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Accelerated Degree

Are you looking for a new career or interested in technology? Do you want to enhance your previous post-secondary education? You could earn a computer science degree in as little as 12 months at Algoma University.

Today’s society is living in a revolution powered by computers. The growth in the past decade in both computer technology and applications has been phenomenal. The demand for graduates with computer science degrees is high and is expected to remain high in the decades to come, despite the troubled economy. By earning a degree in computer science, you are filling the need and high demand for computer scientists in today’s technologically advanced society. Plus, with a background in computer science, you have access to some of the highest starting salaries in today’s workplace.

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Open & Future Intakes

  • April 2024 – Online
  • April 2024 – Brampton Campus (In-person)
  • September 2024 – Online
  • September 2024 – Brampton & SSM Campus (In-person) – Co-op option available for Brampton Campus
  • January 2025 – Online
  • January 2025 – Brampton Campus (In-person)
Program Highlights

In the accelerated program, students will learn:

  • Software development – students learn Java, C++, C, and Scripting
  • Android and IOS programming
  • Data structures and programming
  • Database programming – database design, SQL, Oracle, and Access
  • Assembly language programming
  • Operating systems – I/O, file management, process and scheduling on Unix, and Windows
  • Networking – IPs, packets, general ISO structure of networks – applied/practical networks – installing software, managing mail, and more
  • Data science with Python

More questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Admission Requirements

Students who already hold a degree in a discipline other than computer science or a diploma in computer science will be able to earn a Bachelor of Computer Science (General) or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (General) in as little as 12 months, depending upon their previous credentials.

Accelerated degree students may complete the program in three semesters within one year.

To be eligible, students must:

  • Hold a recognized university degree or applied degree with a minimum overall average of ‘C’ or equivalent percent (students who possess a previous degree must have completed no more than 18 credits in Computer Science) OR have a two or three-year college diploma in a computer science-related field with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Provide proof of proficiency in English (if your first language is not English) that meet our English Language Requirements
  • Provide an official transcript for review. An official transcript is one that is sent directly by the issuing institution or education authority using the sending institution’s security features (e.g. digital encryption, secure paper, or institutional seal) and has not been handled by the student in any way.

Unsure if you’re admissible? Speak to an enrolment specialist!

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents – contact [email protected].

International Students – contact [email protected].

Computer Science Accelerated Degree Program - Sample Structure

After successful completion of the Accelerated Semester, students proceed to the third year of the Bachelor of Computer Science (General) or BSc Computer Science (General).

Course CodeCreditsCourseSample Course Length
COSC 10463Introduction to Computer Science IJune 1 - 19, exam June 22 (3 Week Duration)
COSC 10473Introduction to Computer Science IIJune 22 - July 10, exam July 13 (3 Week Duration)
MATH 10563Discrete Mathematics IJune 1 - July 10, exam July 14 (6 Week Duration)
COSC 20063Data Structures IJuly 15 - Aug 4, exam Aug 6 (3 Week Duration)
COSC 20073Data Structures IIAug 10 - 28, exam Aug 31 (3 Week Duration)
COSC 24063Assembly Language ProgrammingJuly 15 - Aug 26, exam Aug 28 (6 Week Duration)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

You will graduate with a 3-year General Bachelor of Computer Science OR a General Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

The required Computer Science courses are identical in each degree, however the Bachelor of Computer Science (BCOSC) has less rigorous requirements in Mathematics and Sciences than the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc).

Many students will likely prefer to earn the BCOSC degree since it is an easier degree, with reduced core math and science content. For stronger students who are more well prepared, it is highly recommended that they take the more rigorous BSc in Computer Science as it is a stronger degree.

Both degrees provide students with the necessary skills to be successful in the computing and information technology industries. However, the BSc provides students with additional skills that will open opportunities in high-end scientific and mathematical research institutions.

Yes, students who complete the accelerated program can continue on to the fourth year of the program and earn a four-year honours degree. It is recommended that you speak to your faculty advisors early about this, so that you can properly plan your course progression in advance.

The four-year honours degree provides you with the opportunity to:

  • develop your skills even further by enrolling in additional classes
  • pursue a specialization in Computer Games Technology or Mobile Software Engineering.
  • complete a thesis study, which provides you with the necessary credentials to pursue graduate studies

Yes, it is! For all OSAP & Financial Aid inquiries, please contact Nicole Muskaluk in Financial Aid at [email protected].

Co-op is available after the accelerated semester, if a student decides to pursue a 4-year degree option. Co-op is a full term placement that can be completed during an academic semester or in the summer months. It is important to note that a co-op placement would delay the degree completion time.

Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree can qualify for admission as a second degree candidate. Upon receipt of your transcripts, the Office of the Registrar will review your eligibility as a second degree candidate. As long as you did not take more than 18 credits (6 courses) of Computer Science in your degree program, you are eligible for admission as a second degree candidate.

If you are graduating from a 2 or 3 year college diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0, you are eligible for the program and will receive 45 credits (15 courses) of transfer credit.