Parents

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS. HELPING THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS.

As a parent of a prospective Computing Science student, you are no doubt proud of your child’s achievements so far, but will also have many questions about the path they choose. It's a time of change for you and them. You want to ensure your child pursues the best degree for their future and joins a supportive community of students, staff and faculty. As this may be the first time your child will live away from  home, you also want to make sure they will be safe and have every opportunity to thrive academically and socially. SFU offers advice and resources for parents to help your child make the transition.

SFU information for parents >


Is SFU Computing Science the right fit for your child?

Finding the university that is the best fit for the needs of your child is challenging. SFU places great emphasis on providing a supportive environment for our students. This includes academic advising services that help them through every stage of their program. Our two main campuses at Burnaby and Surrey are modern, safe and welcoming places to be.

Computing Science at SFU offers:

  • One of the top 50 computing programs in the world.
  • One of Canada’s best co-op education programs providing work-study opportunities to earn money and gain experience while a student
  • Extraordinary job placement - 85% of co-op alumni report landing their first job after university through a co-op contact. CS graduates earn on average 25% higher wages than typical BC university graduates.
  • A supportive student, staff and faculty community
  • Opportunities to meet people from all over the world.  We have exchange agreements with 3 of the top 5 universities under 50 years of age in the world.


Computing Science at SFU is a top ranking program at one of Canada’s top ranking universities

  • The School of Computing Science at SFU was ranked No. 49 among all computer science departments in the world and the third in Canada in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2014.
  • SFU has been named Canada's top-ranked comprehensive university several times since 2008, which is recognition for our research activity and range of programs, including professional degrees.
  • The School of Computing Science is one of the top-ranked new (under 50 years old) universities in the world.
  • Our tuitions fees are among the most reasonable among our peers, and we are renowned for providing students with rigorous academics, extensive practical experience and excellent employability.


Unlimited opportunities in computing science

SFU computing science students make a difference in the world and get hired. Our graduate employment rates and salaries consistently exceed those of other university programs. The demand for new technologies and better ways to use existing technologies is increasing fast. This growth also means a huge demand for computing science graduates and the problem-solving, technical and innovative thinking skills they bring with them. Our graduates are employed by some of the biggest technology firms in the world, including the likes of Google and IBM.


A secure, supportive campus

SFU is committed to ensuring our campuses are safe and secure environments in which to live, learn and work. We manage a dedicated team of patrol supervisors, security officers, student safety program volunteers and other staff who are ready to respond quickly and professionally to the safety needs of our campus community. Our initiatives include:

  • Safe Walk services
  • Motorist assistance for students with cars
  • Road conditions updates and weather warnings
  • Lost and found system
  • Student engagement initiatives
  • Campus security patrols
  • Theft prevention tips
  • Personal security workshops

Computing Science faculty members use their experience, expertise and teaching excellence to shape tomorrow’s computing science leaders and innovators. Faculty at our Burnaby and Surrey campuses make themselves consistently available to students for class help and to explore deeper aspects of the field.

The expertise of our faculty can also be seen in the quality of our research, which almost always includes undergraduate students. The school is home to Canada Research Chairs and award-winning faculty. Our faculty members partner with other departments and educational institutions to collaborate on internationally recognized research.


Faculty: A community of excellence

Computing Science faculty members use their experience, expertise and teaching excellence to shape tomorrow’s computing science leaders and innovators. Faculty at our Burnaby and Surrey campuses make themselves consistently available to students for class help and to explore deeper aspects of the field.

The expertise of our faculty can also be seen in the quality of our research, which almost always includes undergraduate students. The school is home to Canada Research Chairs and award-winning faculty. Our faculty members partner with other departments and educational institutions to collaborate on internationally recognized research.


Faculty Highlight