Start dates
Fall 2026
Program length
6 months
Credits
18
Program delivery
Online, On-campus* *Based on program availability
What is the MCS Bridge Program?
The MCS Bridge Program is a two-term long series of academic bridging courses available to students who wish to pursue a Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence degree.
These bridging courses, recommended to students who do not meet the required academic admission requirements for the MCS AAI program, provide a strong framework for students looking to pursue graduate studies and a path to success.
Your path to the Master of Computer Science
Bridge the gap for entry into the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program.
Applicants to the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MCS AAI) program who do not meet the admission requirements may qualify for entry into the MCS Bridge Program.
This program will be a possibility for applicants who:
- Have backgrounds in mathematics and computer science, but do not hold an undergraduate degree in computer science
or
- Have an undergraduate degree with a CGPA below 3.00, but above 2.67 (on a 4.33 scale)
This computer science master's bridge program also give students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the academic environment and expectations at UNF, allowing them to smoothly transition into the MCS AAI program.
Study options
On-campus
Location
All on-campus programs are delivered at the University of Niagara Falls Canada campus in downtown Niagara Falls. Students attend in-person classes, access labs, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with faculty. Certain programs include specialized equipment and lab components, which are provided by the university.
Schedule
These academic bridging courses are delivered in 2+2 model currently. This means for each course, students spend two hours studying the materials made available to them on the learning management system on a weekly basis. This prepares the student for the upcoming two hours, per course, they will spend in class with their faculty and peers engaging in team-based exercises that requires critical thinking, problem solving, and active application of the course concepts.
Timeline
These academic bridging courses need to be completed over the course of two terms, delivered over two 12-week periods.
Course content
Each course will have a syllabus that will be made available at the start of the term, it will outline all required projects, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Participation
On-campus learning is highly interactive. Students engage through discussions, group projects, presentations, and applied challenges. Collaboration is central, approximately a 60/40 split between individual and group assessments is typical. Students also meet with instructors during scheduled classes and can arrange additional meetings as needed. Faculty integrate real-world tools, AI applications, analytics platforms, and industry-focused technologies into classroom activities.
Assessments
While individual courses vary, depending on the subject matter and instructor, students can expect a mix of quizzes, exams, presentations, case studies, projects, and applied assignments. Undergraduate programs generally include more quizzes and exams, while graduate programs emphasize applied work such as projects, research, and capstones. Assessment weights vary by course, typically ranging from five to 50 percent per component.
Flipped classroom
MCS Bridge Program classes use the flipped classroom method, where students complete all the course readings prior to attending the class, and the classroom time is used to create active engagement of the learner with the course concepts. This method puts the learner at the center of the learning process and is more engaging in comparison to the traditional lecture style of teaching.
Delivery modes
These academic bridging courses are currently offered in two modalities, on-campus and online. The information on this page refers to the on-campus delivery. To learn more about the online program, visit the MCS Bridge Program.
Online
Location
This is a fully online program. You can complete your coursework from anywhere.
Schedule
There will be no scheduled classes. Asynchronous learning means you can study at your own pace. All course materials will be made available at the start of term, except for exams and quizzes.
Timeline
Weeks 1-10: You will be able to access your course content online and complete tasks throughout this period.
Weeks 11-12: You will need to complete any review activities and final assessments, including exams and final projects.
Course content
Each course will have a syllabus as well as additional course materials that will be made available at the start of the term, except for exams and quizzes.
Participation
While components vary depending on the individual course, you can expect to use discussion forums and group chat platforms, participate in videoconferences, as well as utilize project management tools. There will be group assignments in addition to individual assignments.
Course highlights
The MCS Bridge Program is completed over the course of two terms and includes six academic bridging courses to prepare students for successful admission to the graduate program.
Computational Mathematics
This course focuses on the study, design, and implementation of algorithms for solving mathematical and scientific problems on computers. Topics include numerical evaluation of integrals, interpolation using splines, sparse and dense linear systems, nonlinear systems, data fitting, and ordinary differential equations. Additional areas of application such as signal processing and image compression will also be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the robustness, accuracy, and efficiency of algorithms, as well as the impact of computer arithmetic and round-off errors. Coursework will involve both theoretical analysis and practical programming tasks.
Design Thinking
Students will apply the Design Thinking process to solve challenges using a human-centered approach. They will learn the principles, philosophy, tools and behaviours of this creative problem-solving framework. In small groups, students will apply the Design Thinking skills (empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing) to real-world problems with the goal of generating human-oriented solutions. Students will examine the use of research with Design Thinking to promote quality solutions. As well, students will apply their leadership skills to manage the Design Thinking process with small groups
Big Data
In this course, students will gain an understanding what Big Data is and how it has come to be so important in the digital world. Students will examine the sources for Big Data, become conversant with basic terminology, the core concepts of Big Data, and the steps in the Big Data analysis process. Through case studies, students will learn how Big Data Analysis is being used to solve problems and the challenges and benefits it brings in variety of sectors in the digital world.
Principles of Analytics
This course covers the core concepts and applications of analytics in different domains. First part of the course introduces the students to the main concepts and tools of analytics (e.g., data querying and reporting, data access and management, data cleaning, statistical programming, data warehousing, relational databases, and statistical analysis of databases). There are intentional discussions of the social and ethical issues of data analytics (e.g., privacy, confidentiality). The students then apply the principles of descriptive analytics to different domains such as marketing, quality control, public policy and other domains of their interest.
SQL Databases
SQL competency is the single most important skillset for a Data Analyst. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the language of relational databases: Structured Query Language (SQL). Topics covered include: entity-relationship modeling, the relational model, the SQL language: data retrieval statements, data manipulation and data definition statements.
Advanced Computing Foundations
This course provides in-depth insight into advanced concepts regarding the principles and practicalities of algorithm design and analysis, programming methodologies, complex data structures, compilers, environment analysis, computation, and complexity. Through case studies and hands-on labs, students examine applications in contemporary programming languages. Covered topics encompass intricate programming logic, algorithm design, data structures, runtime program behavior monitoring, and memory access concerns.
MCS Bridge Program Admission Requirements
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission :
Bachelor’s degree: Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard with a minimum 2.67 GPA, including at least one course in each of these subjects: quantitative methods, computer programming, and calculus. Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Application process
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program at UNF who do not meet the entrance requirements will be notified if they are eligible for these academic bridging courses. Applicants cannot apply directly to the MCS Bridge Program.
MCS Bridge Program Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
$4,800.06
Domestic tuition
$12,006
International tuition
Hear from our Associate Dean
Whether you study on campus or online, you’ll be part of a supportive community where your journey into the world of AI truly begins.
Frequently asked questions
What are academic bridging courses?
Academic bridging courses are designed to help students bridge the gap between their current credentials and the specific requirements for admission into their program of choice, in this case the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence.
For MCS Bridge Program students, what does an average week look like?
While it may vary, most students can expect to spend two hours on each of their courses each week.
What happens after a student finishes the MCS Bridge Program?
After successful completion of these academic bridging courses, students will then move on to their master’s program. We aim to issue unconditional offers immediately after grades are received from the academic areas at the end of the term.
What are the assessment methods for the MCS Bridge Program?
Students are assessed using a variety of methods such as case studies, projects, reports, presentations, discussions, quizzes, exams etc. The assessments are spread out throughout the term to give students the opportunity of ongoing feedback, improving retention, encouraging consistent effort, and encouraging participation.
Will students receive a certificate upon completion of the MCS Bridge Program?
Since the MCS Bridge Program is not an accredited program, it does not provide a formal credential upon completion, nor is it noted on the transcript as a completed program—only the individual academic bridging courses completed are listed.
If a student fails the MCS Bridge Program, can they redo the unit they failed or must they retake the whole program?
The program consists of six individual courses. Students are allowed to retake any course they did not successfully complete, up to four times, in accordance with academic policies.
How long does it take to complete the MCS Bridge Program?
Students are required to take six undergraduate courses of three credits each, which can be completed over the course of two terms.
Who should apply for the MCS Bridge Program?
Students cannot apply for this academic bridging program directly. Instead, it is available to students who apply to the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program but do not meet the current academic requirements for admission.
Will the modules for MCS Bridge Program online be asynchronous?
Yes, the modules will run asynchronously, allowing you to complete them at your own pace within the given time frame.
How long does it take to complete the MCS Bridge Program online??
These academic bridging courses need to be completed over the course of two terms, delivered over two 12-week periods.
Who should apply for the MCS Bridge Program in Canada?
The MCS Bridge Program is not something that you can apply to directly. These academic bridging courses are recommended to students who apply for the Master of Computer Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program in Canada but do not meet the academic requirements for admission.
How do I know if I should apply directly to the MCS AAI program or through the MCS Bridge Program degree online?
Students cannot apply directly to the MCS Bridge Program, it is recommended to those who apply to the MCS AAI program but do not meet the academic requirements.
Will students receive a certificate upon completion of the master of computer science degree online?
No, a certificate is not awarded upon completion. Since the MCS Bridge Program is not an accredited program, it does not provide a formal credential upon completion, nor is it noted on the transcript as a completed program—only the individual academic bridging courses completed are listed.
What are the timelines for the MCS Bridge Program online?
The MCS Bridge Program online is asynchronous, meaning you are expected to review course content, participate in learning activities, and complete assignments on the learning management system weekly at your own pace. Additionally, there are scheduled office hours with faculty twice during the term where you can meet virtually to ask questions or seek clarifications. You can also book additional office hours by emailing faculty, if needed.
If a student fails the MCS Bridge Program online, can they redo the unit they failed or must they retake the whole program?
The program consists of six individual courses. Students are allowed to retake any course they did not successfully complete, up to four times, in accordance with academic policies.
What are the assessment methods for the MCS Bridge Program online?
Students can expect a mix of quizzes, exams, presentations, case studies, projects, and applied assignments. It varies, depending on the course and the instructor.
Talk to a Student Advisor
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting June 12, 2025. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
