Computer Science (BSc)
What can I do with a major in Computer Science
Computer Science is the study of algorithms and data structures, and their applications in designing new and efficient solutions to industrial, technological, environmental, or social problems. Computer Science students will learn to tackle difficult problems using a variety of high-tech tools and approaches. The program is designed to enable students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, including access to state-of-the-art hardware and software in computer labs.
The department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a major in Computer Science for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts& Science degree programs. Students may also consider the multidisciplinary major of Computer Science & Geographical Information Science. Students may also choose to instead complete a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Computer Science. Visit the Computer Science Management Website for more information
Students interested in Computer Science can complete:
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Active Learner
- Analyze and Interpret Data
- Attention to Details
- Communication
- Confidence in Knowledge & Suggestions
- High Ethical Standards
- Interest in Designing and Operating Systems
- Interpersonal Skills
- Logical and Critical Thinking
- Organizational Ability
- Patience
- Prepare & Organize Records
- Reading Comprehension
- Research
- Teamwork
- Technical Proficiency
- Work Independently
Work Environment
The demand for graduates in the general field of computer science has seen almost unprecedented growth in recent years. Most graduates have careers programming in industry, where a constant shortage of computer scientists results in steady employment. Computer science graduates may work within computer system designing firms, software development or vendor companies, internet service providers, data processing and management firms, software or hardware manufacturing companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, consulting firms, computer companies, telecommunications companies, retailers, healthcare organizations, entertainment institutions, environmental management firms, transportation companies, education/research institutions, or federal or provincial governmental organizations.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Programing (Business and Scientific Applications)
- System Development (Database, Client-Server or Expert)
- Network Technology (Installation, Maintenance and Administration)
- Internet (Software Design, Systems Analysis, Hardware Production, Webpage Design and Programming)
- Consulting (System Installation and Implementation)
- Education
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer/Science Associate
- Web Developer
- Programmer
- QA Analyst
- Software Developer (Entry Level)
- Solutions Specialist
- System Integration (Entry Level)
- IT Support Assistant
- Junior IT Support Supervisor
- Junior System Administrator (Entry Level)
- Net Programmer
- Network Operations Assistant
- Helpdesk Support
- Information Systems Analyst
- Information Systems Technician
- IT Consultant (Entry Level)
- IT Professional (Entry Level)
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Aerial Photogrammetry Technician
- Aerial Survey Technician
- Animator
- Business Continuity Planner
- Career and Technology Studies Teacher
- Cartographer
- Cartographic Designer
- Chief Information Officer
- College/Vocational Instructor
- Computational Linguistics
- Computer-Aided Manufacturer
- Computer Game Programmer
- Computer Network Administrator
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Security Consultant
- Computer Security Specialist
- Computer Services Technician
- Computer Support Analyst
- Data Administrator/Developer
- Data Communication Analyst
- Data Miner
- Data Retrieval Specialist
- Database Analyst
- Database Designer
- Database Manager
- Digital Forensics
- Digital Graphic Artist
- Embedded Systems Designer
- End User Computing Practice Manage
- End User Desktop Architect
- End User Support Lead
- Environmental Engineer
- Exploration Geophysicist
- Forensic Laboratory Analyst
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Programmer
- GIS Technician/Technologist/Specialist
- Graphic Programmer
- GUI Designer
- Information System Consultant
- Information System Developer
- Information System Quality Assurance Analyst
- Information Systems Manager
- Information Technology Manager
- Instructional Designer
- Interactive Media Programmer
- Interactive Multimedia Production
- IT Trainer & Educator
- Mechanical Design Technologist
- Microcomputer/Workstation Manager
- Mobile App Designer
- Multimedia Production
- Network Administrator/Manager
- On-Line Service Manager
- Operating Systems Programmer
- Operation Research Analyst
- Process Control Programmer
- Program Analyst
- Project Manager
- Quality Control Engineer
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Robotics
- Scientific Application Programmer
- Social Media Specialist
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- System Auditor
- System Integrator
- System Programmer
- System Security Analyst
- System Support Personal
- System Tester
- Technical Director
- Technology Consultant
- Technology Specialist
- University Professor
- Virtual Reality Developer
- Web Designer/Developer
- Web Technician
- Webmaster
On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings
- Actuary
- Business Analyst
- Business Continuity Planner
- Communication Specialist
- Customer Support Analyst
- Distribution Manager
- Drafting Technician
- Educational Assistant
- Encryption Specialist
- Financial Planner
- High Tech Head-hunter
- Instructor
- Internal Auditor
- Inventory Manager
- Library Technician
- Logistic Manager
- Management Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Material Controller
- Material Manager
- Mathematician
- Medical System Designer
- Mortgage Researcher
- Operation Manager
- Plant Manager
- Product Evaluator
- Production Line Manager
- Production Scheduler/Planner
- Purchasing Agent/Manager
- Quality Control Specialist
- Records Management Analyst
- Reporter
- Risk Analyst
- Risk and Insurance Specialist
- School Business Official
- Security Specialist
- Software Talent Agent
- Technical Recruiter
- Technical Sales Representative
- Technology Consultant
- Telecommunications Manager
- Underwriter
Useful Resources
- Information Technology Association of Canada http://www.itac.ca
- Canadian Information Processing Society http://www.cips.ca
- Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Canadian Advanced Technology (CATA) - The One Organization That Represents Canadian Homegrown Technology Business - Innovations Of The World
- Computer Science Canada http://compsci.ca/
- International Association for Management of Technology http://www.iamot.com/
- Information and Communication Technology Council http://www.ictc-ctic.ca
- Association of Professional Canadian Consultants (APCC) https://www.apcconline.com/
- Information System Security Association www.issa.org
- Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) https://www.comptia.org/home
- Information System Audit and Control Association http://www.isaca.org/
- Association for Information Systems http://www.aisnet.org
- Association for Computing Machinery https://www.acm.org/
- IEEE Computer Society (CS) https://www.computer.org/
- Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) https://rtp-aitp.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.