Major map:

Applied Computing (Geomatics)

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - View all program options

Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.

The goal of this program is to train students in the theory, tools, and techniques of spatial data analysis. Satellite, drone, and GPS data have revolutionized how we capture, analyze, and interpret spatially anchored data, such as the distribution and health of crops or the weekly shopping habits of individuals. This program combines courses Computer Science and Geography and Planning to provide knowledge and skills in several critical areas: fundamentals of computer programming and practice, the acquisition and analysis of spatial data using Geographic Information Systems, the interpretation of spatial data given existing theory, the fundamentals of data analytics, and the fundamentals of image processing.

Geomatic analysis is an emerging area in business intelligence, agriculture, mining, and civic planning. Graduates from this program will be in demand in those sectors.

Not a USask student?

Learn more about studying applied computing at USask and apply for admission.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Year 1 courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

CMPT 141.3 | Introduction to Computer Science
CMPT 145.3 | Principles of Computer Science
GEOG 120.3 | Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
MATH 163.3 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
MATH 164.3 | Introduction to Linear Algebra

You choose

One course (3 c.u.) from either MATH 110.3 Calculus I, OR MATH 133.4 Engineering Mathematics I (only open to student in the College of Engineering), OR MATH 176.3 Advanced Calculus I
From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Academic tips

Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue and the Department of Computer Science undergrad programs page
Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills

What will I learn?

Quantitative study of relationships pertaining to the Earth’s surface, particularly focused on the analysis of satellite or drone images of the Earth or in GPS tracking across the Earth’s surface
Learn the theory, tools, and techniques of spatial data analysis
Fundamentals of computer programming and practice, the acquisition and analysis of spatial data using geographic information systems, the interpretation of spatial data given existing theory, the fundamentals of data analytics, and the fundamentals of image processing
Data analytics, visualization and image processing, providing you with the tools you need to analyze and present spatial data

Gain relevant experience

Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
Explore undergraduate research opportunities
Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Join the Computer Science Student Society and attend their start-of-term bootcamps

Create local and global connections

Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
Get to know your faculty and their research interests

Get career ready

Explore career pathways related to computer science
Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand

Featured courses

CMPT 384.3 Information Visualization
CMPT 487.3 Image Processing and Computer Vision
GEOG 322.3 Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 323.3 Remote Sensing
PLAN 360.3 Urban Data Analysis and Visualization

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Middle years courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

You choose

One course (3 c.u.) from either STAT 242.3 Statistical Theory and Methodology OR STAT 245.3 Introduction to Statistical Methods
From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Academic tips

Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Declare your major in PAWS

Add to your major

Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.

Advanced Studio Art (certificate)
Business (certificate)
Entrepreneurship (certificate)
Geomatics (certificate)
Mathematical Modelling (certificate)
Precision Agriculture (certificate)
Economics (minor)
Mathematics (minor)

Gain relevant experience

Gain work experience through the Computer Science Professional Internship Program (CSPIP)
Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
Become a peer mentor through the College of Arts and Science, University Library, or Peer Health
Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
Participate in the annual International Collegiate Programming Competition, with local qualifying competitions in Fall and Winter terms
Participate in free global comp-sci competitions, hackathons, and code-jams with Google, Amazon, Facebook/Meta, and others through HackerEarth

Create local and global connections

Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
Join the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS) to connect with fellow USask Computer Science students
Consider joining the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) where a discounted student membership is offered
Consider joining the IEEE, he world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity

Get career ready

Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
Attend the Computer Science Career Fair
Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn

USask Student Competencies

USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:

Engaging in our intercultural society
Nurturing successful relationships
Leveraging technology
Adaptive design and problem solving
Communicating meaningfully
Cultivating well-being

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Final year courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

CMPT 487.3 | Image Processing and Computer Vision

You choose

From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Apply to graduate

Academic tips

Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Consider applying to the Honours program

Consider applying to a graduate program

Applied Computing (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Computer Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Find a program

Gain relevant experience

Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)

Create local and global connections

Join the USask Alumni and Friends community

Get career ready

Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
Attend Careers Day to meet with employers and make connections
Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada

USask Student Competencies

USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:

Engaging in our intercultural society
Nurturing successful relationships
Leveraging technology
Adaptive design and problem solving
Communicating meaningfully
Cultivating well-being

Possible destinations

People with an applied computing degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.

Career paths

Aerospace Engineer
Applications Programmer
Business Analyst
Chief Information Officer
Clinical Data Analyst
Cloud Infrastructure Architect
Computer Programmer
Computer Service Technician
Cyber Security Specialist
Data Analyst

Database Administrator
Database Marketing Analyst
Developer
Financial Analyst
Graphic Designer
Information Systems Designer
Inventory Control Specialist
IT Analyst
Network Engineer
Programmer Analyst

Records Manager
Researcher
Robotics Technologist
Software Engineer
Statistician
Systems Administrator
Transportation Planner
Video Game Developer
Web Application Developer
Web Designer

At Vendasta, we pride ourselves on employing the best and brightest talents, ensuring a dynamic and forward-thinking environment for our technological pursuits. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of bringing on board several graduates from USask's Computer Science program. Their inclusion in our workforce has been nothing short of noteworthy, both in terms of the value they bring and the standards they set.

The competencies exhibited by these graduates are immediately noticeable. They arrive with a palpable hunger to learn and grow, showing an innate curiosity and a passion for their craft. Notably, a significant number of our most senior engineers are proud alumni of USask's Computer Science program, which stands testament to the program's caliber and its alignment with our aspirations.

—Hemant, Director of Engineering, Vendasta, B.Comm. (Computer Science) '99

Where do USask alumni work?

7Shifts
Amazon
Andgo Systems
Calian, Advanced Technologies
Canadian Light Source Inc.
City of Saskatoon

Google
Government of Canada
Government of Saskatchewan
Microsoft
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Siemens Digital Industries Software

University of Calgary
University of Regina
University of Saskatchewan
University of Waterloo
Vecima Networks Inc.
Vendasta

Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool

"I chose computer science because I wanted to solve real world problems using the tools that software and programming offers. The skills I learned in the Computer Science program at USask are broadly applicable to so many different sectors and jobs. Technology encompasses everything around us, and learning to understand and master it is a key skill."

—Harris, fourth-year computer science student

"I have always been fascinated by technology and problem-solving, but taking the introductory computer science course cemented my passion for the Computer Science program at USask. There is always more to learn in this program, and I love that this major pushes me to continuously build on my skills."

—Tanmay, fourth-year computer science student

"I pursued computer science to embrace mental challenges. I've learned that I love to take complex problems and combine creativity and logic to create solutions. As well, participating in the internship program gave me valuable industry knowledge and kick-started my career."

—Cassidy, fourth-year computer science student