Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

at St. Francis Xavier University Canada

Marketers understand that customers do not buy products; they buy solutions and benefits. Marketers help their organizations understand customer perceptions of value and how to create, communicate and deliver that value better than the competition. Marketers do this in ways that contribute to society in general, not just to the bottom line.

Students choosing to study marketing at StFX have the opportunity to take foundational marketing courses including Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Management, Professional Sales and Marketing Research. They can also explore specific areas of marketing such as digital marketing and customer relationship management.  Complete course requirements are found here. Our courses aim to develop students’ knowledge and skills so they are ready for an exciting but complex world. Courses within the marketing stream engage students using a variety of pedagogical approaches including case analysis, simulations, presentations, research papers, and client-centred projects.

The marketing program also provides students with opportunities to participate in consulting projects and original research. Students pursuing an Advanced Major in Marketing work with a client organization to develop solutions to client-identified challenges and gain valuable skills and experience in the process.  Students interested in research can choose to pursue an Honours degree to work closely with a faculty supervisor on an individual research project in the field of marketing.

Students who study marketing are well positioned for careers in:

    • Entrepreneurship
    • Brand Management
    • Professional Sales
    • Market Research
    • Retail Management
    • Merchandising/Category Management
    • Advertising
    • Digital Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Not-for-Profit Marketing

The Concentration in Actuarial Science at StFX will put you well on your way to entering the Actuarial field. Actuaries must master financial, mathematical, and economic principles to provide organizations of all types with the confidence needed for future-planning. Actuaries use highly developed analytical skills to mitigate risk and identify opportunities. The insurance sector is the primary employer of actuaries, helping insurers manage premiums and payouts, but this program will also be of interest to students planning to work in areas such as investments and portfolio management, enterprise risk management, and senior management.

Program details

• If you are interested in completing the co-op option, you can apply to the program after your first year of university study.
• Co-op students complete 15 hours of professional development training that lays a foundation for co-op success
• Work terms take place in the fall (September to December), spring (January to April) or summer (May to August), can take place across Canada and last 13-17 weeks per semester.
• Students can gain 12-16 months of work experience, which can be completed in multiple stages or all at once.
• A great benefit of the Co-op program is that placements are paid work terms, allowing you to gain valuable work experience while earning money to help fund your studies.
• Finally, students complete our capstone course, COOP 405 (3 credits)

The MACS program is a course-based Masters (full-time) completed over a period of a 16 months or 2 years of full-time study. It is open to students with an undergraduate major in Computer Science, or the equivalent combination of courses. Students have flexibility to select from numerous elective courses to design a Master’s program that meets their professional interests and aspirations. Students will also have the option to complete an elective, project-based course in a workplace environment or a co-operative education option. The Department also offers a thesis- based, research-intensive Master’s in Computer Science. 

Why Computer Science at STFX?
StFX’s Computer Science program is recognized as the top ranked program in Atlantic Canada (Maclean’s Magazine October 2019). It has earned its ranking in part due to the department’s field-weighted citation impact index rank, a measure of research output, for which the group is ranked first in the country. In the Master of Applied Computer Science program, students take advanced courses that will equip them well for working in industry. As well as the course-based program, the department offers a thesis-based Master of Science in Computer Science and undergraduate programs, which contribute to a lively community of computer scientists working and studying together.

Experiential Learning
One of the cornerstones of this program is the opportunity provided to students to engage in experiential learning, which will help build confidence and gain experience in the field prior to entering the workforce. The program is structured so that real-world problems are embedded throughout the program (in the Computer Science Graduate Seminar course and throughout the elective courses). Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete CSCI 591–Project, providing real-life software development experience by applying classroom learning in a real work context. In CSCI 591, students work with an industry or academic partner and develop a computing a solution to a real-world problem. Students are responsible to manage the project from development to execution to presentation to the client and final review.

Co-op Option
Students in the MACS program can apply to complete Co-operative Education (Co-op). Co-op offers paid work experience for students interested in developing a career in various areas within computer science fields and also integrate work experience in their field of interest within their academic studies while earning 6 credits towards their MACS. Students complete professional development seminars and workshops offered through the Co-op department prior to work term placement. This will prepare students to be professional, committed for the challenges of work term placements, and ensure that good relations with employers are fostered, right from the start. Students can apply to Co-op during their first semester of the MACS program. Space is limited.

About the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment
The Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment* serves students who seek an interdisciplinary education with a unique strength in both Environment and Climate. The field of Environment focuses on the physical and chemical composition, nature, and the societal relationship we maintain with our physical setting, while the field of Climate focuses on how the Earth’s energy balance affects our environment.  

Why take it at StFX?
Climate and Environment at StFX is a natural fit. Here, students join an intimate, dynamic, and cohesive group of likeminded peers and scholars with whom they can grow intellectually. StFX is fortunate to house some premier scholars in the field of Climate and Environment.

Scholars in climate and environment are spread out across many departments on campus, from Economics to Chemistry to Philosophy, and as students complete the degree, they’ll have the opportunity to complete courses pertaining to Climate and Environment in those departments. These are professors who are active in their fields, but also have the time to help their students reach their utmost potential by engaging them inside and outside the classroom.

Opportunities to work closely with professors on cutting-edge research outside of the classroom, and to learn from both Masters’ and PhD students at StFX who are themselves emerging minds in the fields of climate and environment provide an unparalleled educational experience. Past graduates of similar programs at StFX have worked on research across the globe from Alberta to Antarctica as well as on projects that have a more local impact.

StFX has a history of engaging with the community within which it resides as well as engaging students in real-world problem solving. While enrolled in the BASc in Climate and Environment, students have ample opportunity to gain hands-on experience. They’ll have the opportunity to participate in practical service learning experiences coupled with critical reflection for credit.

Co-op Internship Placement
Students in the BASc in Climate and Environment program will have the option of completing a Co-op internship placement.

Whether students plan to work in the finance industry or pursue higher studies in finance, the Finance stream provides students with solid foundations in finance to help them excel in the future.  Courses within the Finance stream cover a broad variety of topics including:

• corporate finance
• investments
• portfolio management
• derivatives
• financial institutions
• international finance
• personal finance

Our curriculum is rigorous as well as fun, allowing students to learn through problems, cases, spreadsheets and guest lectures. Beyond theory courses in finance, every student in the Finance stream has the opportunity to participate in training within our state-of-the-art Finance Trading Lab, equipped with professional software for trading and research that includes Thomson Eikon, Datastream, and Stockguide.

Learning is a creative and multidisciplinary venture in the StFX Engineering Department. Here, the history of civilization and the history of engineering are one in the same and faculty have structured the program around that very idea.

WHY STUDY ENGINEERING AT STFX?
Small classrooms and a close-knit atmosphere ensure you graduate with the best possible education – one that allows you to compete for jobs and graduate study opportunities all over the world. With dedicated and talented faculty and some of the most contemporary facilities in the country, it’s no surprise that many StFX engineering students go on to successful, rewarding careers.

If you have a passion for the environment, and want to learn more about aquatic resources and sustainability, explore Aquatic Resources at StFX. Within this program, you’ll study aquatic life, climate change, policy and the complexity of human­ ecosystem interactions, all related to our most precious resource - water.

WHY STUDY AQUATIC RESOURCES AT STFX?
StFX is located next to Canada’s rugged Atlantic coastline, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity for hands-­on research exploring freshwater and marine resources first­-hand. It's this research that will give you invaluable experience — a distinct advantage in whatever you choose to do next!  In addition, you’ll develop and hone skills in oral and written communications, organization, and technical abilities like maintaining lab equipment, quality control and safety procedures.

The International Business (IB) program is an interdisciplinary business program to which almost all other streams in the Schwartz School of Business contribute, collectively preparing future graduates with knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an international business environment. International business activities are providing significant opportunities for businesses of any size and industry that may export, import or have international operations. Prospective employers seeking candidates with a global perspective and awareness of international business responsibilities, combined with critical thinking, language and communications skills, will be welcoming graduates with a specialization in this field.

Courses cover a variety of topics related to international business, including:

    • globalization
    • international trade theory
    • global monetary system and financing
    • global business strategies
    • managing a global workforce
    • marketing internationally
    • international business ethics

Students in the IB courses will be exposed to engaging methods of instruction that include case analyses, presentations and guest lectures, simulated cross-cultural business meetings, multi-country analysis from an international business and cross-cultural perspective and more.

The program offers cross-cultural immersion experiences provided by StFX and our exchange partners. Students pursuing the advanced major or honours degree path are required to spend at least one term as an exchange student with one of our partner universities offering business courses. A complete list of exchange opportunities is available through the International Exchange office at StFX, linked here. The minimum one term exchange may be substituted by a minimum 3 month work placement with a company outside of Canada through the Co-op Program offered at StFX. In addition, students completing an advanced major or honours degree are required either to demonstrate that they are fluent in a second language or to take a 12 credit language pair. Students completing a major in IB do not need to complete either the exchange or the language requirement, yet are encouraged to consider both options.

Students who want to pursue a career in international business may want to consider earning the industry-recognized Certified International Trade Professional designation offered by FITT, the Forum for International Trade Training.

As a StFX Public Policy and Governance student, you will study the world of public affairs and leadership. This new program involves introducing students to a broad field that integrates many different disciplines to answer the key questions: how do we solve the common problems we have as a society, and how do we organize ourselves to provide those solutions? This involves analysis of government and other public institutions, their processes for tacking policy problems, and how to analytically approach the design, implementation and assessment of public policy.

 WHY STUDY PUBLIC POLICY AND GOVERNANCE AT STFX?
This is a new program introduced in 2017, drawing from the expertise of several departments including political science, economics, philosophy, sociology and history. StFX has a long history of engagement in the public affairs of our community, and in inspiring students to grow into leadership positions. Our university is a dynamic scholarly environment where professors believe that research and teaching flourish together. It is a place where you feel comfortable debating current issues and solving problems in the classroom and beyond it, broadening your understanding of the world. Here you can have close contact with your professors and fellow students in a positive, accessible setting for learning.

As a Public Policy and Governance Student, you’ll study within beautiful Mulroney Hall, a stunning, new place of teaching and learning excellence located in the heart of the StFX campus. Opened in 2019, Mulroney Hall features state-of-the-art classrooms, the latest technologies, and lots of engaging, inviting spaces to do homework or catch up with friends. It’s a perfect venue to learn, be challenged, and achieve new heights!

The impact of enterprise systems—a single large-scale technology solution that supports the key business processes, information flows, and data reporting of an entire organization—on the competitiveness of today’s technology intensive organizations is significant. Enterprise systems allow organizations to adopt industry best practices, better understand and link with their suppliers and customers, and derive increased value from their significant volume of data. In addition to meeting the most basic information needs of organizations, enterprise systems also help improve competitiveness through the inclusion of business intelligence, knowledge management, customer relationship management, supply chain management, and product life cycle management capabilities. Developing and managing enterprise systems solutions not only require detailed technical knowledge, but also an understanding of business process redesign, project management, and change management.

The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Enterprise IT Management at StFX is a two-year diploma program focused on designing, deploying and managing enterprise systems solutions in organizations. The diploma program will utilize the latest and most popular enterprise systems solutions and tools. Students will gain hands-on experience with the most popular tools related to enterprise system design, use, and management (e.g., SAP ERP), project management, systems analysis and design, business intelligence and analytics, technology implementation, enterprise systems customization (e.g., ABAP language), and mobile commerce. Students will have the option to gain practical work experience through a co-op work term. Upon graduation, students will possess the knowledge and skills to become an entry-level enterprise systems consultant, IT consultant, systems analyst and eventually a project manager or IT manager.

CO-OP OPTION
Students in the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Enterprise IT Management can apply to complete Co-operative Education (Co-op). Co-op students complete four months of paid work experience (summer between first and second year) in appropriate fields of business, industry, government, and non-profits and also integrate work experience in their field of interest within their academic studies. Students complete professional development seminars and workshops offered through the Co-op department prior to starting their work term placement.