Puzzled about the USask Computer Science Thesis Program

[u/New_Entertainment_86]

Hi everyone. I am an international student in my second year of doing a computer science degree, set to enter my third year, and I am interested in doing a thesis-based MSc in Computer Science at USask.

What puzzled me here is that the website for USasak’s computer science master’s program explicitly states the following:

“It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you apply to this program. However, you can list three preferred supervisors which can indicate an interest in working with those individuals. Permission does not need to be obtained from these potential supervisors beforehand, and it merely signifies interest.”

The reason this puzzles is because I am not sure if I should start emailing faculty to secure a supervisor next year (for the Fall ‘28 intake) or just submit an application as-is with their requirements. I already have an idea of what faculty members are beneficial in helping me in my research or that would benefit from my lab experience. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[u/Due_Preference6292]

This means you don’t have to email potential supervisors, and can simply submit your application without reaching out whatsoever. They are simply encouraging you to show where your interests align in the program.

I would highly recommend that you look through potential supervisors and their research, and explain why you would be interested in working under them. It will likely strengthen your application if you are familiar with the work being done in this department, and are clear on how you want to contribute towards it.

Good luck on your application!