Statement of Intent for a Master of Applied Computing
Submitted by: Department of Physics and Computer Science
1) Program Description
a) Briefly describe the program and its rationale, including an explanation of the degree
nomenclature, and, for graduate programs, any intended fields.
Computer Science is at the very heart of many of the dramatic advances of the 21st century. We
now grapple with mobile computing, enterprise computing, social networking, cloud computing, and
privacy enhancing technologies, which were barely heard of ten years before. As the technology
becomes more sophisticated, so does the skill set required of the computing professional. Thus
greater numbers of computing professionals are in need of advanced degrees that combine theory
and practice. We envision the Master of Applied Computing as leading either directly to a job in
industry, or on to a Ph.D. This degree would occupy a unique niche and be unlike any other
computer science graduate degree offered in southwestern Ontario. The department chose the
name “Applied Computing” to reinforce the fact that the degree will focus on the practical aspects of
computer science. The centerpiece of the degree will be an optional 8 month paid co-op internship,
and also exposure to entrepreneurship. Of course, being in Waterloo, where graduates of our
undergraduate program already work at companies such as RIM, OpenText, and Desire2Learn, or
have started their own companies like Tilted Pixel, Sustainable Waterloo, and SOS: Students
Offering Support, we are in a unique position to provide interesting internships and models.
There will be two streams in the program: a project-based stream and a thesis stream. Those in the
project-based stream will take 6 courses plus the co-op internship. Those in the thesis-based
stream will take 4 courses plus the thesis with the option to enroll the co-op internship. It is
envisioned that one of the courses will be a seminar course, and at most 1/3 may be cross-listed
from our fourth year undergraduate course offerings (e.g. image processing, applied cryptography,
iPhone programming, Internet computing, artificial intelligence), or sourced from other departments
(e.g. mathematical modelling, optimization, bioinformatics). The courses will be project-based,
following a model similar to that in many of our fourth year courses in which students design, build
and program robots, or design and program applications for the iPhone and other mobile devices.
In addition to these more traditional courses, the program curriculum will include five new courses in
mobile computing, user interface design, data analysis and analytics, and enterprise computing.
Two of these courses will be lab-based. Mobile devices are rapidly becoming an essential tool in
most industries from healthcare to entertainment, and are being used for everything from marketing
to teaching. The ability to transmit data from remote locations to other remote or fixed locations has
proved to be the solution to the biggest problem of business people on the move--mobility. User
interface design is an important adjunct to mobile computing and has become the make-or-break
feature on many apps and products. The most important component of any computing system is the
user, and the product should be designed from this perspective. Data analysis and analytics is
exploding as an area, and there is a critical need for smart solutions to the problem of manipulating,
managing, and analyzing data—the advantage will go to the company who can best use data.
Similarly, enterprise computing plays a fundamental role in today’s businesses, and properly
designed software, including service oriented architecture (SOA), an appropriate platform, and an
awareness of reliability and security, is essential. We plan to offer this suite of courses to students,
knowing the knowledge and skills developed through them will benefit them in their co-op
internship, or in their thesis work.
The Department of Physics and Computer Science is a unique interdisciplinary mix of two
traditional disciplines. We are a department of 15 full-time faculty: nine computer scientists, and six
physicists (including the Dean of Science). A significant number of us are also engineers. Our
research on the Computer Science side includes expertise in algorithms, symbolic computation,
embedded systems, networking, image processing, system-on-a-chip, and security. On the physics
side, relevant research includes computational physics, information theory, quantum computing,
and applied optics. Several computer scientists and physicists are also doing research in scientific
modelling. Currently many of us hold NSERC Discovery Grants, as well as funding from
SHARCNET, NSERC-CRC, NSERC Engage, CIPI-TEN, OCE, Fields Institute and C4. Many of us
are adjunct professors either at the University of Waterloo or the University of Guelph where we
supervise graduate students. Several of us also supervise postdocs within our own department, or
Master’s students in the Department of Mathematics at Laurier.
Our collective view is that a graduate program will strengthen the existing research culture within
the department. Further, a graduate program will serve to strengthen our undergraduate programs.
By interacting with graduate students, our undergraduate students would gain a deeper and wider
view of the computer science discipline. Discussions with our undergraduate students reveal strong
support for a graduate program. In fact, many of our own undergraduate students have chosen
several among us to be their thesis supervisors in the Math Department at Laurier or at other
graduate institutions where we are adjuncts. From this base we envision growing a unique and
distinctive Master’s program with a "dream it, build it" philosophy, learning the theory in the
classroom and the practice in the internship.
2) Institutional Fit
a) Explain how the program fits with the University’s Academic Plan.
The program relates to three of the Core Principles in the University’s Academic Plan, namely,
Discovery and Innovation, Integration, Quantitative and Scientific Analysis. Borrowing language
from the descriptions of these in the Academic Plan, the Master of Applied Computing emphasizes
in particular an applied scholarly focus on technological issues, critical thinking to resolve complex
issues, and a broad range of quantitative and analytical skills, with exposure to both theory (within
the courses) and practice (within the courses and the co-op internship, if chosen). Furthermore, in
the Academic Plan, this program also falls within the Domain of Professional Programs, and is
clearly a program requiring a synthesis of theoretical and practical knowledge.
1
b) Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) Alignment:
Program alignment:


Program Area of Growth in SMA
Program Area of Strength in SMA
Neither a program area of growth or strength in SMA
Please list the program area of SMA growth/strength: Communication and Digital Media
Studies, Business and Management
Please provide the rationale for alignment.
It is also noted that within the Strategic Mandate Agreement for Laurier, 2014-2017, two of the four
proposed areas of both strength and growth in the area of graduate programming are Business and
Management, and Communication and Digital Media Studies. The proposed program in Applied
Computing relates to both of these areas. Beyond simply computer programming, this program’s
emphasis on enterprise computing and data analysis and analytics, and on mobile computing and
user interface design speak to both of these areas of growth and contribute in a unique and
distinctive way to these objectives. Possible career paths for graduates of this program include web
development and game development, in particular, mobile game development.
General alignment with SMA, if not aligned with a program area of growth or strength:
c) Program Prioritization/Program Transformation Initiatives
Provide information on how this program relates to overall institutional program transformation
initiatives.
In its evaluation of the undergraduate Computer Science program, the IPRM report comments that
“this is a solidly performing program which has seen increased demand in the past two years.
Faculty are productive and students have been successful.” The proposed graduate program will
further strengthen the undergraduate one by giving our undergraduate students exposure to some
of the most important advances in computing technologies such as mobile computing and data
science.
d) Describe the consultation processes to be undertaken with all affected academic units and/or
other stakeholders.
2
The Department of Physics and Computer Science has been planning and discussing a graduate
program for many years and there is widespread support for this program within the Department.
We already presented our vision with Dr. Paul Jessop, Dean of Science, and Dr. Joan Norris, Dean
of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. As the proposal for this program develops, we anticipate
consulting with the following academic units and stakeholders:




the chairs of the other departments in the Faculty of Science, for their ideas on avenues of
collaboration or sharing of resources.
the Department of Mathematics, as they have a Master’s program that many of us currently
supervise students in.
Co-operative Education, on the practicalities of the co-op internship and issues surrounding
the participation of international students in co-op.
The Communitech center in Kitchener, on possible collaboration on co-op internship.
3) Program Revenues, Costs and Demand
a) Program tuition
Please complete the table below. Tuition fees should exclude all centrally collected ancillary fees
and student referenda fees.
Proposed Program
Tuition fee for
Academic
the program’s
year
full academic
year, as defined
by the institution
$11,275/year
Number of fall
semesters*
Number of
winter
Tuition fee as
appropriate to
how it is charged
(per year/
session/course/cr
edit)
Number of
semesters
covered by
tuition noted in
column 1
1.5
$11,275/year
3
Academic
Semesters
Co-op Semesters
2 (project)
4 (thesis)
2 (project)
(Optional for
thesis)
1 (project)
1 (project)
2 (thesis)
1 (project)
1 (thesis)
Number
of units
of study
covered
by
tuition
noted in
column
1
6
(project)
4
(thesis)
Number of
semesters
for program
completion
Number of
units of
study for
program
completion
4
7 (project)
5 (thesis)
3
semesters*
Number of
spring/summer
semesters*
1 (thesis)
1 (project)
*Graduate programs only
b) Tuition fee comparators
Please provide at least two (2) examples of both institutional and sector comparator programs used
to set the tuition level (internal and/or external) below. Comparators may be similar credentials,
similar programs or programs with similar cost structures. Where possible, comparators in Ontario
should be used, and then in Canada if Ontario comparators are not available. If no comparators are
available for tuition fee setting, please provide the rationale.
Program Comparators - Institution
Program
Tuition
Academic
Name
fee for the year
program’s
full
academic
year, as
defined
by the
institution
MSc in
$8,529
1
Mathematics
and Science
for Finance
Msc in
$8,529
2
Chemistry
and
Biochemistry
Tuition fee as
appropriate to
how it is
charged (per
year/
session/course
/credit)
Number of
semesters
covered by
tuition noted
in column 2
Number of
units of
study
covered by
tuition
noted in
column 2
Number of
semesters
for program
completion
Number of
units of
study for
program
completion
$2,843 per
semester
3
5 (thesis)
7 (project)
3
5 (thesis)
7 (project)
$2,843 per
semester
3
7
6
14
Program Comparators - Sector (only the program, institution names, and tuition fees are mandatory)
Program
Institution Tuition
Tuition fee as
Tuition Number
Number Number of Number of
Name
Name
fee for
appropriate to
year
of
of units semesters units of
the
how it is charged
semesters of study for
study for
program’s (per year/
covered
covered program
program
full
session/course
by tuition
by
completion completion
academic /credit)– if known.
noted in
tuition
year, as
column 3
noted in
defined
column
by the
3
institution
MSc in
University $17,500
$11,615/year
1.5
4
7
4
7
Applied
of
for 16
Computing Toronto
months
Master of
University $25,000
$10,000/
1.5
4
10
4
10
Applied
of
for 16
semester 1
Computing Windsor
months
$5,000/semesters
2-4
4
Provide a description of the tuition fee structure and the costing methods used to determine the
proposed fee. Where tuition is high, provide the rationale for this, the impact of program cost on
accessibility and any supports to mitigate the impact of high tuition on accessibility.
Students are required to pay tuition fees for at least 4 semesters. The tuition fees are determined
by the Science’s financial analyst. They are close to the average fees at other similar programs in
Ontario.
c)
Program Costs
Provide a summary of anticipated program costs as outlined in the budget. If the expected program
costs are not aligned with similar programs at the university or within the province, provide an
explanation of how the university will fund additional capital or operating costs associated with the
program.
We anticipate admitting 10 domestic and 2 international students a year. In the second year of the
program (2018-19), the annual revenues are estimated to be $488,000. The total expenditures are
estimated to be $354,000. The program would produce a surplus of $133,000; without overhead,
the surplus would be $261,000. Our budget was prepared by the Financial Analyst for the Faculty of
Science and the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
d) Evidence of Justifiable Duplication
Provide evidence of how any duplication or similarity to programs at other provincial postsecondary
institutions is justifiable.
There are two graduate programs in Ontario that are similar in name to our program but very
different in their focus. The Master of Applied Computing of the University of Windsor and the MSc
in Applied Computing of the University of Toronto cover many traditional fields of computer science
such as data base, system programming, and networking. They do not focus on a particular field, or
fields. The Windsor program has no co-op component; the Toronto program does. Our program
places particular emphasis in Mobile computing, Data Science, and Internet/Enterprise computing,
the three fields where many innovations are taking place. With this particular focus for the program,
we do not see the Master in Applied Computing as duplicating any existing offerings within the
province. As of April 2015, the University of Waterloo Computer Science does not teach a course
(undergraduate or graduate) in mobile computing or data mining.
e) Evidence of Societal / Labour Market Need
Provide evidence that graduates of the proposed program are needed in specifically identified fields
(within academic, public and/or private sectors), where information is available.
We consulted with the industry, in particular, the Communitech Center and a research group at
Telus, on our proposal. The feedback from Telus is very positive. The manager of the Emerging
Mobile Solutions at Telus wrote to us "I believe you are moving in the right direction with the
Master’s in Applied Computing... The 8 month Co-op term is a great idea as well... I think this
5
program will spurn more entrepreneurs and startups – because it’s about leveraging what already
exists". According to Gartner, the three most desirable skills in computer science are mobile
computing, user interface design and data science, all of which are areas of focus for this program.
f)
Evidence of Student Demand
Provide evidence of student demand, including the number of prospective student inquiries,
applications and registrations for this or similar programs, and surveys of existing students,
graduates and/or professionals in the field.
A recent survey was created and administered to students graduating from the Department of
Computer Science on their educational intent after graduation. When asked “Do you plan to apply
to a graduate program?” 46% of students (n=59) said that they intended to continue their education.
When asked about which schools they intended to apply to, it was clear that Laurier was losing out
on prospective graduate students to other institutions in Ontario. Many respondents indicated that
they would apply to a graduate program in Physics & Computer Science at Laurier if it were offered.
g)
Enrolment Planning and Graduate Allocations
Provide the expected program enrolment (from initial year).
Year 1 of program
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Total Enrolment
12
12
12
12
48
Maturity
12
24
24
24
h) Additional Enrolment Information
Provide any additional enrolment information, such as how the program enrolment is consistent with
the enrolment forecast in the SMA. For graduate programs, explain the consistency with graduate
space allocation in the SMA.
Priority #2 in the SMA is concerned with research endeavours. Laurier targets 15% growth in
Masters programs between 2012 and 2017. Our proposed graduate program will contribute to this
targeted growth. The SMA asks the province for approval of additional graduate spaces. As of
present we will be able to accommodate the students but if enrolment grows more than expected
we will need more space.
4) Additional Information
a) Experiential Learning
If applicable, provide information on any experiential / entrepreneurial learning components that will
take place outside of a regular learning setting. If the proposed program involves student
placements, explain how practicum placement and/or co-op supply will be determined.
6
As noted above, there is an optional 8-month co-operative education option available to students in
this program which will allow them to gain valuable work experience as they complete their degree.
It is expected that our students, especially those who choose to specialize in mobile computing, are
entrepreneurs, as indicated by the Telus manager above. The department is constantly contacted
by companies for mobile programmers. Our undergraduate students in the PEP have found
placements with companies such as IBM, and Desire2Learn. Our graduate co-op options would be
similarly successful.
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Master of Applied Computing
New Academic Program
Revenue and Expense Projection Template - Statement of Intent
Fiscal Year:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
Student Enrolments (in FTEs) :
Entry/First Year
Continuing/Upper Year(s) (note 1)
Total Students
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
20
10
10
20
2
2
2
2
4
2
2
4
2
2
4
10
1.3
1.3
13.0
20
1.3
1.3
26.0
20
1.3
1.3
26.0
20
1.3
1.3
26.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
122,500
118,658
51,260
5,431
245,000
121,624
40,541
52,542
17,514
10,861
245,000
124,665
40,541
53,855
17,514
10,861
245,000
127,781
40,541
55,201
17,514
10,861
297,848
488,082
492,436
496,899
39,244
40,029
40,829
41,646
7,849
12,476
8,006
12,726
8,166
12,980
8,329
13,240
102,440
45,000
102,440
45,000
102,440
45,000
102,440
45,000
Cost of Benefits
6,206
6,330
6,457
6,586
Administrative and Other Costs:
PER and Travel
Supplies, photocopying, travel etc.
Furniture & computer for new hires
Promotion and Advertising
Program Review Fees
Joint Program Membership Fee
Library (note 6)
Computing Equipment Costs (note 6)
Program related furniture (note 6)
Space Cost (note 6)
Co-op Costs (note 7)
413
1,000
5,431
413
500
10,861
413
500
10,861
413
500
10,861
International Students
Continuing international students
Total International Students
(a) Annual Graduate FTEs or Undergrad FFTEs
(b)i) Program BIU Weight ( FORPOS Code) - Yr 1
(b)ii) Program BIU Weight (FORPOS Code) - Sr. Yrs
Total Annual BIUs ( a x b )
Faculty Resources:
Full-time Faculty Positions
Part-time Faculty Stipends
Revenues (notes 2 and 3):
Provincial Operating Grant
Tuition Fees - New Domestic Students
Tuition Fees - Continuing Domestic Students
Tuition Fees - New International Students
Tuition Fees - Continuing International Students
Other Fees - Coop Fees
Total Revenues
Expenditures:
Academic Salaries:
Full-time Faculty
Stipends - Part-time Faculty
Administrative Salaries: (note 4)
Administrative Stipends / Course Release
Staff Salaries
Student Support (note 5):
Teaching Assistants
Scholarships
1
New Academic Program
Revenue and Expense Projection Template - Statement of Intent
Fiscal Year:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
Overhead (note 8)
64,225
128,450
128,450
128,450
Total Expenditures
284,283
354,754
356,096
357,464
Net Surplus (Deficit)
13,565
133,328
136,340
139,435
Net Surplus (Deficit) without overhead
77,790
261,778
264,790
267,885
Notes:
1 No attrition applied as the attrition rate in graduate programs is not significant.
2 Program design: Terms 1 and 2 course work; Terms 3 and 4 co-op or thesis options. Further investigation being done on
comparable program structures. The above model has students paying tuition for all 4 terms.
3 Data based on students paying tuition for all terms. Total cost of program $14,666 (tuition only). Based on comparison to other
similar programs, modelled to charged $2500 more in tuition fees over the whole program than other Laurier MSc programs.
Students paying tuition for 3 terms in Year 1, and 1 term in Year 2.
4
Staff - 0.25 FTE estimated at a Grade 4. 1 course release for a Graduate Coordinator.
5
Graduate funding package included for domestic students only and based on one year support (2 TAs and $4,500 scholarship
per student).
No additional library sources, computer equipment, furniture or space costs are anticipated.
Co-op rates based on 14.15 MABE fees. Co-op costs assumed to be equal to fees pending further discussion with Co-op. Co-op
uptake assumed at 80%.
Overhead based on total number of students x average cost per student.
Overhead - per COFO (2012/2013 Table 6 for WLU $90,172,000; reduced by schoolarships & bursaries) includes:
Academic Support, Library, Student Services, Central Computing & Communications
Administration & General, Physical Plant & External Relations
Fall 2012 Students = 16,848
Cost per student $5,352.09
6
7
8
2