will pay tuition at Rate 2. Moreover, McGill has launched a “Canada Award” to offset tuition increases for students newly admitted in 2024-2025 who are full-time Canadian undergraduate students from outside Quebec in certain disciplines.

McGill Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition (Continued)

For international students, McGill offers a guaranteed tuition model , meaning that admitted and enrolled students can enjoy the benefits of a guaranteed, set tuition rate for the duration of their time at McGill, eliminating the unpredictability of year-to-year increases.

For international students, the 2024 tuition fees per credit vary more significantly than for Canadian students—ranging from $672.30 USD per credit for some fields of study (education, theology) to $1,655.15 USD per credit for other fields (such as commerce).

McGill offers a handy fee calculator to help prospective students determine their predicted tuition (again, be sure to convert Canadian dollars to US dollars). Let’s explore a few scenarios:

• A resident of Quebec pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and taking 30 credits can expect to pay $2,180.96 USD in tuition and $4,028.44 USD in total fees annually
• A non-Quebec Canadian resident pursuing a BA and taking 30 credits can expect to pay $6,807.25 USD in tuition and $8,654.73 USD in total fees annually
• Finally, an international student pursuing a BA and taking 30 credits can expect to pay $32,339.94 USD in tuition and $34,805.97 in total fees annually

McGill does offer scholarships , including merit-based entrance scholarships to first-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree program. Other options for financial aid include external awards and the McGill work-study program. While some scholarships and types of financial aid are reserved for residents of Quebec and/or non-Quebec Canadian residents, others are open to international students.

How to Apply to McGill University

Both International and Canadian students apply to McGill University online through the school’s website . American students should note that they cannot use platforms like the Common App to apply to McGill. Instead, they will need to apply directly to the school.

All applicants can include two program choices in their application. Both choices are reviewed, and applicants receive a separate decision for each one. Students wishing to apply to more than two programs will need to submit and pay for an additional application.

McGill provides specific information regarding prerequisites and based on where you’re from and your educational background . Moreover, certain programs (music, for instance) may require alternative or supplementary application materials. For students from the United States, the general requirements are similar to those for Canadian residents. US high school applicants must have obtained, prior to the start of classes, a US high school diploma from an accredited academic program. In admissions decisions, McGill takes one’s academic performances from Grades 10-12 into account, but is maintaining a “test-optional” policy regarding ACT/SAT scores. On average, admitted students have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

In general, McGill University is an appealing option for both Canadian and International students, boasting strong academic programs, clear tuition and fee structures, and a high quality of life based in part on its location in Montreal. Beyond McGill University, American high school students interested in attending college in Canada might also consider the highly-ranked University of Toronto or the University of British Columbia .

Additional Blogs of Interest

• 5 Reasons to Consider Canadian Universities 
• Best Universities in Canada for US Students
• College Search/Knowledge

Jordan Conley

Jordan received her BA from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where she majored in Religious Studies and Classics. Following her undergraduate work, she spent several years teaching elementary school--first in northern Thailand as a fellow with Princeton in Asia, then in Bozeman, Montana. Jordan went on to receive a Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and is currently working toward completing her PhD at Boston University, focusing on religions of the Ancient Mediterranean.

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

McGill University: Statistics

Updated: February 29, 2024

Quick Review

Acceptance rate & admissions.

We've calculated the 46% acceptance rate for McGill University based on the ratio of admissions to applications and other circumstantial enrollment data. Treat this information as a rough guide and not as a definitive measure of your chances of admission. Different programs may have significantly varying admissions rates.

Research profile

McGill University is a world-class research university with 223,004 scientific papers published and 7,511,746 citations received. The research profile covers a range of fields, including Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Computer Science, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Genetics, Environmental Science, and Psychology.

McGill University majors

by publication & citation count

Annual publication & citation counts

The tuition table for McGill University gives an overview of costs but prices are approximate and subject to change and don't include accommodation, textbooks, or living expenses. The costs of programs might differ significantly for local and international students. The only source of truth for current numbers is the university's official website.

McGill University has financial aid programs and on-campus housing.

Programs and Degrees

The table below displays academic fields with programs and courses that lead to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees offered by McGill University.

Note that the table provides a general overview and might not cover all the specific majors available at the university. Always visit the university's website for the most up-to-date information on the programs offered.

McGill University alumni

Justin Trudeau

Justin Pierre James Trudeau is a Canadian politician who has served as the 23rd prime minister of Canada since 2015 and the leader of the Liberal Party since 2013.

Jordan Peterson

Jordan Bernt Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator. Often described as conservative, he began to receive widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues. Peterson has described himself as a classic British liberal and a traditionalist.

Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist. Themes commonly explored throughout his work include faith and mortality, isolation and depression, betrayal and redemption, social and political conflict, and sexual and romantic love, desire, regret, and loss. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honour. In 2011 he received one of the Prince of Asturias Awards for literature and the ninth Glenn Gould Prize.

William Shatner

William Shatner is a Canadian actor. In a career spanning seven decades, he is best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, from his 1966 debut as the captain of the starship Enterprise in the second pilot of the first Star Trek television series to his final appearance as Captain Kirk in the seventh Star Trek feature film, Star Trek Generations (1994).

McGill University faculties and divisions

General information

Location and contacts

McGill University in social media

You seem to be using an unsupported browser

To get the best user experience please use a supported browser. Here are a few we recommend:

• School of Computer Science

Montr?®al, QC

School of Computer Science / School of Computer Science is located in Montr?®al, QC, in an urban setting.

Degrees & Awards

Degrees offered.

Degrees Awarded

Acceptance Rate

Student body, location & contact.

• Grad Schools
• Search Results
• McGill University
• Faculty of Science

• Land Acknowledgement
• Inclusivity Statement

• Remote Learning
• McGill COVID-19 Information
• Undergraduate
• Future Students
• Program Information
• Tech Reports
• CS Accounts
• Public Resources
• Remote Access
• Room Reservation
• Visitor Form
• Course Lecturer
• Priority Points
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
• Resources and Groups

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science

[Note: The M.Sc. programs have undergone a revision starting Fall 2020. The main change is a reduction in the course credit requirements and an increase in the research credit requirements. Students who began the M.Sc. program prior to Fall 2020 may follow the requirements of the new program if they wish.]

We offer two M.Sc. programs - the Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Non-Thesis program will be sometimes referred to as the Project option since it substitutes a project (and additional courses) for a thesis. Both programs are designed to take between 1.5 and 2 years. The maximum allowable is 3 years. Students begin in the Thesis program, and may switch to the Project option any time after their second semester.

Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. after the M.Sc. should follow the Thesis program rather than the Non-Thesis program. Alternatively, students may apply to be fast-tracked to the Ph.D. program without completing the M.Sc.. Such applicants must have completed a minimum of two and a maximum of four full-time semesters, according to GPS rules. For more information, see the bottom of this web page.

Students in either M.Sc. program have a minimum residence requirement of three full-time semesters. Students may register for the Summer semester if they wish to complete their residence requirements. For further details on student status, see here .

Students should take a minimum of two Complementary courses in their first semester and should complete all four Complementary courses by the end of their second semester. In addition, students in their first two semesters should take the Seminar courses COMP 602 (Fall) and 603 (Winter).

Here is a brief summary of the requirements of the two M.Sc. programs. Both programs require:

• three full-time terms of residence
• two seminar courses COMP 602 and 603
• a total of at least 45 credits

In addition, the Thesis program requires:

• at least 14 credits of COMP (or approved) Complementary coursesat the 500 level or higher, which satisfy a Breadth Requirement (see below)
• a thesis with significant scholarly content

and the Non-Thesis program requires:

• at least 28 credits of COMP (or approved) Complementary courses at the 500 level or higher, which satisfy a Breadth Requirement (see below);
• a research project (see guidelines )

Further details on the two programs including the course Breadth Requirement, the Letter of Understanding agreement between student and supervisor, and the Progress Report are given below.

M.Sc. Computer Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

Thesis courses (29 credits).

At least 29 credits selected from:

• COMP 691 Thesis Research 1 (3 credits)
• COMP 696 Thesis Research 2 (3 credits)
• COMP 697 Thesis Research 3 (4 credits)
• COMP 698 Thesis Research 4 (10 credits)
• COMP 699 Thesis Research 5 (12 credits)

Required Courses (2 credits)

• COMP 602 Computer Science Seminar 1 (1 credit)
• COMP 603 Computer Science Seminar 2 (1 credit)

Complementary Courses (14 credits)

At least 14 credits of COMP (or approved by MSc Graduate Program Director) courses at the 500-, 600-, or 700-level. Complementary courses must satisfy a Computer Science Breadth Requirement, with at least one course in two of the Theory, Systems, and Application areas.

Course Breadth Requirement

Courses must be taken from at least two of the three categories below (Theory, Systems, and Applications). The category of any course not listed below such as a new course or a 500 level Topics courses follows the general pattern of the existing courses. In cases of doubt, students should contact the Computer Science Graduate (M.Sc.) Program Director.

Category A: Theory

COMP 523 Language-based Security (3 credits) COMP 524 Theoretical Foundations of Programming Languages (3 credits) COMP 525 Formal Verification (3 credits) COMP 527 Logic and Computation COMP 531 Advanced Theory of Computation (3 credits) COMP 540 Matrix Computations (4 credits) COMP 547 Cryptography and Data Security (4 credits) COMP 552 Combinatorial Optimization (4 credits) COMP 553 Algorithmic Game Theory (4 credits) COMP 554 Approximation Algorithms (4 credits) COMP 560 Graph Algorithms and Applications (3 credits) COMP 566 Discrete Optimization 1 (3 credits) COMP 567 Discrete Optimization 2 (3 credits) COMP 610 Information Structures 1 (4 credits) COMP 627 Theoretical Programming Languages (4 credits) COMP 642 Numerical Estimation Methods (4 credits) COMP 647 Advanced Cryptography (4 credits) COMP 649 Quantum Cryptography (4 credits) COMP 690 Probabilistic Analysis of Algorithms (4 credits) COMP 760 Advanced Topics Theory 1 (4 credits) COMP 761 Advanced Topics Theory 2 (4 credits)

Category B: Systems

COMP 512 Distributed Systems (4 credits) COMP 520 Compiler Design (4 credits) COMP 529 Software Architecture (4 credits) COMP 533 Model-Driven Software Development (3 credits) COMP 535 Computer Networks 1 (4 credits) COMP 575 Fundamentals of Distributed Algorithms (3 credits) COMP 612 Database Programming Principles (4 credits) COMP 614 Distributed Data Management (4 credits) COMP 621 Program Analysis and Transformations (4 credits) COMP 655 Distributed Simulation (4 credits) COMP 667 Software Fault Tolerance (4 credits) COMP 762 Advanced Topics Programming 1 (4 credits) COMP 763 Advanced Topics Programming 2 (4 credits) COMP 764 Advanced Topics Systems 1 (4 credits) COMP 765 Advanced Topics Systems 2 (4 credits)

Category C: Applications

COMP 521 Modern Computer Games (4 credits) COMP 522 Modellin and Simulation (4 credits) COMP 526 Probabilistic Reasoning and AI (3 credits) COMP 546 Computational Perception (4 credits) COMP 550 Natural Language Processing (3 credits) COMP 551 Applied Machine Learning (4 credits) COMP 557 Fundamentals of Computer Graphics (4 credits) COMP 558 Fundamentals of Computer Vision (4 credits) COMP 559 Fundamentals of Computer Animation (4 credits) COMP 561 Computational Biology Methods and Research (4 credits) COMP 564 Advanced Computational Biology Methods and Research (3 credits) COMP 579 Reinforcement Learning (4 credits) COMP 618 Bioinformatics: Functional Genomics (3 credits) COMP 680 Mining Biological Sequences (4 credits) COMP 652 Machine Learning (4 credits) COMP 766 Advanced Topics Applications 1 (4 credits) COMP 767 Advanced Topics: Applications 2 (4 credits)

M.Sc. Computer Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

Research project courses (15 credits).

• COMP 693 Research Project 1 (3 credits)
• COMP 694 Research Project 2 (6 credits)
• COMP 695 Research Project 3 (6 credits)

Students who have taken any Thesis Research (1-5) courses prior to switching to the Non-Thesis program and who wish to use these credits (instead of Research Project course credits) toward their M.Sc. Non-Thesis program should contact the M.Sc. Graduate Program Director.

Complementary Courses (28 credits)

At least 28 credits of COMP (or approved by MSc Graduate Program Director) courses including at least three 4-credit courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level. The courses must meet the same Breadth Requirement as in the Thesis program (see above), namely courses must be from at least two of the three areas of Theory, Systems, and Applications.

Letter of Understanding

The letter of understanding must be filled by the student and the supervisor(s) at the initial meeting and signed by both. This letter of understanding must be uploaded by the student into MyProgress. If there are significant changes in the understanding, a new letter can be created and uploaded.

Annual Progress Report

Each student must meet annually with his/her supervisor or co-supervisors to assess the progress made during the previous year, and describe plans for the coming year. The progress form below must be filled by the student, discussed with the supervisor, and signed by both. A progress form must be filled each year (except the first year) before September 30th, and submitted to Ann Jack.

Annual Progress Form (PDF document)

Fast-tracking from the M.Sc. Thesis to the Ph.D. program

Excellent M.Sc. students who would like to pursue doctoral studies can apply to be "fast-tracked" to the Ph.D. program, after having completed a minimum of two and maximum of four full time semesters of the MSc Thesis program. Each fast-tracking application will be evaluated by the Ph.D. committee, in concert with the proposed Ph.D. supervisor, on a case-by-case basis. Evaluation criteria will include excellence of the academic record and achievements in research. M.Sc. students interested in fast-tracking to the Ph.D. program should discuss this option with their supervisor.

• Add Content

Quick Links

• Room Bookings

© McGill University 2024 Credits

• Land Acknowledgement
• Inclusivity Statement
• Remote Learning
• McGill COVID-19 Information
• Undergraduate
• Future Students
• Program Information
• Tech Reports
• CS Accounts
• Public Resources
• Remote Access
• Room Reservation
• Visitor Form
• Course Lecturer
• Priority Points
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
• Resources and Groups

The McGill School of Computer Science offers Masters and Ph.D. programs.

Which program should you apply to?

If you are a McGill undergrad, then you can consider applying for the B.Sc. / M.Sc. fast track. More information on this program can be found at our B.Sc/M.Sc (Thesis) Track page,

If your final goal is (or may be) to obtain a Ph.D. then there are two possibilities.

• If you have already completed a Masters degree, you should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
• If you do not hold a Masters degree, you should apply to Masters program initially, although you have the possibility of being admitted to the Ph.D. program directly if you have excellent academic records. Furthermore, students who are already in the Masters program at the School of Computer Science and have shown sufficient scholastic and research abilities will have the possibility of being fast-tracked to the Ph.D. program at the end of the first academic year, without having to complete the requirements of the Masters degree.

Information on graduate programs

• Information on the Masters program in Computer Science .
• Information on the Ph.D. program in Computer Science .

For general information, please contact Ann Jack .

For the Master's Graduate Program Director, please contact Prof Muthucumaru Maheswaran .

For the PhD Graduate Program Director, please contact Prof Hamed Hatami .

• Add Content

Quick Links

• Room Bookings

© McGill University 2024 Credits

Main navigation

• Graduate programs
• How to apply
• Research & supervision
• Student experience
• Connect with us
• Before you apply to McGill
• Applying to McGill
• I've submitted my application
• I’ve been admitted to McGill
• Application support - FAQ
• Admission to PhD1 (Direct Entry)
• Visiting, Exchange and Special Students
• Postdoctoral researchers

Applying and admissions

Ready to begin your graduate journey and join a distinguished community of over 10,000 graduate students.

Consult the minimum admission requirements below.

All applicants, regardless of country of origin or educational backgrounds must meet these minimum academic requirements: A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate studies. Unless otherwise specified, the Master’s program at McGill requires the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in a related area at a recognized institution. Admission to a doctoral (PhD) program generally requires the completion of a Master’s degree in a related area at a recognized institution. Outstanding applicants with an undergraduate (i.e., Bachelor's) degree who have extensive research experience may be admitted to a doctoral (PhD) program without completing a Master's degree first. For more information, consult the Admission to PhD1 (Direct Entry) webpage. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies. In some departments, a higher CGPA may be required for admission. Consult your program requirements for details. Your educational credentials will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree. Please consult the Degree Equivalency page for more information. Proficiency in English : The primary language of instruction at McGill is English. You may make arrangements to write papers, examinations or theses in French, except in cases where knowledge of the English language is one of the objectives of the course. Prior to admission, you may need to demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English. For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency page.

To read the complete graduate admission policies, please refer to our Programs, Courses and University Regulations guide.

Related Content

Ready to apply.

Please note that application deadlines vary by program.

For more information, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator .

Graduate Application Events

Eager to know more about graduate studies at McGill? 

McCall MacBain Scholarships - Master’s and Professional Programs

A full graduate scholarship and community to help you make a difference in the world.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.