Saint Mary’s Master of Science in Computing & Data Analytics (MSc CDA) is a 16-month professional master’s program designed to prepare the next generation of AI, machine learning, and data analytics professionals through hands-on technical training and paid industry experience.
Since the program’s launch, nearly 100% of graduates have received full-time job offers from Fortune 500 firms, SMEs, and start-ups alike. Meet our Graduates
Program Highlights
Program Duration
16 Months / 4 Terms
• 8 months practical coursework / 8 months paid work experience
Curriculum Focus
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
• End-to-End AI, Data Analytics, Software Development, Big Data Governance
• Combine deep technical mastery, project management, AND Business strategy
Delivery Model
On-Campus & Hands-On
• Project-based learning environment, project management training
• Delivered jointly by award-winning faculty from SMU's Faculty of Science, industry experts, and the AACSB-accredited Sobey School of Business
Work Experience
Paid Placements
• Paid internships and Industry-funded projects
• CAP® Credential Pathway
Post-Grad Pathway
Work Authorization
• Eligible for 3-year Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
• Pathway to Permanent Residency
Gartner’s latest research suggests that over 95% of enterprises are actively using Artificial Intelligence, driving a 5x increase in data and analytics infrastructures. To meet this surge, the Government of Canada projects that there will be 30,000 new digital and AI jobs created in Canada over the next 10 years.
To meet this demand, MSc CDA’s industry-responsive, interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students for rewarding careers through experiential learning and intensive industry interaction. Students use GenAI to generate code and construct IT solutions in all courses, including a focus on the following technical trends:
Benefits of the MSc CDA
Live, study, and launch your career in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada’s vibrant seaside city.
Home to more than 30,000 post-secondary students, Halifax is renowned for a friendly, safe, and active lifestyle. Halifax offers a vibrant community, a thriving technology sector, and an exceptional quality of life. As Atlantic Canada's largest economic centre, Halifax provides outstanding opportunities for internships, networking, and career development, making it an ideal place to launch your career after graduation.
Halifax was recently ranked as the #2 emerging tech market in North America
MSc CDA is a registered education provider for the Certified Analytics Professional designation. CAP® is managed by INFORMS, the largest professional society in the field of operations research, management science, and analytics. By completing MSc CDA, graduates will have fulfilled the education requirements for CAP® credential and are prepared to write the qualifying exam.
Admission Requirements and Process
Our next available cohort is September 2027. Applications open on September 8, 2026.
Before starting your application, we recommend reviewing our Preparation Guide for the Technical Interview. This guide is designed to help students prepare for the technical interview, designed to assess prospective students’ qualifications to enter the program. The guide includes practice questions, sample solutions, and past interview questions.
MSc CDA follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), as outlined in the Graduate Academic Calendar. Applications for this program require the following:
As soon as all required documents are on file and your application is marked complete by FGSR, we conduct an initial review and if your application meets admission requirements, you will be contacted for a technical interview to complete the process.
The Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, issues the official decision letter. Accepted students must complete a Seat Deposit Form and pay a deposit of $5,000 by the deadline specified in the admission letter. Once payment is received, a student’s seat is confirmed and the student can register for the program. Completing the deposit also enables students to take advantage of our free, Canadian study permit consultation services and study plan review.
Application Deadline
The deadline to file your online application and pay the application fee is May 1, 2027. All required documents must be received by the university by May 31, 2027. When the program reaches capacity, incomplete applications will be closed, and we will no longer accept new applications until admission opens for the next available cohort.
Estimated Program Tuition and Fees
Canadian Students $22,000
International Students $42,000
Tuition and fees are paid in four instalments at the beginning of each term (Sep 2027, Jan 2028, May 2028, Sep 2028). Please refer to FGSR for a complete listing of graduate tuition and fees.
95% of surveyed graduates reported earning income while enrolled