Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems - essay route
Program overview
The essay route is an avenue for graduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in computing and information systems by completing the required elective credits through conventional courses along with a 3-credit thesis essay. The essay provides a generalist rather than a specialist view and may be a comprehensive critical survey of aspects of integration (applications, IS organization, and technology).
When students are ready for the Masters' Essay course (COMP 696), they may select a faculty member below for their supervisor.
Students may elect to complete their program with 1 focus area.
For the details of guidelines, please visit the handbook of the MSc IS essay route.
Credits: 30-39
Advanced standing and transfer credits
Courses: 10-13
Foundations
- COMP 601 - Survey of Computing and Information Systems
- Between 0-3 courses from the list of foundations depending on the background in computing of the student.
Core courses
- COMP 695 - Research Methods in Information Systems
- Four courses from the list of information system cores
Elective
- Three courses from the electives list
Essay
- COMP 696 - Master’s Essay
| Dr. Jason Bernard | Assistant Professor |
| Dr. Ali Dewan | Associate Professor |
| Dr. Larbi Esmahi | Associate Professor |
| Dr. Qing (Ching) Tan | Associate Professor |
| Dr. Dunwei (Grant) Wen | Associate Professor and SCIS Chair |
| Dr. Mahmoud Abaza | Associate Professor |
| Richard Huntrods (P.Eng.) | Academic Coordinator and Undergraduate Program Director |
| Dr. Xiaokun Zhang | Associate Professor |
| Dr. Hongxue (Harris) Wang | Associate Professor |
| Dr. Maiga Chang | Full Professor and Associate Dean in Research |
| Dr. Sabine Graf | Full Professor |
| Dr. Jon Dron | Full Professor and Associate Dean in Learning and Assessment |
| Dr. Martin Connors | Full Professor |
| Dr. Stella George | Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director |
| Dr. Junye Wang | Full Professor |
| Dr. Oscar Lin | Full Professor and Graduate Program Director |
| Terrence R. Taylor | Academic Coordinator |
Helpful links and resources:
Updated March 24, 2026 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)