Applied Computing (MAC)

Education on the cutting edge - The Master of Applied Computing (MAC) offers an advanced computing degree that adapts with the ever-changing technological landscape through a theoretical, practical and in-demand program focused on mobile, enterprise, data mining and machine learning. 

The MAC program will help you stand out in the job market and proves to employers that you have advanced technical knowledge and skills required to create technological solutions.

Starting in fall 2024, the MAC Coursework option is located at the Brantford campus. The MAC Thesis and Co-op options are located at the Waterloo campus.

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Program Highlights

  • Our faculty members offer research expertise in: algorithms, symbolic computation, embedded systems, networking, image processing, system-on-a-chip, security and quantum computing.
  • Flexible format - full-time or part-time program options to suit the busy schedules of working professionals. 

Program Details

Balancing Theory and Practice

Our philosophy is to create a “dream it, build it” environment where you apply the theory gained in the classroom and apply it to projects or in the field through a co-op placement. Employers note that people with traditional master's degrees in computing or computer science have a high level of technical knowledge but low levels of practical knowledge or experience. We equip you with both. Using case studies, project-based courses, and cooperative education opportunities, the MAC program will give you practical skills in ways that theory-focused degrees cannot.

Curriculum

All students in the MAC program must take Practical Algorithm Design. This course provides an essential background that allows students to move towards an area of specialization through additional coursework. These specialized course topics may include:

  • CP631: Advanced Parallel Programming 
  • CP685: Cyber Attack and Defense
  • CP670: Android Application Programming
  • CP640: Machine Learning
  • CP601: Seminar in Technology Entrepreneurship
  • CP610: Data Analysis
  • CP630: Enterprise Computing
  • CP669: Iphone Application Programming
  • CP650: User Interface Design and implementation

Program Options

The full-time Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program can be completed in four to five terms, depending on which option you choose (coursework, co-op or thesis option).

The part-time program (coursework option) allows you to take one to two courses per term and complete your degree in five to nine terms. Starting in fall 2024, the part-time option will also be offered online.

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“Choosing Laurier was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a newer program and not as well known, but it’s a hidden gem.”

Tapas Vashi, current international student from India

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our three applied computing streams: co-op, thesis and coursework. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply, how to accept your offer and how to prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

Coursework Stream (in-person or online)

It is anticipated that students enrolled in the full-time coursework stream will take four consecutive terms to complete the degree. The full-time coursework option is only available at the Brantford campus.

The part-time online coursework option is completed in five to nine terms.

Complete applications received by the first consideration date will be evaluated for early admission offers. Applications will be adjudicated until the application deadline or until the program is full. You are encouraged to apply early. Only complete applications will be assessed.

Thesis Stream

The thesis stream is five consecutive terms in length and includes coursework and a written thesis. To increase your chance of acceptance, identify a thesis supervisor before applying. You can review the theses of previous Laurier MAC students.

You are encouraged to apply early. Only complete applications wll be assessed for admissibility.

Co-op Stream

The co-op stream is five consecutive terms in length and includes two four-month co-op placement terms. The final capstone project is completed in the fifth term. There is no option to switch to the co-op stream after admission. The co-op option is only available at the Waterloo campus. 

All applications will be ranked, and offers will be made after the application deadline.

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact the program via email at MACadvising@wlu.ca.

Waterloo, Brantford or Online

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo or Brantford campuses, or through online learning.

The Waterloo campus is home to more than 17,700 undergraduate and graduate students. You're steps away from classes, residence, and campus amenities on this close-knit campus.

The Brantford campus is woven into the downtown core of the City of Brantford and is home to more than 3,000 students. With classrooms and study spaces close to great restaurants, shopping and hiking trails, you get the best of both worlds.

Online learning is interactive, flexible and stimulating. We use MyLearningSpace by Desire2Learn, which includes various educational technologies such as audio/video lectures, interactive presentations, screencasts, virtual whiteboards, flashcards, and gamification.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Careers

This program can lead to careers such as:

  • data scientist
  • big data architect
  • mobile app developer
  • senior web developer
  • software developer
  • software project manager

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team

Maher Ahmed
Associate Professor

Azam Asilian Bidgoli
Assistant Professor

Kathie Cameron
Professor

Bernard Chiu
Associate Professor, Graduate Officer

Dariush Ebrahimi
Assistant Professor

Hongbing Fan
Associate Professor

Lilatul Ferdouse
Assistant Professor

Angèle Foley
Professor

Shohini Ghose
Professor
Director, Centre for Women in Science (WinS)

Ian Hamilton
Professor

Chính Hoàng
Professor

 

Alexei Kaltchenko
Associate Professor

Ilias Kotsireas
Professor
Director of the CARGO lab

Yang Liu
Associate Professor

Abdul-Rahman Mawlood-Yunis
Assistant Professor 

Roderick Melnik
Professor
Tier I Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Modelling
Director, MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute

Emad Mohammed
Assistant Professor

Sukhjit Singh Sehra
Assistant Professor

Marek Wartak
Professor

Li Wei
Professor

Jessie Zhao
Assistant Professor 

Eugene Zima
Associate Professor