Honours Bachelor of Computer Science (Mobile Computing)

What’s the difference between this program and a regular Computer Science degree at a university?

Here are just a few of the things that set Sheridan’s Mobile Computing degree apart:

• Small class sizes, which means a more personalized educational experience.
• A highly interactive learning environment. Classes typically include a short lecture followed by a hands-on application of what you’ve learned.
• A balance of theoretical computer science and practical skills.
• Forward-thinking in the areas of mobile computing, Internet of Things and Big Data, with a trend towards Ubiquitous Computing.
• Internship opportunities. The Mobile Computing program includes three paid work terms, during which you’ll work for a company and have the chance to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from your academics.
• Partnerships with other institutions. This degree has been vetted by 80+ leaders in academia and industry across Canada. Currently, 22 Canadian universities have endorsed the degree and will accept graduates from this program. We’ve also established pathways into graduate school, should you wish to continue and earn a master’s degree.

Who are the industry partners for this program?

We have many leading computing companies serving on our Program Advisory Committee. These industry partners helped design the degree and are actively involved in making sure the degree remains leading-edge. Our industry partners include Blackberry, Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, Telus, IBM, Bell Mobility, Rogers and Encore Market Engagement. 

What’s the typical class size for this program?

At Sheridan we generally have much smaller classes than universities. It’s not uncommon for classes to have about 20 students in the later years of the degree. This results in a more supportive and friendly environment in which you get to know your classmates and your professors.

Is there a specific laptop that I need?

The program requires students to have a Mac laptop with Sheridan's Mac Laptop Performance Configuration. A MacBook laptop provides the greatest degree of versatility in your studies. You’ll be able to run various operating systems (MacOSX, Windows, Linux) – and thus software – to allow you to develop apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, etc. seamlessly. For laptop requirements, please visit the Laptop Requirements page on IT's website. 

Will I learn about software engineering in this program?

Yes. There are several courses in this program that are dedicated to the in-depth study of software engineering, such as Software Design, Software Engineering, and Quality Assurance and Software Testing. You'll also take courses such as Programming Principles, Interactive Application Development, and Enterprise Software Systems that provide many opportunities to learn and apply software design and software engineering principles, patterns and theory.

Will I learn about mobile app development (iOS and Android) in this program?

Yes. There are several courses in this program that will teach you about developing apps for mobile devices. You’ll learn a lot about Android, iOS, and cross-platform development (using mobile web technologies).

What programming languages will I learn?

You’ll learn many different programming languages. The choice of programming languages reflects the balance between academic and industry demands. At this time, we teach Python, C#, Java, Web Technologies (HTML5, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, JQuery Mobile, Cordova), C, C++, Objective-C, Swift, Matlab, SQL, and some Unix scripting (perl).

What kinds of projects will I get to work on?

You’ll have the opportunity to build a variety of interesting apps and systems. For example, you may create innovative Android and iOS apps and web-based apps; build enterprise-grade web systems (using Java and .NET frameworks); develop context-aware apps that draw information from their environment; or create exciting games for mobile devices.

You'll also have the opportunity to engage in applied research at the Centre for Mobile Innovation (CMI) during your academic semesters and co-op work terms.

Are there any courses that lead to making games for mobile?

Yes. There are several mobile application design and development courses in the program that include aspects of game design and game development. Courses include Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows Phone, and cross-platform frameworks (e.g., HTML5, jQuery Mobile, etc.). Some of the courses include assignments and/or projects that involve the development of a mobile game that runs as a native app on the device or across a variety of mobile devices using the device’s browser. There's also the opportunity to create your own mobile game in the final year (4th year) of the program through the Capstone Project or Thesis.

After taking this program, will I be eligible for university graduate programs in computer sciences, or will I have to do my graduate studies in mobile computing specifically?

Our Mobile Computing program is sufficiently broad in coverage of core computer science, mobile computing and networking that you'll not be bound to study mobile computing for your grad studies. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be eligible to apply to more than 20 graduate programs at Canadian and international universities – and this list is growing. In Ontario alone, the following universities welcome graduates of this program to apply for graduate studies: Trent, Queen’s, McMaster, Brock, Ryerson, Toronto, Western, Guelph, Lakehead, Carleton, UOIT.

Do I need to have programming experience to be accepted into this program?

You’re not required to have programming experience before entering this program. We start with the basics of programming from the first semester. However, since there’s a significant emphasis on programming in the Mobile Computing degree, it’s important that you have the interest and aptitude to pursue programming.

I’m just finishing a degree in a related field. Could I transfer into this program?

Yes! Your best option would likely be to take the 14-week Degree Completion semester during the summer so that you can bridge into Year 2 (Semester 3) of the degree in the following September. See the Degree Completion page for more information.

When is the best time to apply for this program?

This program has start dates in September and January each year. We recommend that you apply as early as possible to ensure your spot.

Still have questions? We’d be happy to answer them! Just email us at mobile_computing@sheridancollege.ca.