Canada's tech sector now totals more than 1.5 million workers according to recent industry data with an expected 90,000 more jobs and work placements coming from the federal government's AI for All strategy.
To address these opportunities for students, scholars and the community, Mount Royal University's Faculty of Science and Technology is launching the School of Computing Sciences and Mathematics.
The School will house three degree programs: computer science, computer information systems and data science. It will also be the home of the Spatial Data Science Certificate (a one-year post-bachelor's certification). Across these programs, the School has an annual target of approximately 350 new students, leading to a full cohort of more than 1,000 students by 2027.
In addition to the three degree programs and certificate, the School of Computing Sciences and Mathematics will offer four minors. It will also deliver required courses across a number of MRU programs, including all Bachelor of Science programs, the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Midwifery, as well as provide courses that develop mathematical, computational and data literacy skills through general education options for all MRU students.
Dr. Yasaman Amannejad, PhD, is the School's inaugural academic director, with Dr. Brady Killough, PhD, serving as its chair. Amannejad's focus will be on advancing strategic initiatives, interdisciplinary connections, external partnerships and the School's broader profile, while Killough will continue to strengthen the School's programs through academic operations, curriculum, faculty support and governance.
Quotes
"The establishment of the School of Computing Sciences and Mathematics recognizes the significant expansion of these disciplines at Mount Royal University and their growing influence across society. Our distinctive strength lies in the combined expertise of our faculty in computer science, data science, information systems, mathematics and statistics."
Dr. Yasaman Amannejad, PhD, academic director, School of Computing Sciences and Mathematics
"The School brings together a large and growing group of programs and disciplines that already have an impact well beyond their own students. Creating a School gives that work greater coherence and creates a stronger foundation for continued growth, partnership and innovation.
Dr. Jonathan Withey, DPhil, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology
