Really want to do Masters in CS:: Finding the right University

[Recursor]

Hi All.

I have a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and I really want to get a Master's degree in CS in Canada. I looked up a number (about 19) of University websites and it seems about all of them ask for a Bachelor's degree in CS as a prerequisite for admission into Master's. I understand that students in such situtation is usually required to take some make-up courses - which is fine. But the Universities I looked into don't mention that or say that such kind of admission is less likely.

Can anyone please suggest some Universities who would accept students without a CS Bachelors into their Master's program?

Also, I see in the website that Concordia University has a Graduate Diploma in CS program and they suggest that people like me (who want do their Master's in CS but don't have a Bachelor's in CS) complete the Graduate Diploma first and later on they can be considered for admission to the Master's program. Does any other university offer a similiar kind of option?

Another thing, is it possible to enroll at a community college and earn some credits that will later be accepted for admission to a Master's in CS program?

Thanks.

[changturkey]

http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?907

McMaster allows you to get a Bachelors in CS in 2 years, then go for your masters. The info is near the bottom.

[Recursor]

Thanks a lot for the reply!!!

[jernst]

Most universities (at least in ontario that I have I looked at) will accept people from another program into their cs masters program provided they performed well in their program. You may be required to take additional undergraduate courses if they feel you are missing some important parts of the background required for a CS masters. Just check out the FAQ sections of the admissions for most universities you are interested in, its usually in there.

For example at Waterloo: see transitional student:
http://www.cs.uwaterloo.ca/grad/admissions/applications#req_background

Edit:
Also as I have said several times before, a major part of being accepted to a graduate program is getting an advisor. If you can find someone who is willing to support your work and you have the proper grades you won't have much trouble getting in.

[Recursor]

Hi jernst.

Many thanks for your reply.

As you probably already know, the trouble with getting a CS advisor if you are not a CS undergrad is that you don't have any relevant research experience in the CS area - so not many faculty will be interested to be your advisor.

I understand that my chances of getting into high-ranked Universites are low. It would be really helpful if you could suggest some University names that might be accepting students like me (Universities which are relatively easier to get into for the Masters in CS program).

Thanks again for your reply.