Top Reasons to Study Computer Science at UOIT

[Undergraduate Edition]

5 years ago I wrote a blog post titled Top 4 Reasons to Study Computer Science at UOIT. Since then a lot has changed and I thought it was time to write an updated post!

I have participated in UOIT recruitment events for the past 10 years and I have answered a lot of questions from potential students and their parents. One of the most common questions that I get asked every year is:

Why should I choose to study Computer Science at UOIT?

In my opinion here are the benefits of UOIT’s Computer Science undergraduate program:

1. Reputation and national ranking.
In the 2017 Maclean’s university program rankings, Computer Science at UOIT was listed nationally as a top 10 Computer Science program (4th in Ontario). Started in 2005, UOIT Computer Science was the youngest program included in the rankings and UOIT was also the smallest university to be ranked as a top Computer Science institution. It’s often easier at a smaller university to receive a more personalized educational experience – one where you know your classmates and your professors.

UOIT Computer Science has been ranked the 10th best CS program nationally (4th best in Ontario) by Maclean’s https://t.co/Y0vEwPBtY9 pic.twitter.com/WdLlwrGL3R

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) November 14, 2016

2. An opportunity to focus on Computer Science from day one. 
We’ve designed every year of the UOIT Computer Science program to include a rich selection of courses.

1st year CS at #UOIT includes a CS intro course, two programming courses (C++) & a computer architecture course (with #raspberrypi) #OUF2016

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) September 25, 2016

Curious about the undergraduate Computer Science courses we offer? Here’s the full list! #UOIT #computerscience pic.twitter.com/1vEfVvgMJQ

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) May 20, 2017

3. Exciting career-focused specializations.
We currently offer two specialization for Computer Science majors: Data Science and Digital Media. The courses in our Data Science specialization include: machine learning, big data analytics and information visualization. The courses in our Digital Media specialization include: mobile devices, advanced graphics, web development and interactive media.

Our new Data Science specialization is currently featured on the @uoit news site! https://t.co/On7Xd4ugI4 pic.twitter.com/JC8gsN59ar

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) August 15, 2016

4. A co-operative education option.
Students studying Computer Science at UOIT can enroll in co-operative education during their 2nd year of study. What makes co-operative education at UOIT unique is that our students typically have one work placement that is 12+ months in length (in addition to shorter placements). Having a longer work term provides students an opportunity to not only experience working for a company but also allows them to contribute and become active participants in that company. The reason? It often takes 2-3 months for a co-op student to get up to speed and be able to contribute therefore longer work terms mean less time getting up to speed and more time being actively involved.

We offer a co-operative education option in our Computer Science undergrad program – here are some past co-op employers #UOITOpenHouse pic.twitter.com/U4PTjVHuo6

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) November 19, 2016

5. Undergraduate research opportunities.
For undergraduate students interested in pursing graduate degrees (MSc, PhD) we offer opportunities to become involved in research labs through both Summer positions and research thesis projects.

Research opportunities available to Computer Science undergrad students include paid summer positions and thesis projects #UOITOpenHouse pic.twitter.com/3KV7nRx6vl

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) November 19, 2016

6. Small class size.
While the UOIT Computer Science program has grown we have still been able to maintain a relatively small class size. In first year our Computer Science courses (CSCI course codes) are less than 100 students and in 3rd and 4th year our Computer Science courses are often 30-40 students. Also, most Computer Science labs are capped at 25 students. Having small classes and labs means more opportunity to know your classmates and your professors.

7. Hands-on, technology-enhanced, enthusiastic teaching.
The UOIT Act states  “It is the special mission of the university to provide career-oriented university programs…” [UOIT Act]. Our computer science faculty approach teaching with this in mind. For example, many of our courses have practical group projects that reinforce core computer science fundamentals. Some of the hands on projects include: iOS application development, database applications, compiler construction and web application development.
Starting in first year courses like CSCI 1060U: Programming Workshop I, we use social media technology including YouTube and Slack to enhance the learning experience.

Still looking for more information? Please visit the UOIT Computer Science website (http://cs.science.uoit.ca) as well as check out some of our recent graduates’ views on UOIT Computer Science.

Thinking about attending @UOIT for Computer Science? Here are some recent students’ views that may help you decide https://t.co/Dpd86cx0SB

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) April 15, 2016

We’re here to answer your Computer Science questions! #UOIT #OUF2016 @randy_fortier @jeremy_bradbury pic.twitter.com/LZhYgSCPJD

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) September 25, 2016

A big thank you to our CS Student Ambassadors for their hard work during orientation #uoitsoar #uoitorientation2016 pic.twitter.com/n4cLyl2ejN

— UOIT.ComputerScience (@uoitcs) September 6, 2016

@UOIT @uoitcs open house! pic.twitter.com/Ys5z0gCwCk

— Stacey K (@stac_koo) March 4, 2017