Undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science can participate in and develop cutting edge computer science within one of our research groups. An Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) allows talented and motivated undergraduate students to work on a research project under the supervision of a Computer Science faculty member, while also providing employment from May to August.

Students can apply for a USRA position if they are in any year of a Bachelor’s Degree in either Computer Science or Applied Computing at the time of application. There are two different types of USRAs. The first type are Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) USRAs. With this type, the award is funded by a combination of NSERC and by a supervisor. The second type are Departmental USRAs, which are funded by a combination of the Department of Computer Science and a supervisor.

Applications for both types are typically due in January, and application information will be distributed to undergraduate students in the fall. Students are welcome to speak with faculty members in the Department Computer Science about summer research opportunities in their lab.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time students, and must have at least their 1st year in Computer Science completed by the time the position begins.
• Students in their final year of University are also available to apply.
• Applicants must have an average of 75%, but due to the competitive nature of the awards, students are encouraged to maintain at least an 80% overall grade.
• Note: the USRAs provided by NSERC, but not those of the Department, have the additional requirement that applicants be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

For more information, please visit the NSERC website.

Undergraduate Research and the Accelerated Master's Pathway

After completing a 4-Year Degree in Computer Science, many students continue on to do a Master’s degree in Computer Science. The MSc in Computer Science program at the University of Saskatchewan involves the development of new research that contributes towards computer science. There is an opportunity for undergraduate students who are enrolled in a 4-year Honours BSc in Computer Science or Applied Computing at the University of Computer Science to finish both the BSc and MSc degrees in a condensed timeline, where the MSc can be finished in as little as one year after the BSc degree is completed. This involves working in USRA positions as an undergraduate student once students are in their 3^rd and/or 4^th year.

View information regarding the Accelerated Master’s Admission Pathway