Faculty of Computer Science

About Faculty of Computer Science

The Faculty of Computer Science at the University of New Brunswick is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Established in 1989 as the first standalone computer science faculty in Atlantic Canada, the institution originated from the Department of Computer Science, which was initially formed within the university in 1968. The faculty provides undergraduate and graduate education in computing disciplines and serves as a regional center for software development, data analytics, and technological research. As an integral academic unit of the University of New Brunswick, the faculty operates in alignment with the university's institutional governing bodies and academic standards, offering degree programs accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council, a committee of CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society).

The undergraduate academic structure includes several degree pathways designed to accommodate different career goals and specialization interests. The Bachelor of Computer Science is a four-year program covering fundamental theoretical computing principles, software engineering, systems architecture, and algorithmic design. Students can choose specialized options within this degree, such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Software Engineering. The faculty also offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, which combines core computing curriculum with a stronger emphasis on natural sciences and mathematics, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Computer Science, which integrates business, management, and practical application modules alongside computing coursework. Joint degree programs are also available in partnership with other faculties, including concurrent degrees in computer science and arts or science.

At the graduate level, the Faculty of Computer Science offers Master of Computer Science, Master of Applied Computer Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Master of Computer Science is a research-oriented program requiring a supervised thesis, whereas the Master of Applied Computer Science focuses on practical project work, coursework, and industry application. The PhD program prepares candidate scholars for advanced research roles in academia, government, or specialized industry sectors. Graduate research areas encompass a broad spectrum of domains, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, natural language processing, cloud computing, systems security, and data management.

The physical infrastructure of the Faculty of Computer Science is primarily housed within the Information Technology Centre on the Fredericton campus. This facility contains specialized instructional laboratories, collaborative student workspaces, advanced computing clusters, and dedicated research facilities. Campus laboratories are equipped with specialized hardware and software environments supporting research in cybersecurity, spatial data systems, human-computer interaction, and high-performance computing. Students and faculty members have access to regional and national research computing networks, including Compute Canada facilities, which support large-scale data processing and complex simulation experiments.

A key component of the educational model at the Faculty of Computer Science is the integration of cooperative education programs. The co-op program allows qualifying undergraduate and graduate students to complete alternating terms of academic study and paid, full-time work terms with industry partners, government agencies, and research organizations across Canada and internationally. This practical work experience is integrated directly into the academic transcript. Additionally, the faculty maintains research collaborations and funding partnerships with federal agencies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, provincial funding bodies, and private sector technology enterprises.

Research centers and specialized units associated with the faculty contribute to its overall academic output and technical development. Notable initiatives include the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, a multi-disciplinary unit housed within the faculty that conducts applied research, security training, and technology development in network security, threat intelligence, and privacy preservation. Other research labs focus on data science applications, health informatics, software testing, and mobile computing. Faculty members publish peer-reviewed research in academic journals and present findings at international conferences, contributing to advancement in theoretical and applied computer science fields.

Admission to the Faculty of Computer Science is based on established academic criteria set by the University of New Brunswick, requiring specific secondary school or post-secondary prerequisites in mathematics, science, and English proficiency. The student body consists of domestic students from across Canada as well as a significant proportion of international students from various global regions. Academic advising, peer mentoring, and career support services are integrated into the faculty's operational structure to assist students through their academic progression and transition into professional employment or further postgraduate study.

The Faculty of Computer Science maintains professional ties with industry associations and standard-setting bodies within the Canadian technology ecosystem. Through its curriculum updates, industry advisory boards, and research endeavors, the faculty aligns its instructional delivery with technological developments in software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Situated within the broader academic framework of the University of New Brunswick, the faculty plays a defined role in the region's post-secondary education landscape and the local technology economy.