Computer Science
BSc • BA • International iBSc / iBA • Dual Degree pathways
Build technology that shapes what comes next — and works for people
Entry in:
Fall or Winter
Prepare for tomorrow’s careers
Go beyond routine tasks into higher-level computing
Work that challenges you
Design and improve real systems — not just code
Design technology responsibly
Create technology that works for people
Program overview
Computer science is changing fast. AI now handles many routine tasks. As a result, the work computer scientists do is becoming more complex, creative, and consequential.
Today’s computer scientists spend less time on repetitive technical work. They spend more time designing systems, improving performance, testing outcomes, protecting security and privacy, and making decisions that affect real people.
Lassonde’s Computer Science program is designed to prepare students for this evolving reality.
You will build strong foundations in programming, algorithms, data structures, and systems. You’ll then apply them through labs, projects, and supervised work. Along the way, you will learn to design real systems, work in teams, and build technology that performs outside the classroom.
This program is for students who want challenging, meaningful work. It prepares graduates to step confidently into what comes next.
What makes this program different
Computer Science taught for today
The focus goes beyond writing code. Learning centres on higher-level computing: designing systems, improving performance, and understanding real-world impact.
Students encounter AI tools in their studies and learn to evaluate outputs. This learning occurs especially through projects and upper-year coursework.
Learning built around doing
Hands-on learning runs throughout the program. Labs, project-based courses, and applied assignments begin early.
In upper years, students can complete individual project courses under faculty supervision. These projects involve defining a problem, developing a solution, producing deliverables, and presenting results. This mirrors advanced computing work outside university.
Technology built with people in mind
Software and AI systems shape everyday life. This program introduces responsibility as an important part of modern computing work.
Students learn to build secure, reliable, people-centered technology. Courses cover safety, impact, long-term use, and topics like security, privacy, and human-computer interaction through hands-on projects and supervised work.
Hands-on learning & lab experiences
Artificial intelligence & machine learning
Design and evaluate intelligent systems. Apply machine learning to real-world challenges.
Computer vision & robotics
Build systems that interpret images and 3D environments. These power autonomous and interactive technologies.
Data science & visualization
Work with large datasets to uncover insights. Create tools that support real decision-making.
Software engineering & systems
Design, test, and improve complex software systems with a focus on performance and reliability.
Cybersecurity & privacy
Explore modern security challenges. Develop techniques to protect networks and sensitive information.
High-performance & distributed computing
Study how large-scale computing systems operate at speed and scale in real-world environments.
“It is particularly important to generate novel and beneficial technologies that improve quality of life — and to understand how disruptive technologies can be integrated into society.”
– Professor James Elder, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Lassonde; Co-Director, Centre for AI & Society, Lead, Infrastructure and Facilities Committee, Connected Minds
Work & learn
Gain industry experience with paid work terms
Students have access to paid co-op and industry-connected learning opportunities across technology, finance, consulting, and the public sector. These experiences build confidence, professional skills, and clarity about future directions.
Some students may also explore industry partnership options, where learning connects closely to real workplace environments throughout the degree.
Learn from exceptional faculty
Learn from professors who are advancing the field in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, computer vision, graphics, distributed systems, and networks.
York University is ranked among the world’s top 300 universities and 11th in Canada for Artificial Intelligence in the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Research is part of everyday learning here. Through hands-on projects, research opportunities, and close mentorship, students work alongside faculty who are building and studying real systems.
Industry connections
Some of our employers include:
IBM, RBC, CGI, Thales, Caseware, and public-sector organizations across Ontario.
Designed for you
The BSc is the primary pathway for students seeking strong technical depth. Students interested in broader perspectives can explore the BA option. International pathways offer opportunities to study abroad and gain global experience. Students can also shape their degree through complementary courses, minors, or double majors.
Your future career in Computer Science
Computer Science graduates work across nearly every sector. These include technology, finance, healthcare, transportation, government, and emerging industries. As AI becomes embedded in everyday systems, demand continues to grow for people who can design, improve, and guide complex technology responsibly.
Graduates move into roles such as:
Hands-on learning & lab experiences
Software developer
Designs, builds, and maintains software systems that power applications, platforms, and services.
AI & machine learning developer
Develops intelligent systems that learn from data to automate tasks, generate insights, and support decision-making.
Data engineer / analyst
Builds data pipelines and analyzes large datasets to uncover patterns and inform strategic decisions.
Cybersecurity & systems specialist
Protects networks and systems by identifying vulnerabilities, strengthening defenses, and responding to security threats.
UX and human-centred computing roles
Designs technology experiences that are intuitive, accessible, and grounded in user needs.
Robotics, graphics, and computer vision specialists
Creates systems that interact with physical environments, generate visual content, or interpret images and 3D data.
Course details
Sample first year schedules
Computer Science BSc
Year One Common Core
• Class • Lab • Tutorial
Mon
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Research Directions in Computing
Tues
Differential Calculus with Applications
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Differential Calculus with Applications
Wed
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Thurs
Differential Calculus with Applications
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Fri
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Computer Science BA
Year One Common Core
• Class • Lab • Tutorial
Mon
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Applied Linear Algebra
Research Directions in Computing
Tues
Differential Calculus with Applications
Exploring Culture: Narrative, Media, Film
Exploring Culture: Narrative, Media, Film
Wed
Applied Linear Algebra
Thurs
Differential Calculus with Applications
Differential Calculus with Applications
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Fri
Applied Linear Algebra
Application and Admissions Info
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