CS at UAlberta: What program should you take?

[@cabfish8339]

This man is a godsend. I will be honest, applying and preparing for university are often very stressful or difficult since there can be so many paths and options you can take. I just want to thank you for an organized and surprisingly short to the point videos about CS.

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you for the kind words :) This video was effectively me answering the same question I was asked many times before in a video format. Glad you found it insightful :)

[@unraisedchunk2134]

Your content is so well organised and easy to follow with. Astonished as to how you don't have more subscirbers. Loved the video and keep up the great work!

[@ArseniyKD]

Thanks man, glad you enjoy it!

[@MFSPORTS]

Shame, you haven't reached more people, your content is very informative.

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@magicundercover]

I'm suprised this video doesn't have more views. I know from first hand experience how confusing the CS realm can be in terms of program selection, course selection, internships, etc. I'm nearing the end of my CS degree at UAlberta, and I wish I had this exact video when I first started. I really resonate with the idea that 274/5 sets you up for academic and career success, I think if it wasn't for those two course challenging me I wouldn't have gotten all the internships I've gotten, they really set the tone for the rest of your degree and career. Great videos, keep it up.

[@ArseniyKD]

Thanks for the kind words :) Regarding not having many views: I mean, it's a new video on a small channel, so no surprises there. It's also very specific to only a sub-part of my subscriber base. I expect this video will benefit from search traffic like my CS program review video, but it takes a lot of time for search traffic to get stronger. I might need to think of a better title, actually, just to try and attract more search traffic. The CS program review video actually is growing steadily because of the steady stream of search traffic, bit it didn't start that way at first!

[@urmilabaddhan980]

Thankyou so much!! The video is so informative ♥️

[@ArseniyKD]

Glad that this video helped :)

[@trunghoangnguyen2799]

Quite in time lol. I just finished my application, changing from General to Spec last night and considering for the last time before paying application fee :D

[@ArseniyKD]

Haha, best of luck, glad that the timing worked out!

[@rakoonberry7879]

khalas, i'm convinced. U Alberta, here I come

[@ArseniyKD]

We'd welcome you with open arms! Hahaha

[@islantay5795]

I got admitted into CS and just saw your video. I wish I could have watched this before I applied. But I am still confused about what offer I just got. Bachelor of Science (Honors) / Computing Science - Software Practice / Minor: Philosophy Is this something that combines everything you said in the video(spec+honors+minor)? I guess I will have very little freedom to choose other courses? I am genuinely more confused now.

[@jaimesmith1086]

Thank you Arseiny for the video. I'm also in Canada (go Canada!). I am wondering If I can get your thoughts on this: - I have been working for over 10 years and have been feeling stuck in my career. - During coffee chats, I was suggested to consider MBA or MS Computer Science (I don't have an undergrad in CS but saw there are some bridging programs out there for those who don't). Wondering what do you think about MBA vs MS Computer Science? - I think MS is usually for those who usually have around 2 years of work experience but may not be appropriate for those with more work experience. - I think with MS CS one tends to become a software developer writing code. Pays well but just writing code (binge watching your videos to learn more about what CS entails. Saw from one of your videos that CS is quite math heavy. Strong math/quant doesn't seem to be my strong suite). - With MBA people usually tend to go into 3 buckets (consulting, IB/financial services & tech). My perception is that the work life balance of consulting/financial services isn't great and also getting there in mid 30s is tough but tech (product management seems to be the most popular role in tech post MBA, though the current tech economy isn't great with layoffs) seems more open with better work life balance. - Would love thoughts on software engineer/developer vs product manager (another popular role I came across in the tech industry, doesn't seem to require CS coding or any particular background).

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, I am sorry, but I can't give you too much insight into either of those paths as I have not taken them myself. However, I can provide a bit more insight into things I noticed you mentioned: 1) the job of a software engineer does not deal that much with actual math, but some mathematical education helps. I just finished making a series on applied software engineering, I strongly suggest you watch it to get an understanding of what the different tools and processes exist in it along with what the courses on software engineering look like. You might be able to find an MSc program that focuses on the practical side of software engineering with less emphasis on mathematical formalism. 2) While I can't comment on the MBA path at all, I will mention this: tech as a sector will exist going forward, and competent technical managers will be necessary too. I wouldn't say that the current tech downturn should scare you off that path forever, as a typical recession lasts ~1 year. If you do a grad degree, it will take 1-2 years + waiting for fall admission means that you will likely wait out the current downturn. I am not suggesting that you should ignore it, as everyone could be wrong, but the skills you learn should still be useful, and the couple year long break will help you wait out some of the uncertainty in a productive way. 3) Developers really don't like non-technical managers, and having a product manager that does not know what it actually takes to make the product could be somewhat demoralizing. Again, not trying to discourage you, but warning that you might struggle with some aspects of your work in product management if you come with zero understanding of programming. Best of luck with your decision!

[@jaimesmith1086]

@@ArseniyKD thank you for sharing

[@LouisInBlue]

How about the Al option? I am interested in AI, and it seems that UA is quite good for its AI research

[@ArseniyKD]

No idea, it was not available when I was attending.

[@NadeemPK73]

Which program is best CS honors or CS with software option and what are the competitive average for those. is getting in CS major easier than honors? My son is planning to apply but confused about the first and second choice.

[@ArseniyKD]

"Best" is too personal for me to be able to answer. The info I provided should be sufficient to do some further informed research on your own. Good luck.

[@JarryYang-x5t]

Incredibly insightful video. Are cmput 274 and 275 only available for BSc CS Honor students.I'm first year student of BSc General and failed to enroll in cmput 274 275 due to restrictions.

[@ArseniyKD]

Yes, honors only. Unless something changed since I last looked at the program reqs.

[@shubhkarmansingh4385]

What do you think of University of Victoria? It has good weather, and about 30k fees with decent coop(maybe). I am personally considering it for a math major though.

[@ArseniyKD]

From my understanding, UVic is a decent school, but the reputation isn't as strong as SFU. Victoria is a bit of a boring city, and also much more expensive than Edmonton / Calgary. Still, it's a very good school and you should consider it.

[@shubhkarmansingh4385]

Thanks! Although Tbh I'll probably be attending ualberta considering the finances are manageable after scholarship. I also wanted to add that mcgill's BA dept (~34k) has a lot less fees than BSc so worth considering.

[@ArseniyKD]

Oh, cool! Didn't know that McGill BA was that much more affordable.

[@jatinyadav3888]

Hey Arseniy do the spec first year students also get the cmput 274,275 or just the honors students get them. And if I take hon i know it is really good for research and academic purpose but i plan on doing mba some years after i graduate so is honors valued more than spec in the job market?

[@ArseniyKD]

Your degree in the industry is just a checkmark once you have any experience. When looking for an initial job, the courses you take and what you do outside of class will matter more than the degree program you're in. With regards to MBA - I don't believe it will make a difference no matter what program you take.

[@chetanvig1857]

I applied for BSc with specialization for fall 2022 and all the cmput 174/175 classes are filled up? what do u think i should do?

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, you should reach out to the department of computing science advising. They should be able to force you into these courses. You can find their contact info if you look up the UAlberta department of computing science page

[@arsh838]

Is BSc specialization with business minor a good program or is it super hard I kinda like business

[@ArseniyKD]

I do not know, as I didn't take that program and knew maybe 2 people total in it

[@Ayajin]

This video is honestly so amazing and well organized. I'm currently a first year in biological sciences, and I'm considering transfering to computer science specialization or general. I'm enrolled for cmput 174 for the winter term so I missed my opportunity to shadow the 174/175 first year route. is there still a chance to graduate on time?

[@ArseniyKD]

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to. You do mostly the same courses in all first year science disciplines. The only thing is that you might be a bit "behind" because you'll do cmput 175 in fall of second year, but it's not too big a deal.

[@Spacez3n]

Hey which one would be better for job prospects tight after bachelors

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, I think that I have provided plenty of context for your question in the video. However, my stance is that the degree itself won't be the deciding factor - the ease of getting into higher level courses and what you do outside of the courses will play a much larger role. So any spec or honors programs will probably be "better".

[@Spacez3n]

@@ArseniyKD alright. Btw what would you prefer for Computer science

[@jessemuotoh9917]

Hello, thanks for the video Question: I'm coming into fall 2023 for Bsc, Compsci major, physics minor. Assuming I get a high enough GPA, will I be able to transfer directly into the second year Compsci specialization?

[@ArseniyKD]

That's a question for uni admin, sorry that I can't help with that

[@faiazbinnesar2937]

Hello Brother, I have a quick question. I know it's not this video related but please help me out. I am an International Student. If I fail to get a study permit before Fall - 22, Can I defer to Winter- 23 in UoAlberta? Is Deferment a common thing? TIA

[@ArseniyKD]

Honestly, I don't know, I don't think it's a particularly common thing. One guy I started uni with (and met before coming to Canada in the first place) got his study permit a month into his first semester, and that was in engg, which is far stricter on everything. I suggest you reach out to the university, specifically the international student services, they should have more resources and context to help you out. Hope your study permit issue resolves soon!

[@faiazbinnesar2937]

Hello brother, Really loved your video. I got into Bsc Honors in CS for Fall 2022. I am really confused about Course Registration. What to choose, how to choose or what should I consider while I am choosing for Fall and Winter 2022. And also the Course Registration started in April 4th and I accepted my offer a few days back, I am already late. In this circumstance, What should I do? Any help form you will be highly appreciated as I am very confused and scared. Thanks!

[@ArseniyKD]

Typically, the courses you take will be cmput 274/275, some version of calc 1 and 2, some stats, maybe English and electives for the rest of the schedule. Don't worry about registration opening on April 4th, just try to register in the courses you need, and if you can't get a spot in cmput 274/275, then reach out to cs undergraduate advising for help / next steps. Don't stress about it too much, all of this is possible to figure out on your own.

[@karman103batth4]

Can someone transfer from cs spec to cs honours

[@ArseniyKD]

Yes, it is possible to make the switch, although one would need to seriously consider wether it's particularly useful or not as most of the benefits are the same as in the spec program, and the spec program doesn't have some of the drawbacks of the honors one.

[@brokencomputer463]

which one did u take?

[@ArseniyKD]

I did BSc Honors, but I picked the program completely on a whim. Wanted to make sure that information is available such that other people wouldn't have to. If you want to see what courses I took, or what I did between school semesters, I have videos about that on my channel :)

[@akshatjain1630]

Hello, can you please tell me that if the BSC SPEC program has a direct entry or do we have to clear some tests after the completion of our 1st year?

[@ArseniyKD]

All cs programs are direct entry at UofA

[@akshatjain1630]

@@ArseniyKD Thankyou so much for replying but i think that the computer engineering course has a qualifying year…anyways i thank you for replying!…keep on making such informative videos about uofa✨

[@ArseniyKD]

Well, yes, CompE has a qualifying year, but compe is not CS. It's not even offered by the same faculty, and absolutely all engineering programs are second year entry. Either way, hope this helped :)

[@akshatjain1630]

@@ArseniyKD ohh okay thanks alot!😇

[@bivekbhattarai6210]

Hello brother I am a CS student currently doing my bachelor degree and I am an aspirant student of ualberta. I want to study masters of CS there but unfortunately the course based master is discontinued, what should I do now. Suggest me please.

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, I don't really know how to advise you in this situation, however I don't think that course based master's degrees in Canada are a popular stream. Consider doing a thesis based master's instead, or search for universities and programs that offer it

[@tokonibia]

What campus is the Bsc specialisation?

[@ArseniyKD]

I only know things about the North Campus, I have never looked into the Augustana campus, and I don't know anyone from there either.

[@amirhamza6532]

Hey, I applied for master in Agriculture, its been one month since i applied and haven’t hear from them, when can i expect a decision furthermore my program is course based but i am required to contact a supervisor i have mailed 5-6 professor but didn’t get any response, Can you please give me your kind suggestions??

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey man, I did not do grad school, so I can't really answer, and I know pretty much nothing about the faculty of ALES beyond their existence. Sorry

[@mashhoodrafeh1231]

is CS direct entry from high school or is first year general science?

[@ArseniyKD]

It's direct entry.

[@TranTuan-le1vh]

is university of albertar has major data science in computing science program? i am international students , i want to become data scientist.should i attend computing science program in u of alberta?

[@ArseniyKD]

There is no data science major, but there are some courses related to it. UAlberta is one of the best universities in the world for machine learning, at least at the graduate level. So it's up to you if you want to go to the UofA, but you can always take more stats and math to improve your chances of getting into data science.

[@gallvvin4785]

Hi, I am enrolled in BSc general program this year, do you know how and when can I transfer into specialization? thank you

[@ArseniyKD]

Assuming that you are a current student, then I suggest talking to faculty of science advising. They will let you know the process, fees, timelines and potentially even GPA expectations. If you are starting first year in fall 2022, then you should wait until basically a year from now to really talk to them

[@gallvvin4785]

@@ArseniyKD Thank you!

[@pikusarker1359]

Sir how much computer engineers earn in canada? Nice video.

[@ArseniyKD]

I don't know how much computer engineers make, because I don't know anybody that has the job title of "Computer Engineer" and I am not one of them either. If you want to know about the median values for different regions for different job titles and amount of experience, then check out www.payscale.com/research/CA/Country=Canada/Salary This is the resource I used when researching for myself and for the recent video "Computer Science and Beyond". I am sure that you will find the answers you're looking for if you research the topic a bit more on your own :)

[@virajpatel2144]

Which course did u recommend in computer science for undergrads

[@ArseniyKD]

I can't recommend anything, as this decision is quite personal to you, but the information I provided in the video should be enough for you to make an informed decision :)

[@IsabellaLin-hf3eg]

@@ArseniyKD Hi, Aresniy, thank you so much for your detailed introduction to the Computer Science program of University of Alberta! They are very informative! I have also got an offer from honor CS program. My question is how hard for a student to stay in honor program (GPA > 3.0)? Could most of the student in honor program stay in the program? Or a lot of them were kicked out of the honor program in the middle of the year?